They do things differently in Toronto.When it's time for NBA public-address announcers to introduce the starting lineup before games, the Raptors don't wait to hear their names called. The starters simply huddle up for a quick chat while their backups gather a few feet away and use a basketball to play volleyball — bumping and setting it to each other before someone spikes a dunk.They're laughing. They're loose. And they don't mind if few are noticing.These are happy times for the Toronto Raptors, who kept their stars and coach together even after a string of playoff flameouts and are seeing that continuity rewarded. If they win three of their final eight games, they'll break the franchise single-season record of 56 victories. And they're in position to go into the Eastern Conference playoffs as the No. 1 seed for the first time, entering Monday with a 3 ½ game lead over No. 2 Boston."I feel like we have something special that is a well-kept secret," Raptors coach Dwane Casey said.Canada's... [More]

C Jonas Valanciunas added 16 points Wednesday.

Jonas Valanciunas collected 17 points and 11 boards

C Jonas Valanciunas had 13 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in Sunday's win over the Kings.

C Jonas Valanciunas earned his 110th career double-double Wednesday at Phoenix when he scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. He is tied for second place with Antonio Davis on the franchise's all-time list in that category. Chris Bosh is the Raptors' leader with 239 double-doubles.

C Jonas Valanciunas finished with 20 points and 11 reboundss while shooting 7 of 12 in Wednesday's win at Phoenix. It was his third double-double of the season.

C Jonas Valanciunas scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Raptors saw their six-game winning streak end with a loss to the Clippers on Monday. Valanciunas scored 17 points in the first half Monday, more than he had scored in any game since Nov. 15.

C Jonas Valanciunas had 13 points and seven rebounds.

C Jonas Valanciunas scored 21 points in Wednesday's 125-116 victory at New Orleans.

C Jonas Valanciunas produced 12 points Wednesday after getting 16 Saturday in Atlanta. It was the second time this season he scored in double digits in consecutive games.

C Jonas Valanciunas had seven points and 13 rebounds in Thursday's 122-118 victory over New Orleans. In two games against the Pelicans last season, Valanciunas averaged 22.5 points and 12.0 rebounds.

C Jonas Valanciunas scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Raptors' win over the Bulls on Tuesday.

C Jonas Valanciunas returned to the lineup after missing four games with a left ankle sprain. He had eight points and five rebounds. The Raptors were 2-2 in his absence

C Jonas Valanciunas (knee) missed his fourth straight game, but he has practiced the last couple of days and coach Dwane Casey said he is nearing a return.

C Jonas Valanciunas missed his third straight game with a sprained ankle.

C Jonas Valanciunas and C Lucas Nogueira were both with ankle sprains Wednesday at Golden State, forcing coach Dwane Casey to get creative. Toronto got a big effort off the bench from Jakob Poeltl, who had 14 points and a staggering 11 offensive rebounds among his 14 boards. The Raptors started Serge Ibaka at center and paired him down low with Pascal Siakam, who scored 20 points.

C Jonas Valanciunas is listed as day-to-day with a sprained left ankle. He travelled with the Raptors to San Antonio but sat out. He expects to play sometime on Toronto's road trip that began Monday.

C Jonas Valanciunas (left ankle sprain) left the game after playing 15 minutes with an ankle injury. He had five points and four rebounds. He will have an MRI.

F Jonas Valanciunas led the Raptors with 23 points and 15 rebounds in the season-opening win over the Bulls on Thursday.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma City Thunder's new-look roster got off to a big start Thursday night.New additions Carmelo Anthony and Paul George teamed up with Russell Westbrook to score a combined 71 points as the Thunder beat the New York Knicks 105-84 in the season opener for both teams.Westbrook turned in a triple-double with 21 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds. George finished with 28 points while Anthony added 22.Kristaps Porzingis led the Knicks with 31 points and 12 rebounds. The only other New York player to score in double digits was Enes Kanter, who had 10 points.Clippers 108, Lakers 92LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Clippers continued their recent domination of the Los Angeles Lakers with a victory in the season opener for both teams. The Clippers have won 19 of the past 21 meetings with the Lakers since the start of the 2012-13 season.Blake Griffin had 29 points and 12 rebounds, and DeAndre Jordan finished with 14 points and 24 rebounds to lead the Clippers.Rookie Lonzo Ball... [More]