SAN ANTONIO – Led by star Fred Van Wlit on his return to action, the Toronto Raptors won a much-needed victory on Wednesday, defeating the Spurs 119-104 in San Antonio.

VanVleet had 26 points, including 21 in the first half. With six rebounds and two steals, the playmaker was three in eight for three-pointers and nine for 10 in free throws. He had lost five games with bruises on his right knee.

Pascal Shiakam and Scotty Barnes each scored 20 points each, while Gary Trent had 17.

A number of reserves did well, including Precious Achiuwa. The latter had three long shots, on the way for a night of 13 points. One of his three rebounds was purely spectacular, a reflection of his intensity.

The Raptors cut a three-game losing streak as they try to stay in seventh place in the East. The pillow is two and a half toys in front of Brooklyn. On the horizon, Nick Nurse’s club will play Phoenix on Friday and Denver on Saturday.

At Spurs, Keldon Johnson had 27 points, two more than Dejounte Murray.

Coach Greg Popovic will have to wait before writing history. he and Don Nelson remain tied at the top with 1,335 wins in regular time.

It will be given away, just like the Coyote mascots that were to be given to the first 10,000 supporters. It did not happen, as a result of delayed delivery.

The presence of VanVleet gave the Raptors a lot of energy. gave the tone by taking six points in the opening 3:38. He averaged 38.2 minutes per game this season, a high NBA. He spent 34 minutes on the field on Wednesday. VanVleet is third in the league with 211 three-pointers.

OG Anunoby lost the eighth consecutive match, after a broken right finger.

Malachi Flynn is also sidelined with an injury to his left thigh.

Almost 100 points in two games for Tatum

Jason Tatum scored 16 of 44 points in the fourth quarter to help the Boston Celtics beat the Charlotte Hornets 115-101.

Boston won its fourth consecutive victory.

Tatum had 54 points against Brooklyn on Sunday, for a total of 98 points in just two games. Tonight, he made six of his nine long-range goal attempts and had six free throws.

Jalen Brown added 15 points.

Miles Bridges and PJ Washington, on the other hand, had 17 points each for Charlotte, who are 1-12 in the second game of a two-night, two-game series.

Elsewhere in the NBA:

Bulls 114 – Pistons 108

CHI: DeMar DeRozan scored 16 of his 36 points in the last quarter
DET: Cade Cunningham has 22 points for Detroit, whose winning streak ends in three

Suns 111 – Heat 98

PHO: Devin Booker is back after losing 4 games and having 23 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds
MIA: Duncan Robinson scored 22 points for the Heat, who lost just for the third time in 15 appearances

Hawks 115 – Bucks 124

CHI: 27 points, 3 rebounds and 11 assists for Trae Young
MIL: 43 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for Giannis Antetokounbo

Lakers 130 – Rockets 139 (overtime)

LAC: This is the 9th consecutive defeat for the Lakers on the road. LeBron James had 23 points, Russell Westbrook 30
HOU: rookie Jalen Green had 32 points, including 10 in overtime

Thunder – Timberwolves

OKAY :
MIN:

Magic – Pelicans

ENT:
NO:

Knicks – Mavericks

NYK:
LAD:

Trail Blazers – Jazz

ORP:
UTA:

Nuggets – Kings

NEST:
BAG:

Wizards – Clippers

IT WAS:
LAKE: