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The Toronto Raptors entered their game against the Miami Heat expecting a tough battle. However, they likely weren't expecting a grueling, tiring triple-overtime game. Luckily for the visiting team, they escaped with a 124 – 120 win after three extra periods thanks to All-Star candidate Fred VanVleet finding his stroke late.
After this triple overtime game, what is Raptors coach Nick Nurse's plan for the team? Business as usual, apparently, as he joked that he'll still call for the regular 8AM practice of the team. (via Josh Lewenberg)
"8am practice tomorrow," Nurse jokes.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) January 30, 2022
The Raptors entered Miami as the eighth-seeded team in the Eastern Conference, but they proved their mettle against the conference leaders. The teams were neck-and-neck throughout the entire game, eventually needing three 5-minute extra periods to determine a winner. It was a battle of attrition, and the returning VanVleet's clutch triples in the third overtime propelled them to a win.
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Nick Nurse may want to consider giving his starters a free late pass in their next practice, though. The Raptors starting five (VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, and OG Anunoby) logged well over 50 minutes in the game. It's the first time in the shot clock era that all five starters exceeded 50 minutes.
All five of the Raptors' starters played 53+ minutes tonight 🤯
That's the first time a team has had five players go for 50+ minutes in a game in the Shot Clock era (since 1954-55).
(via @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/lfXZOv1q97
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 30, 2022
Raptors fans are likely worried that their starters are logging this many minutes in the regular season. Luckily for them, they have a few days of rest before their next game. Nurse and the front office will likely give their stars a much-needed break after their excellent performance this game. They more than deserve that luxury.
