Jose Calderon collects 17 assists as Raps hold off Pistons

Toronto, ON, Canada (4E Sports) – DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points and Jose Calderon dished out 17 dimes as the Toronto Raptors captured their fourth straight win after overcoming the Detroit Pistons, 97-91, Wednesday at Air Canada Centre.

The Raptors continued to register solid wins despite the absence of Kyle Lowry and Andrea Bargnani, leaning on their highly-productive backcourt tandem of DeRozan and Calderon to beat the skidding Pistons at home.

It was an all-out tussle throughout the first three quarters but the Raptors made the key stops and baskets at crucial points.

After building a 88-78 lead with still 5:49 left to play, the Raptors allowed the Pistons to get back within striking distance and make interesting down the stretch at 88-84 with 2:53 remaining.

But Calderon stood firm despite the Pistons’ backcourt pressure, knocking down a big trey to give the Raps a 91-84 lead. The Raptors calmly drained their free-throws to preserve a hard-earned win.

Greg Monroe had a monster game with 35 points and 10 boards while Rodney Stuckey added 13 for the Pistons, who slid to 7-21.

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