When the Toronto Raptors' big-three assembled, which was at the same time that Chris Paul left Los Angeles for Boston, everybody knew where was the new "Lob City." Having in their lineup Russell Westbrook, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, the canadian city was assured to have a lot of highlights.
Although, those highlight plays were the only good thing that was coming out from the team. Chemistry issues between Westbrook and McGrady regarding who should handle the ball in the clutch and lack of bench depth were burrying the fans' hopes.
The flashy cousins rejoined forces and formed a feared big-three alongside Westbrook |
Their start was awful: 1-4 after five games, and their sixth was match was against The Brotherhood, now the only undefeated team after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Lakers.
The 76ers started strong, as both Allen Iverson and new starter World B. Free lead the team to a comfortable 12-point lead after the first 12 minutes. However, the Raptors responded and slowly catched up.
The difference was only 4 points when the fourth quarter started, and a few minutes later they managed to take the lead with a three pointer made by Linas Kleiza. This was the moment when "The Answer" step up and led, once again, the Philadelphia 76ers to the victory.
With an unstoppable performance, Iverson single-handedly retook the lead and gave The Brotherhood a crucial 2-point lead. After trading buckets for a few minutes, a turnover by Jrue Holiday gave Russell Westbrook the chance of finally tie the game.
However, Allen Iverson almost instantly hit a turn-around jumper over McGrady, and, after a good defensive play by Alonzo Mourning on Andrew Bynum, posterized Andrea Bargnani to seal the deal. The Raptors collapsed to the pressure and a three pointer by Iguodala put the game out of reach.
It was the sixth victory for The Brotherhood in six games. The Raptors' chemistry issues once again proved costly for them, and rumours started to spread around the league, regardin a possible trade for Russell Westbrook.
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