The Toronto Raptors started their quest to defend their 2019 NBA Finals title on Monday with a 134-110 win over the Brooklyn Nets in game one of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal from Orlando, Florida. In the process, the Raptors set a franchise record for most points scored in a single postseason game.
Seven Raptors players reached double digits in scoring. Fred VanVleet of Rockford, Illinois led the way with 30 points. Serge Ibaka of Brazzaville, Congo had 22 points, Pascal Siakam of Douala, Cameroon had 18 points, Kyle Lowry of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania had 16 points, Marc Gasol of Barcelona, Spain had 13 points, OG Anunoby of London, England had 12 points, and Terence Davis of Southaven, Mississippi had 11 points.
In the 24-point Raptors win, VanVleet became the first player in Raptors history to record 30 points and 10 assists in a single game. He finished the game with 11 assists. But it was from beyond the arc where VanVleet did his most damage. Of his 30 points he scored, 24 points were from eight three-pointers. Only Vince Carter (nine three-pointers) has had more three-pointers in a Raptors playoff game. He accomplished the feat in a 102-78 Raptors win over the Philadelphia 76ers in game three of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 11, 2001.
VanVleet was one of two Raptors players to register a double double. Siakam also had 11 rebounds to go along with his 18 points. Game two of the best out of seven series is Wednesday.
