Raptors Beat Nets For First Victory Of Post-Carter Era
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TORONTO – Lamond Murray scored 12 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and the Toronto Raptors beat the Nets 110-99 on Sunday, their first victory of the post-Vince Carter era.
Carter wasn’t at the Air Canada Centre because Toronto’s trade with New Jersey isn’t expected to be finalized until noon today. The Raptors traded their biggest star on Friday to the Nets for Eric Williams, Aaron Williams, Alonzo Mourning, and two first-round draft picks.
Mourning may never play for Toronto. The Williamses didn’t play either, but sat in the stands behind the Raptors bench.
Murray, who could play more now that Carter is gone, recorded his highest scoring game with Toronto. He scored 12 points as the Raptors began the fourth quarter on a 17-4 run.
His 3-pointer gave Toronto a 96-80 lead with 6:53 left. New Jersey never got closer than 11 the rest of the way.
Morris Peterson added 20 points for the Raptors, who lost Friday’s game to Indiana – their first game without Carter. Richard Jefferson had 38 points for the Nets, who don’t know when Carter will be able to play. Carter underwent his physical on Saturday, and a Nets spokesman said they’re still analyzing it.
The five-time All-Star is on the injured list with a strained left Achilles’ tendon.
“There is obviously a great deal of tenderness there. We’ve seen it during the examination. We’re going to be prudent,” Nets coach Lawrence Frank said.
