------ The Toronto Raptors used a 25-6 run in the second quarter to hand the Portland Trail Blazers a 99-85 loss Monday night at Moda Center.
The Trail Blazers (4-3) were outscored by the Raptors 25-6 in the second quarter Monday night when the game was lost. The six points scored in the second quarter were the fewest points the team had scored in any second quarter in franchise history. As a result of the offensive futility in the second quarter, Toronto took a 54-35 lead into halftime.
The Blazers started fast with 29 points in the first quarter connecting on 52.2% of their field goals, but the offense came to a screeching halt to start the second quarter. The Blazers missed their first 16 shots of the quarter, scored just six points while shooting just 1-for-17 from the field. The Blazers offense lacked movement and passing while the guards continued to play too much one-on-one basketball.
Toronto (4-2) got 25 points from DeMar DeRozan and 19 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists from Kyle Lowery. Lucas Nogueria controlled the paint for Toronto with 17 points and nine rebounds. The Raptors outscored the Blazers in the paint 46-36 and had a 47-38 edge in rebounding.
Next up- The Trail Blazers travel to Utah for a game against the Jazz on Wednesday night. Tip off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Tonight's game was awful. The six points in the second quarter is the worst I have seen. The Trail Blazers need to get back to more player movement and ball movement in their offense. The guards are dribbling too much and playing selfish basketball, so it's up to them to set the tone and get their teammates involved in the offense. Dame and CJ must learn that it's not on them to score every bucket. They need to get Nurkic involved on the block and by making the next pass it will give guys better shots within the flow of their offense. Better figure it out quickly with the Jazz coming up on Wednesday in Utah.