LOS ANGELES, Feb 27, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Kyle Lowry recorded a triple double
as the Toronto Raptors beat the Houston Rockets 122-111 on Friday despite
missing six members of their coaching staff, including head coach Nick Nurse.
The Raptors announced just prior to the game that six members of the
coaching staff would be unavailable for the NBA contest in Tampa, Florida
because of Covid-19 health and safety protocols.
Toronto forward Pascal Siakam also sat out the game due to the same
protocols.
The 53-year-old Nurse, who is the reigning league coach of the year, is in
his third season as Toronto’s head coach. The team said the staff members
would still be working remotely.
Assistant coach Sergio Scariolo took charge of the Raptors bench against
the Rockets.
The Raptors led by eight points at the half, had a 23-point lead at one
stage in the third and took a 15-point lead into the final quarter.
Lowry finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to post his 16th
career triple-double as a Raptor.
Fred VanVleet added 25 points, DeAndre’ Bembry had 13 points and OG Anunoby
had 11 for Toronto, who ended a modest two game losing skid.
Victor Oladipo had 27 points for Houston and John Wall had 21 points and 12
assists for the Rockets, who lost their 10th straight game. Eric Gordon had
17 points and P.J. Tucker and Danuel House each scored 11 points.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1031 hrs