The Toronto Raptors are still alive in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. On Monday, the Raptors defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 103-88 in game five of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. With the win, the Raptors still trail the best out of seven series, but in only trailing by one game at three games to two, they definitely have the momentum in the series at this time.
According to Rogers Sportsnet, this was only the second time in Raptors franchise history that they won an elimination game on the road. The first time came on May 4, 2001. In game five of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Toronto Raptors went into Madison Square Garden and beat the New York Knicks 93-89.
In Monday’s win, the Raptors had an excellent second quarter. They outscored Philadelphia 25-14 over these 12 minutes. In fact, Philadelphia only had the lead at one time, and that is when they scored the opening basket in the first quarter to go up 2-0.
Five Raptors reached double digits in scoring. Pascal Siakam had 23 points, Precious Achiuwa had 17 points, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. had 16 points each, while Scottie Barnes had 12 points. Siakam meanwhile had a double double, as he added 10 rebounds.
Another reason why the Raptors have an advantage at this time is because 76ers star center Joel Embiid is playing with a torn ligament in his right thumb. Even though he scored 20 points on Monday, he is not playing with the same amount of power as he did in the early stages of the series.
