Afternoon Update 2/16/2017
The Fountain of Youth
The Toronto Raptors were down 17 points entering the fourth quarter of their contest against the Hornets. That's when head coach Dwayne Casey, sat three of his starters in favor of rookie Jakob Poeltl, second year guard Norman Powell and Corey Joseph. The subs sparked a 20-2 run led by All Star point guard Kyle Lowry, gave the Raptors the lead with just 1:40 to go. Toronto would go on to win the contest 90-85. Dwane Casey credited his young guys with answering the bell saying they played their behinds off.
Toronto remains 4.5 games back of Boston for first place in the Atlantic, following the Celtics 116-108 win over the 76ers. Isaiah Thomas scored 13 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter leading Boston to victory. The Celtics have won 11 of their last 12, and are on the road in Chicago tonight.
Russell Westbrook and James Harden added to their triple double totals on the year. Westbrook's 27th of the season helped the Thunder beat the Knicks 116-105. James The Rockets were not so lucky, despite Harden's 15th triple double. The Heat break a two game skid 117-109 over Houston.
Speaking of Miami, The Dolphins are planning on releasing starting left tackle Branden Albert and veteran defensive players Mario Williams and Earl Mitchell. The moves will free up 19.7 million of salary cap space for Miami in the 2017 season.
Another player who was released by his former team, Curtis McElihenney not having luck in his start against the Jackets. The Leafs backup goaltender stopped 31 shots, but Toronto trailed 4-1 entering the third period. Columbus would go on to win 5-2. Nazem Kadri scored both goals for the Leafs, improving to 15 points in his last 13 games. Next up for Toronto, the battle of Ontario commences Saturday night as the Senators visit the ACC.
It was a Happy Birthday for Jaromir Jagr who notched his 1900th career point in a 6-5 OT win over the Panthers. Jagr is second on the all time career points list trailing only Wayne Gretzky.
The Vancouver White Caps announced the acquisition of Colombian striker Fredy Montero on a one-year loan from a Chinese Super League club. Montero had played for the Seattle Sounders from 2009-2012 and is the franchise leader in regular season goals with 47.
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed free-agent pitcher Mat Latos to a minor league deal with an invite to Major League camp.