TORONTO – Dennis Schroder’s return to Toronto was supposed to be his chance to get a measure of revenge against his former teammates but his comeback was overshadowed by off-court issues affecting the Raptors.
“All the distractions going around, but can you be the eye of the hurricane and they did that today.”Schroder received a warm welcome from Toronto fans when he was announced during pre-game introductions despite only playing half a season for the Raptors, having signed with the team as a free agent in the off-season.“Just trusting the work that I’ve been putting in and just being ready for this opportunity,” said Watford. “Just being who I am, and just trying to get that win, most importantly.
“Easily the most change, the most changed, the most things happening, personal levels, injuries,” said Toronto veteran forward Garrett Temple. “This is easily the, I guess you could say, the craziest season team I’ve been a part of in terms of all of these, all of these parts, all of these things happening.”Barnes, Barrett and Quickley were all on Toronto’s bench on Monday. Barrett, from Mississauga, Ont., has missed six games as his family mourns the death of his younger brother.
It was only the second lead of the game for the hosts, with cheers from the 18,376 fans at Scotiabank Arena building to a roar as the play unfolded.