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DeRozan's return fuels Raptors past Clippers

Xinhua, February 7, 2017 Adjust font size:

Toronto Raptors All-Star DeMar DeRozan scored a game-high 31 points in his return to the lineup, leading the team to a 118-109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Monday night's NBA action.

The 27-year-old DeRozan sat out seven of the last eight games due to a right ankle injury sustained on Jan. 22 against Phoenix. During his absence, the team had a win-loss record of 3-4, compared to a record of 29-17 with DeRozan in the lineup.

"Felt great to be back out there just competing with my guys, putting up a victory, especially at home," DeRozan said after the game. "I didn't have any problems, no pain," he added.

DeRozan shot the ball at a 50 percent clip (11-for-22) including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc in just over 38 minutes of action.

The three-time All-Star scored 13 points in the first quarter to help the team overcome a 17-6 deficit to start the game. Toronto closed the quarter on a 29-14 run to lead 35-31 at the end of the first frame and did not trail again.

Raptors head coach Dwane Casey believes DeRozan's return brings back the hierarchy of his team on both the offensive and defensive ends.

"There is a rhythm with DeMar back in, offensively, how we play defensively. It puts things back in the pecking order," said Casey following the win.

At the end of the third quarter, Toronto shot a blistering 51.5 percent (34-for-66) from the field and had put the game out of reach with a 97-82 lead. The lead did not fall below 12 until the final minute.

"Overall I thought out attention to detail and what we were trying to do was pretty decent," Casey continued.

Toronto's other All-Star, Kyle Lowry, also contributed with 24 points, eight assists and five three-pointers. Lowry became the franchise's all-time leader in three-point field goals with 804. He is currently ranked third in the league with 169 three's made.

Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas also had an impact on Monday, scoring 21 points and grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds for his team, leading 20th double-double of the season.

With the win, the Raptors improve to 18-9 at home and 32-21 in the season. Toronto moves into sole possession of third in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (35-15) and Boston Celtics (33-18). Endit