All-Star bound DeMar DeRozan scores 31 points to lead Raptors over Hawks 104-83

TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors took care of business in their final game before the All-Star break, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 104-83.

First-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan led the way for Toronto with 31 points, Kyle Lowry added a 16-point, 13-assist double-double and Patrick Patterson scored 14 in his second start of the season.

Patterson started in place of Amir Johnson who missed his second consecutive game to rest a sore right ankle.

The challenge of the last game before an extended break is keeping everyone focused.

On Wednesday night, the Raptors got off to a slow start, but found themselves trailing by only five after the first quarter, despite shooting just 29 per cent from the floor. They woke up in the second quarter and took a 45-44 lead into the half.

Toronto had a strong start to the third quarter, opening on a 7-0 run to take an eight-point lead and force the Hawks into a timeout. The Raptors didn’t look back from there.

Thanks to a brilliant quarter from DeRozan, the Raptors stretched their lead to double figures midway through the third and outscored the Hawks 33-21 to take a 78-65 advantage into the fourth quarter.

After scoring 11 points in the first half, DeRozan exploded for 14 in the quarter, on 5-for-6 shooting including two three-pointers and a three-point play.

“He’s done a great job every year of getting better,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said before the game. “I know he won’t [get complacent], because he’s such a conscientious [guy]. He’s a basketball junkie. I don’t see him taking time off this summer just because he made the all-star team.”

In addition to DeRozan putting on an all-star worthy show, Kyle Lowry delivered yet another solid performance for the Raptors. While he won’t be heading to New Orleans for All-Star festivities, his strong play this season has helped Toronto to go into the break leading the Atlantic Division for just the second time in franchise history.

Toronto continued to dominate in the fourth quarter and easily rolled to the victory from there. The Hawks were led by Gustavo Ayon’s 18 points and 10 rebounds, with Paul Millsap adding 17 points.

Atlanta was without starter DeMarre Carroll after he strained his left hamstring in a 100-85 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. Lou Williams started in his place.

Kyle Korver extended his NBA record for most consecutive games with a made three-point field goal to 120 games, connecting on 2-of-4 attempts from beyond the arc against the Raptors.

The Raptors will resume their season in Washington against the Wizards next Tuesday.

Toronto will send three players to New Orleans for All-Star festivities, headlined by DeRozan playing in Sunday’s All-Star Game as well as in the Taco Bell Skills Competition on Saturday night. Terrence Ross will defend his Sprite Slam Dunk title and Jonas Valanciunas will represent the team in the Rising Stars game between the league’s best rookie and sophomore players.

NOTE: Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris was at the game, and the Regina native showed off the bronze medal he won at the Sochi Olympics.