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Raptors outmatch Hawks in historic 44-point victory

Xinhua, December 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

Toronto Raptors recorded their largest margin of victory in franchise history in Saturday's 128-84 rout over Atlanta Hawks.

The 44-point victory eclipsed the previous team record of 42 points set against Milwaukee on Nov. 21, 2014. Toronto also extends their win streak to six games, the longest active streak in the league.

Raptors had a balance attack on Saturday, with eight players scoring in double-digits, matching the franchise-record set on Mar. 13, 1998.

All-Star DeMar DeRozan led the way with 21 points, while guard Kyle Lowry and forward Patrick Patterson chipped in with 17 points each. Lowry also flirted with a triple double, dishing out 8 assists and grabbing 8 rebounds.

"Like I always say, it's a make or miss league," said Raptors head coach Dwane Casey after the game. "Guys are making their shots, the ball's finding energy moving."

Casey's squad tied their season-high with 28 assists during the game and shot a season-best 57.6 percent from the field. The fourth quarter was the most efficient, as Toronto dished out 12 assists and shot a blistering 72 percent (18-for-25) from the field.

Entering the game, Raptors averaged 39.9 percent from the field and 19.8 assists per game.

"Guys (are) understanding the moment, when to put their foot down," said Casey of his team outscoring Atlanta 42-14 in the fourth quarter. "That's a good sign of maturity."

Over the last four games, Raptors have blown out their opponents by an average margin of 29.8 points. They have beaten Sixers by 27, Grizzlies by 15 and Lakers by 33.

Despite his team's recent dominating performances, Casey maintains his view of not being too short-sighted, especially at this stage of the season.

"It's a long season. There's going to be ups and downs," said Casey. "You can't relax in this league. There's a thin line between the penthouse and outhouse in this league."

After starting the season 7-2, Raptors lost four of their next five games before their current win streak to improve to 14-6.

"The key thing is being consistent, being boring and fundamental takes you a long way," Casey added.

Casey hopes the team can maintain their recent consistency as they face a tough test on Monday against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers in a battle between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Endit