TORONTO – Pascal Shiakam was stunning with 37 points on Thursday, leading the Toronto Raptors to a 119-114 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Shiakam had 23 points in the second half, along with 12 assists, 11 rebounds and two steals.
Gary Trent gave a big boost with 30 points for the Raptors, who have won seven of their last eight games.
Precious Achiuwa added 20 points, including a career-high five three-pointers.
In the middle of the last ten minutes, Achiuwa made the first block against James Harden. Immediately after, he grabbed a rebound in defense, led the transition and calmly made a three-point shot. This gave his team a 102-92 cushion.
“It was great,” said Raptors coach Nick Nurse. He was in his belt.
“My teammates and coaches trust me for this kind of shot,” added Achiuwa.
Since March 9, he has played six games with at least three shots over the perimeter.
Before that season, he only knew of one such match.
“I work extremely hard at it and it’s a rewarding effort,” Achiuwa said. Persistence and repetition in training, reflects that I want to reach the very high standards I have for myself.
Scotty Barnes scored 13 points and 10 rebounds.
With Toronto (47-33) confident of finishing in the top-6 in the East, Fred VanVleet was taking a break from recent right knee problems.
OG Anunoby lost his third game in a row due to a bruise on the back of his right thigh. He should also be absent on Friday, when the Raptors host the Rockets.
The Sixers quickly took control, leading 15-2. After a quarter they had a 33-26 cushion, in part thanks to a record seven to nine three-pointers.
At halftime the visitors’ priority was reduced to four points and after 36 minutes the score was 87-85 in favor of the Raptors.
In the middle of the last ten minutes, Achiuwa made the first block against James Harden. Immediately after, he grabbed a rebound in defense, led the transition and calmly made a three-point shot. This gave his team a 102-92 cushion.
Danny Green made Toronto 111-107 with a long shot, scoring 2:07.
Siakam responded with his best Joel Embiid, ending the series with a basket with his finger. Barnes quickly added a dunk and then the Raptors stayed on track.
A key member of the Raptors when they won the NBA Finals in 2019, Green finally received the championship ring on Thursday.
“Money Man From 3 Point Land” received the prestige object from the hands of VanVleet and Siakam.
Green received a video tribute and a warm applause.
Embiid led the Sixers with 30 points. Tyrese Maxey scored 22, Green 18 and Harden 13.
Philadelphia is battling Boston and Milwaukee for 2-4 places in the East.
The Raptors are fifth, two games ahead of the Chicago Bulls.
Elsewhere in the NBA:
Orlando 101 – Charlotte 128
ENT: Tsuma Okeke scored 20 points
CHA: Lamelo Ball led his team to points, assists and rebounds with 26, 9 and 8.
Boston 121 – Milwaukee 127
BOS: Jalen Brown had a hat-trick of 22 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.
MIL: Giannis Antetokounbo scored 29 points and 11 rebounds.
Portland 94 – New Orleans 127
ORP: Drew Eubanks finished the night with 20 points
NO: CJ McCollum was first with 23 points
San Antonio 121 – Minnesota 127
THIS: Jakob Poeltl finished the night with 15 points and 17 rebounds.
MIN: Anthony Edwards came close to 50 points with 49
Memphis 109 – Denver 122
SAME: No one did better than Desmond Bain’s 14 points
NEST: Nikola Jokic is excellent with 35 points and 16 rebounds
Los Angeles Lakers 112 – Golden State 128
ALL: Talen Horton-Tucker finished his night with 40 points
GS: Clay Thompson scored 33 points
