The Toronto Raptors were up against a tall task last Wednesday facing the Cleveland Cavaliers at home, but the hosts survived and edged last season's runners-up at the Air Canada Centre, 103–99.
Leading Toronto was point guard Kyle Lowry who provided an all-around performance with 27 points, three rebounds, six assists, four steals, and one block.
"I think it's just good to be home," Lowry said, according to the Associated Press. "Every time you come off a West Coast road trip, it's a little bit harder to get that first game under your belt. We did a good job keeping ourselves focused," he added.
Helping Lowry was his backcourt partner, shooting guard DeMar DeRozan, who tallied 20 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
Along with Lowry and DeRozan, the three other Raptors starters also scored in double-digits.
Forwards Luis Scola and DeMarre Carroll registered 15 and 12 points, respectively, while center Bismack Biyombo had a double-double 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Biyombo is Toronto's temporary starting center with Jonas Valančiūnas sidelined with a hand injury.
The win propelled Toronto to the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 10–6 record.
Following a tough road schedule, the Raptors will again leave home as they head to the capital this Saturday to take on the Washington Wizards next.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers were led by superstar forward LeBron James who had 24 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.
Like in the 2014–15 season, the Cavs played against the Raptors with a depleted lineup due to injuries, but James said that is not an excuse.
"We need to hold each other more accountable. We got to play better, and we will. But I don't think we improved tonight," James said following the loss, according to the Associated Press.
Despite the defeat, Cleveland is still on top of the East with an 11–4 record and will have the chance to bounce back when it faces the Charlotte Hornets today, Friday.
