By Zharita Sese
Eagle News Service

(Eagle News) — On Wednesday night, the Toronto Raptors took on the Miami Heat without their All-Star Pascal Siakam who has been out for seven straight games. Despite the team’s continuous battle with injuries, the Raptors defeated the Heat 112-104. 

In addition to Pascal Siakam, Toronto was also without Precious Achiuwa and Otto Porter Jr. Their absence, however, was not missed because of a career night for OG Annunoby. Annunoby finished the night with a career-high 32 points on 72% shooting from the field.

It was just a week ago when Annunoby called himself the “best defender in the league” and has lived up to that title since. Not only was Annunoby the leading scorer for the night but he also limited Miami’s Jimmy Butler to just 13 points while forcing five turnovers.

Alongside Annunoby was Raptors veteran, Fred Vanvleet, who found himself back on the court after missing two games due to a non-covid illness. Vanveleet contributed 23 points on 7-for-21 shooting and finished with 8 assists. 

When asked about playing against Vanvleet, former teammate and now Miami Heat guard, Kyle Lowry, admits that he loves the intensity that Vanvleet brings to the game.

“I love playing against [Vanvleet]. He’s one of the most competitive players ever,” Lowry said. “From day one in training camp, picking me up full court…shooting with me before training camp practices and just learning…to me, to know him, to be part of that – I hate playing against him but I love playing against him at the same time.”

Vanvleet echoed those sentiments calling a match-up against Lowry fun. 

“It’s funny for me,” Vanvleet said. “There’s nothing that he can do that frustrates me. It’s annoying when he tricks the [referees] but other than that, it’s fun watching him still do what he does..to see him still making an impact, putting pressure on the defense, you could just see the greatness in him. It’s just fun to match-up against him.”

(Eagle News Service)