“I think we played really hard,” Toronto forward OG Anunoby said. “No matter what we see, we’re just trying to go out there and play hard.” San Antonio was without starters Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell and reserves Isaiah Roby and Blake Wesley. The Spurs also sat rookie forward Jeremy Sochan early in the second quarter due to limited minutes after missing a game with flu symptoms. Gary Trent Jr. scored 24 points for the Raptors, who were without All-Star guard Fred VanVleet but still had plenty for the biggest margin of victory, a season-high in points and a season-high 23 forced turnovers. “They’re very good at it (defensive pressure),” Spurs forward Keita Bates-Diop said. “They change 1 to 5 and get into the passing lanes. We have to get better at clearing the ball. This is a very good group of veterans. This was a good test for us. This is probably the best team we’ve played all season.” Bates-Diop had 17 points. He was the only Spurs starter in double figures. The Raptors’ length and athleticism stopped the Spurs from pulling over. Toronto opened the game with a pair of breakaway, one-handed dunks by Anunoby and Scottie Barnes off a steal and a defensive rebound. The Spurs had four turnovers in the first three minutes and the Raptors had five dunks in the first seven minutes. After falling behind by 11 points, the Spurs rallied to cut the Raptors’ lead to 32-31 at the end of the first quarter. San Antonio took its first lead 27 seconds into the second on Jakob Poeltl’s layup. Toronto would quickly re-establish control, extending their lead to 48 points in the second half. Siakam was 10 of 19 from the field while sitting out the final quarter. “Pascal has a very good understanding of what he’s seeing and what he’s doing,” Toronto coach Nick Nourse said. “He is involved in games and creates a lot of easy opportunities for himself. He makes the move to escape a shot.” The Raptors had 76 points in the paint and 39 fast-break points. TIPS Raptors: Toronto’s previous season high was a 30-point win against Atlanta on Oct. 31. … VanVleet missed his second straight game with lower back stiffness. … Raptors F Chris Boucher and Spurs G Josh Richardson were fouled with 6:19 left in the first half. Players and officials got between the pair after they tangled while running on the field. Spurs: San Antonio’s previous longest home loss was 37 points against Phoenix on May 15, 2021. … Johnson was initially listed as questionable with right calf tightness. … San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich had his arm around Sohan’s waist and gave the rookie forward a push to go behind with 7:20 left in the first half. Sohan looked good but disappointed. He didn’t come back. … Vassell missed his fourth straight game with a sore left knee. … An MRI on Tuesday confirmed Wesley has a Grade 3 left MCL sprain. No decision has been made on the rookie point guard’s return, but that injury generally results in a player missing six to eight weeks. … Robbie was sitting out with flu symptoms. NEXT Raptors: At Dallas on Friday. Spurs: Close out a four-game homestand Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
