Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was unable to finish Friday’s game at Toronto, having been ruled out in the second half with left ankle soreness, the team announced (via Twitter). According to Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer, Ball had a “slight limp” when he headed back to the locker room less than two minutes into the third quarter. The injury appeared to occur when … [Read more...] about LaMelo Ball Exits Friday’s Game With Left Ankle Injury
Raptors Notes: Recent Slide, Barnes, Ingram, Battle
The Raptors have lost four of their last five games and were pummeled by Charlotte on Friday, 111-86. Head coach Darko Rajakovic suggested after the blowout defeat that he felt the schedule caught up to his team — it was Toronto’s fifth game in seven nights. “Physically, we were worn down,” Rajakovic said, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN (Twitter link). “I’m really proud of our guys … [Read more...] about Raptors Notes: Recent Slide, Barnes, Ingram, Battle
Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace Named Defensive Players Of The Month
Raptors forward Scottie Barnes is the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for October/November, while Thunder guard Cason Wallace won the award for the Western Conference, according to an announcement from the NBA (Twitter link). Barnes led the surprising Raptors to a 14-7 record through the end of November, and the team posted the NBA’s sixth-best defensive rating … [Read more...] about Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace Named Defensive Players Of The Month
Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham Earn Player Of The Month Honors
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Pistons guard Cade Cunningham are the NBA’s Players of the Month for October/November, earning the honor for the Western and Eastern Conference, respectively, per an announcement from the league (Twitter link). It’s the ninth time that Jokic has won a Player of the Month award over the course of his 11-year career. He earned it in this case with … [Read more...] about Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham Earn Player Of The Month Honors
Rajakovic Discusses Improvements Quickley, Barrett Have Made
Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett have improved multiple aspects of their games since they were traded from the Knicks to the Raptors nearly two years ago, writes Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News. Both players have gotten stronger and are in better shape, and Toronto head coach Darko Rajakovic also pointed to specific basketball improvements. “Immanuel improved his … [Read more...] about Rajakovic Discusses Improvements Quickley, Barrett Have Made