MADRID, Jan. 13 (SportsFinding) –
The outstanding 'double-double' of Serge Ibaka (21 points, 14 rebounds) has not prevented the defeat by the Toronto Raptors minimum against San Antonio Spurs (104-105), while Ricky Rubio has contributed 10 points and 9 assists in the victory of Phoenix Suns against Charlotte Hornets (100-92).
In the Scotiabank Arena, the Raptors, who have not chained two victories in a row for three weeks, fell in front of their audience despite the return of Pascal Siakam, who returned to dress short after a month of injury injury.
The Cameroonian started the game strongly, but was accusing the lack of activity and ended the game with a 6/17 in field shots. More successful was Ibaka (9/16), who was the top scorer and top rebounder of the Canadian team, supplementing one more day with Marc Gasol.
The Raptors reached the last quarter 15 points down and exhibited courage to try the comeback, but they lacked the task. After two free throws missed by the visitor LaMarcus Aldridge, Siakam ran the field and had a forced triple pitch on the horn that did not even touch the hoop. On his return to his old house, DeMar DeRozan (25) was the best of the game and commanded the Texan triumph.
On the other hand, the Suns counted their second consecutive victory to place only two games of the zone of 'playoffs' in the Western Conference, border that right now mark Memphis Grizzlies.
The great performance of Kelly Oubre (25 and 15 rebounds) and the interior work of Deandre Ayton (18 and 9) allowed the Arizona franchise to cushion the bad night of its top star Devin Booker (3/12 in field shots).
As for the Hornets, Willy Hernangómez ran out of minutes one more night. His team is ninth in the Eastern Conference after a defeat that could not be avoided by Dwayne Bacon (24) or Devonte Graham (22).
– STATISTICS OF SPANISH PLAYERS.
SERGE IBAKA: 21 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 stopper.
RICKY RUBIO: 10 points, 9 assists and 4 rebounds.