Afternoon Update 1/19/2017
“Trust the Process"
That was the chant raining down on the Philadelphia 76ers in their contest against the Raptors Wednesday night. And despite bringing a perfect 9-0 record against the Atlantic into the Wells Fargo Centre, Toronto couldn't find their mojo on the road. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry combined for 49 points, but Joel Embiid had a game high 26 en route to Philadelphia's 94-89 win; Their seventh win in nine games. The loss snaps a four game winning streak for the Raptors, who also saw forward DeMarre Carroll leave the game after injuring his neck. The good news for Raps fans? Jared Sullinger is back, potting eight points in his debut, after missing the first half of the year following foot surgery.
The Knicks also doing their part to help Toronto, with a 117-106 win over the Celtics. The loss keeps Boston two games back of the Raptors for first place in the Atlantic.
Still no love lost between Oklahoma City and Golden State. Durant got his season high 40 points against his former team in a 121-100 win. Despite the lopsided loss, Russell Westbrook got his 21st triple double of the year. He also had a bit of spice following the contest regarding a hard foul by Zaza Pachulia... Lets just say he promised to get him back.
To the ice where three Canadian teams were in action last night. The Penguins taking advantage of Carey Price and the Canadians getting the win 4-1. Price has allowed sixteen goals in his last four starts.
Ondrej Pavelec was glad to get his first win of the season for the Jets. He made 30 saves in Winnipeg's 6-3 win over Arizona.
Connor McDavid notched his 100th NHL point. But number 102 was the winner in OT for the Oilers as Edmonton edges Florida 4-3 in the extra frame.
The Leafs are facing off against New York for the second time this week after a 4-2 win on Friday. Good news for Leaf fans, Morgan Rielly is listed as day to day after leaving the Sabres game Tuesday with a lower body injury. For the Rangers, Henrick Lundquist has struggled of late, allowing 16 goals in his last seven periods of action.
To the hard court where a pair of Canadians is performing well. Milos Raonic cruised to a first round victory in the Aussie Open. He will face off against Gilles Muller who has won both his previous contests against Raonic. While Genie Bouchard made it back to the third round of the open after beating China’s Peng Shuai in straight sets.
New inductions into Copperstown include Tim Raines, Jeff Bagwell, and Pudge Rodriguez. Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds were left out for the fifth time.
