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10 things: Raptors clinch playoffs with Pascal Siakam’s masterclass – Sportsnet.ca

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Here are 10 takeaways from the Toronto Raptors‘ 118-108 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

One — The Raptors have clinched a playoff spot for the eighth time in nine seasons. The red-hot Hawks were standing in their way, winners of five straight while averaging nearly 130 points per game during that stretch, but the Raptors emerged victorious with a convincing performance where they dominated the paint and kept Trae Young under control.

Elsewhere in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers capitulated against the tanking Orlando Magic, which eliminates the chance of them taking back their spot in the top six from Toronto, and as a bonus, the Chicago Bulls were blown out by the Milwaukee Bucks, which moves the Raptors into fifth.

Two — Pascal Siakam dominated this game on every level. Siakam scored 31 points while carving the Hawks’ defence apart. Atlanta opened the game in single coverage and without an actual lockdown wing to check Siakam, so he went straight to work. Siakam had all his tricks going between the spin move, the floater, the turnaround jumper, and his handle allowed him to get to every spot he wanted to on the floor patiently before rising up for the shot.

He was in such a rhythm that at one point, Siakam skied to intercept a pass that was intended for his own teammate, settled into his attack in the middle of the floor, before scoring in the paint for two of his 13 points in the third quarter, which put the Raptors ahead.

Three — Siakam also delivered the pass that clinched the win. Atlanta eventually conceded and switched to sending double or triple teams at Siakam, which finally put an end to his scoring, but he still beat them with the pass. Siakam had a pair of kick-out passes to open shooters that didn’t fall, but he didn’t change his approach, and on a play where he drove hard into the paint, hung in the air as three defenders sandwiched him, Siakam was able to find Fred VanVleet on the perimeter for a three that put the Raptors up five points with a minute left.

Siakam took 23 shots, attempted eight foul shots, and collected six assists in 40 minutes without a single turnover. His game is so much more mature than where it was in his last All-NBA season.

Four — No matter how much he’s struggling, VanVleet is always good for at least one clutch shot. VanVleet had a miserable game on the offensive end, shooting just 4-for-21 from the field including a miserable 1-for-11 from deep before his clutch triple to seal it, and while he was overeager on a few attempts, the bulk of his looks were open. VanVleet’s cold night was the main reason why this game was close, as he missed a pair of wide-open threes where he even had the space to take the extra dribble before launching the shot, and yet he still couldn’t get it to drop.

Still, his defence on Young was free of mistakes, and in addition to the late triple, he also went on a mini-run to start the fourth where he drove and kicked to Chris Boucher for a pair of triples, found Scottie Barnes in the post, and finished a tricky layup where he switched hands mid-air to avoid the block.

Five — VanVleet can take time to heal his bad knee. VanVleet said after the game that he pushed through the injury during a key stretch in the schedule as the Raptors made their playoff push, and now that the job is done, the team can give him more than full week to rest before the start of the first round. Nick Nurse said of VanVleet after the win: “We’re gonna get him off his feet here for a couple of days.”

Six — Containing Young was the main focus of the Raptors game plan. The Raptors had to be very careful with him, knowing that he was always a threat to shoot, and that he is a slippery player who can use his quickness and elite handle to get to all the spots to bend the defence, but the Raptors were mostly up to the task. VanVleet was always there to consistently pressure Young on the ball and to dictate which way he could drive, then the Raptors’ bigs were timely with the help to challenge Young at the basket while also being mindful of the lob pass.

It’s a true testament to Young’s talent that a good defensive performance against him looks like 26 points and 15 assists, but considering that the bulk of Atlanta’s offence runs through him, it was a good showing by the Raptors. He needed 23 shots to get his 26 points, and Young only got to the foul line four times, two of which came on a generous call on Malachi Flynn, who only stood his ground as Young ripped through with the ball to create the contact.

Seven — The Raptors won the possession battle yet again. Toronto doubled Atlanta in offensive rebounds 20 to 10 and was plus-20 in paint points as a result. Khem Birch was solid to start, but the Raptors’ energy really picked up when Boucher, Thad Young, and Precious Achiuwa checked in off the bench. The lineup of those three forwards with Siakam and Gary Trent Jr. allowed the Raptors to climb back into the lead against the Hawks’ bench, and it was largely through dominating the glass. Later on, it was Barnes who continued the charge with six of his own and those extra chances were key on a night where the team shot 9-for-35 from deep.

Eight — Boucher stepped up with 18 points off the bench. The Raptors lack a traditional bench scorer, but they do have three energetic bigs in Boucher, Achiuwa, and Young who can all deliver a scoring punch for the second unit. Boucher had it going today, knocking in three triples, two putbacks, and two transition dunks, but any of the three are also capable. The trick is to have at least one of them going, otherwise, it does put a strain on the starters to carry the offence, but overall the Raptors bench has been much steadier since the trade deadline acquisition of Young, who has been a calming and unselfish presence.

Nine — Barnes stepped up when he needed to. He was quiet to start with Siakam dominating, but scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter. He started off with a post-up, sealing a guard on his back before finishing through contact. Then he knocked in a corner three from VanVleet on a wild pass to the corner to put the Raptors back up 10 after the Hawks had just nailed a triple to secure momentum, then he muscled Bogdan Bogdanovic out of the way to secure an airball from Achiuwa in the corner for a putback to put Toronto up two, then capped the game with a finger roll over Clint Capela to beat a full-court press, and cashed two free throws at the end. He finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds in his ongoing pursuit of the Rookie of the Year award.

Ten — Raptors fans are truly blessed. Since Masai Ujiri took over in 2013, the Raptors have suffered only one losing season, which came during a global pandemic that forced the team to relocate, as the lone exception between eight playoff runs. During that blip, Ujiri was able to rebuild a former champion into a new group with a new identity, using two core pieces of the title along with a fresh crew of young and athletic prospects who have all shown major growth when given the chance. Trent Jr. was acquired at last year’s deadline, Barnes was considered the bold choice in the draft, and Achiuwa was the score in Kyle Lowry’s graceful exit.

Meanwhile, VanVleet made his first All-Star appearance, Siakam is en route to a second All-NBA nod, and Nurse is as sharp as it gets as a tactician. Ujiri himself said on opening night that this would be a developmental year, and what that looks like is a career year for many franchises, with the Raptors sitting comfortably with 46 wins and with a core that is completely under team control through at least next year. Enjoy this moment, not because it is new, but because Ujiri and his staff have made it routine.

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Champions Trophy host Pakistan says it’s not been told India wants to play cricket games elsewhere

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November 8, 2024

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LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.

“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”

Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.

The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.

Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.

“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”

Pakistan hosted last year’s Asia Cup but all India games were played in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model for the tournament. Only months later Pakistan did travel to India for the 50-over World Cup.

Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.

“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”

The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.

“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”

Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.

“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.

___

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Dabrowski, Routlife into WTA doubles final with win over Melichar-Martinez, Perez

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November 8, 2024

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Ottawa‘s Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand are through to the doubles final at the WTA Finals after a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Australia’s Ellen Perez in semifinal action Friday.

Dabrowski and Routliffe won a hard-fought first set against serve when Routliffe’s quick reaction at the net to defend a Perez shot gave the duo set point, causing Perez to throw down her racket in frustration.

The second seeds then cruised through the second set, winning match point on serve when Melichar-Martinez couldn’t handle Routliffe’s shot.

The showdown was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which Melichar-Martinez and Perez won in a super tiebreak.

Dabrowski and Routliffe will face the winner of a match between Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, and Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Saturday.

Dabrowski is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a WTA Finals title.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.

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Winger Tajon Buchanan back with Canada after recovering from broken leg

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November 8, 2024

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Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan, recovered from a broken leg suffered in training at this summer’s Copa America, is back in Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont., underwent surgery July 3 to repair a fractured tibia in Texas.

Canada, ranked 35th in the world, plays No. 136 Suriname on Nov. 15 in Paramaribo. The second leg of the aggregate series is four days later at Toronto’s BMO Field.

There is also a return for veteran winger Junior Hoilett, who last played for Canada in June in a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands in Marsch’s debut at the Canadian helm. The 34-year-old from Brampton, now with Scotland’s Hibernian, has 15 goals in 63 senior appearances for Canada.

Midfielder Ismael Kone, recovered from an ankle injury sustained on club duty with France’s Marseille, also returns. He missed Canada’s last three matches since the fourth-place Copa America loss to Uruguay in July.

But Canada will be without centre back Derek Cornelius, who exited Marseille’s win Sunday over Nantes on a stretcher after suffering an apparent rib injury.

The Canadian men will prepare for Suriname next week at a camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“We are looking forward to getting the group together again with the mindset that there is a trophy on the line,” Marsch said in a statement. “We want to end 2024 the right way with two excellent performances against a competitive Suriname squad and continue building on our tremendous growth this past summer.”

The quarterfinal winners advance to the Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., with the two semifinals scheduled for March 20 and the final and third-place playoff March 23, and qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Thirteen of the 23 players on the Canadian roster are 25 or younger, with 19-year-old defender Jamie Knight-Lebel, currently playing for England’s Crewe Alexandra on loan from Bristol City, the youngest.

Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies captains the side with Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Richie Laryea, Alistair Johnston and Kamal Miller adding veteran support.

Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Theo Bair are joined in attack by Minnesota United’s Tani Oluwaseyi.

Niko Sigur, a 21-year-old midfielder with Croatia’s Hadjuk Split, continues in the squad after making his debut in the September friendly against Mexico.

Suriname made it to the Nations League quarterfinals by finishing second to Costa Rica in Group A of the Nations League, ahead of No. 104 Guatemala, No. 161 Guyana and unranked Martinique and Guadeloupe.

“A good team,” Osorio said of Suriname. “These games are always tricky and they’re not easy at all … Suriname is a (former) Dutch colony and they’ll have Dutch players playing at high levels.”

“They won’t be someone we overlook at all,” added the Toronto FC captain, who has 81 Canada caps to his credit.

Located on the northeast coast of South America between Guyana and French Guiana, Suriname was granted independence in 1975 by the Netherlands.

Canada has faced Suriname twice before, both in World Cup qualifying play, winning 4-0 in suburban Chicago in June 2021 and 2-1 in Mexico City in October 1977.

The Canadian men, along with Mexico, the United States and Panama, received a bye into the final eight of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Canada, No. 2 in the CONCACAF rankings, drew Suriname as the best-placed runner-up from League A play.

Canada lost to Jamaica in last year’s Nations League quarterfinal, ousted on the away-goals rule after the series ended in a 4-4 draw. The Canadians lost 2-0 to the U.S. in the final of the 2022-23 tournament and finished fifth in 2019-20.

Canada defeated Panama 2-1 last time out, in an Oct. 15 friendly in Toronto.

Goalkeepers Maxime Crepeau and Jonathan Sirois, defenders Joel Waterman, Laryea and Miller and Osorio took part in a pre-camp this week in Toronto for North America-based players.

Canada Roster

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Portland Timbers (MLS); Jonathan Sirois, CF Montreal (MLS); Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United FC (MLS).

Defenders: Moise Bombito, OGC Nice (France); Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich (Germany); Richie Laryea, Toronto FC (MLS); Alistair Johnston, Celtic (Scotland); Jamie Knight-Lebel. Crewe Alexandra, on loan from Bristol City (England); Kamal Miller, Portland Timbers (MLS); Joel Waterman, CF Montreal (MLS).

Midfielders: Ali Ahmed. Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Tajon Buchanan, Inter Milan (Italy); Mathieu Choiniere, Grasshopper Zurich (Switzerland); Stephen Eustaquio, FC Porto (Portugal); Junior Hoilett, Hibernian FC (Scotland); Ismael Kone, Olympique Marseille (France); Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC (MLS); Jacob Shaffelburg, Nashville SC (MLS); Niko Sigur, Hadjuk Split (Croatia).

Forwards: Theo Bair, AJ Auxerre (France); Jonathan David, LOSC Lille (France); Cyle Larin, RCD Mallorca (Spain); Tani Oluwaseyi, Minnesota United (MLS).

—

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.

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