Raptors Beat Heat in Their Last Home Game of the Regular Season

    The Raptors played their final home game of the regular season and gave their opponents a hint of what they can expect once the playoffs start. Miami arrived at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday looking for a place in the playoffs, and at one point the Heat had a double-digit lead. However, the Raptors managed to even the score and win the game 117-109 in overtime.

    Pascal Siakama recorded a double-double, with 23 points and 10 rebounds, Norman Powell scored 23 points, and Kawhi Leonard had 22 for the home team, who have only one game left in the regular season.

    Dwayne Wade, Miami’s all-time leader in points, had 21 points in this final appearance in front of fans in Toronto, as the three-time NBA champion is retiring at the end of the season, after a decade and a half in the league, where he played for the Heat on two occasions, the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

    Miami arrived in Toronto at the position number 9 in the Eastern Conference, one game behind the Pistons and the final playoff spot. That’s why the visitors were looking to grab a win, and they started the game with the intention to do so.

    Kawhi Leonard

    Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard celebrates after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets during the Raptors’ win on Friday – Frank Gunn/Canadian Press

    Miami Was Close, But Toronto Won the Game in the End

    At one point it looked like they would manage to win a game against the Raptors this season, as they had lost their three previous encounters.

    The Raptors even had a 6-point lead in the first quarter, by with a 9-2 run the visiting team ended the quarter with a 1-point advantage (26-25).

    The Heat increased the lead in the second quarter, stretching to 13 points after Dion Waiter’s layup. At the halftime, Miami was 7 points ahead (57-50).

    The Raptors managed to cut their lead to only one point with one quarter left to play. With a couple of back-to-back three-pointers and free throws, the game entered into the final 60 seconds. Both teams had the chance to win the game, but Leonard missed his shot 10 seconds before the end, while Adabayo’s basket at the buzzer didn’t go through.

    The Raptors quickly increased their lead in the overtime and were quickly up by 7 points.

    Toronto is still waiting to find out the name of its opponent in the first round of the playoffs.

    Dwayne Wade received a standing ovation when he entered the game in the first quarter and gave his best to help Miami win the game.

    The Raptors have only one game left in the regular season. They’ll travel to Minnesota on Tuesday, to face the Timberwolves at Target Centre.