Raptors hang on late to win Game 2 and even series with Nets
The Toronto Raptors held off the Brooklyn Nets down the stretch to win Game 2 100-95 on Tuesday, evening their opening round playoff series at one game apiece.
The lead went back and forth for much of the game, but it was the Raptors who pulled away in the fourth quarter en route to their first postseason win since 2008.
Star Performer
Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan gave the deciding edge to the home side with 17 big points in the final quarter.
DeRozan followed up a poor shooting effort in Game 1 by going 9-of-21 from the field and 12-of-14 from the line for 30 points, adding three rebounds and a pair of assists. He is the first Raptor to score 30 points in a playoff game since Antonio Davis in 2002 vs. Detroit.
Turning Point
Entering the fourth quarter, this game was wide open, but DeMar DeRozan came alive in the final quarter, beginning with this ferocious lefty slam.
Highlight Reel
Raptors forward Amir Johnson may not be known for his offensive prowess, but can still make a little magic happen once in a while.
Quote of the Night
Nets guard Joe Johnson dominated the third quarter, scoring 12 points, and eventually drawing double teams from the Raptors in an effort to slow him down.
The NBA's official Twitter account got a little excited over his play in the frame.
The tweet was later deleted.
After the game, Kevin Garnett summed up the fourth quarter in a way that only he can.
KG: "We can’t have 4th quarters like that. Thirty-six points, that’s too many points for anybody. Preschool. Little League, YMCA, Raptors."
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) April 23, 2014
Series at a glance
Game 1: BRK 94, TOR 87 (Nets lead 1-0)
Game 2: TOR 100, BRK 95 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Friday, April 25 - 7:00 p.m. ET
Game 4: Sunday, April 27 - 7:00 p.m. ET
Game 5: Wednesday, April 30 - TBA
Game 6: Friday, May 2 - TBA
Game 7: Sunday, May 4 - TBA