Anunoby’s 32 points power Raptors past Heat

TORONTO, Nov. 17– Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby scored a season-high 32 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in a 112-104 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Toronto used a 21-0 run to turn an 11- point deficit to a 10- point lead and did not trail the rest of the way. With the win, Toronto improved to 9-7 on the season and 6-1 at home.

TORONTO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) — Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby scored a season-high 32 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in a 112-104 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

Raptors guard Fred VanVleet returned from a two-game absence and chipped in with 23 points and eight assists.

The duo of Anunoby and VanVleet were a big part of the third quarter where Toronto’s defense found another gear and held Miami scoreless for over six minutes. Toronto used a 21-0 run to turn an 11-point deficit to a 10-point lead and did not trail the rest of the way.

The 25-year-old Anunoby has elevated his game on both ends of the floor this season with career-best averages of 18.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and a league-best 2.5 steals.

“I think he’s gone to more power and balance than skill,” said Raptors head coach Nick Nurse after the game. “Now he’s gone in there and gotten big and strong. It has enabled him to get clearance.”

Anunoby has now scored in double-digits in 12 straight games and 15 of the team’s total 16 games this season.

With the win, Toronto improved to 9-7 on the season and 6-1 at home.

Toronto was bitten by the injury bug again when guard Dalano Banton left the game in the third quarter with an ankle sprain.

Raptors were already without Pascal Siakam, Gary Trent Jr., Precious Achiuwa and Otto Porter Jr., who have missed 15 games combined since Nov. 6. Enditem