TORONTO, United States (AFP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 37 points and Pascal Siakam delivered a double-double as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic 111-82 to level their Eastern Conference playoff series on Tuesday.
The Raptors, who were jolted by shock defeat in game one on Saturday, came roaring back to dominate the Magic throughout on their way to a convincing victory in the best-of-seven series.
After opening up a 51-39 lead at half-time, the Raptors cut loose in a devastating third quarter, outscoring Orlando by 39-27 to take 90-66 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Leonard was the architect for the Raptors’ potent offense, making 15 of 22 field goals on his way to 37 points, four rebounds and four assists before a raucous home crowd at the Scotiabank Arena.
Cameroonian power forward Siakam meanwhile had a big night for the Raptors, adding 19 points and hauling down 10 rebounds with one assist for his double.
Point guard Kyle Lowry added 22 points while Serge Ibaka had 13 off the bench as the second-seeded Raptors dominated their seventh-seeded opponents.
Aaron Gordon led the Orlando scoring with 20 points while Terrence Ross finished with 15 and Evan Fournier 10.
Game three in the series takes place in Orlando on Friday.
© Agence France-Presse