Josh Lewenberg: Nurse reiterated the Raptors will not be chasing the 1st seed or 60 wins, at least not specifically: “We’re gonna play this out and we’re trying to win each night. Where we end up seeded we end up seeded.”
Nick Nurse Rumors
Josh Lewenberg: Nurse confirms Kawhi will play, said sitting him tonight was never on the table (even after logging big minutes on Wednesday). “He’s in a good position right now.” Same starters (VanVleet in for Lowry, Gasol at C).
Josh Lewenberg: Nurse on last year’s sweep to LeBron/Cavs: “We really had the 1st game under control. I don’t know how many times we’ve replayed that last possession. 3-4 tips, point blank & the damn thing just wouldnt go in. That really changed the complexion of the whole series, maybe season”
Josh Lewenberg: Nick Nurse mentioned he’s been paying close attention to the Lakers this season. Later, he was asked why. “I got some friends that coach there, I guess. You know when you’re turning channels and you think ‘Oh man, I want to see what Jesse Mermuys’ beard looks like tonight’?”
Players and coaches stepped in when Ibaka and Chriss squared off, but no one seemed to get a good view of the incident. “I didn’t see much of it, to be honest,” Nurse said. “Listen, it’s always going to be concerning when something like that happens. We certainly don’t want that in our game. We don’t want to lose one of our guys.”
Ryan Wolstat: I asked Nick Nurse pre-game about the Raptors moving the ball better when Kawhi sits. He said that’s to be expected when you have a 27 PPG top option out. Needs to be done by committee.
Eric Koreen: Nurse said they’ve looked at schedule rest of way and mapped out when Kawhi will play and sit. “I think there’s a few games yet that he’ll probably stay out.”
