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15 and counting: OG Anunoby helps Toronto Raptors extend franchise-record win streak

Rudi Schuller

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15 and counting: OG Anunoby helps Toronto Raptors extend franchise-record win streak image

With the Toronto Raptors missing their two best big men on Monday, OG Anunoby stepped up to fill their considerable shoes.

Marc Gasol (hamstring) has been sidelined for a while, and Serge Ibaka (flu) was deemed unfit to play shortly prior to tipoff against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving Toronto without the services of two of the most imposing presences to have ever suited up for the NBA's lone Canadian franchise.

And while the 6-7 Anunoby is hardly a big man by professional basketball standards, on Monday the third-year forward performed many of the duties Gasol and Ibaka would normally be tasked with.

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The 22-year-old was a monster at both ends of the floor, finishing with career-highs in points (25) and rebounds (12) while also chipping in three steals and a block. It was an all-around dominance that had previously only been displayed in flashes. 

Not that Anunoby was the only one balling out at Scotiabank Arena on Monday night; the Raptors boasted four players with at least 20 points, led by an outburst by Pascal Siakam (34 points) on a night when he and Kyle Lowry (27 points) were presented with their All-Star Game jerseys.

Also putting up big numbers was Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who finished with a season-high 21 points along with six rebounds and three steals.

It all added up to a 137-126 victory for the Raptors, their 15th straight.

Toronto gets a chance to extend the run to 16 games Wednesday in Brooklyn against the Nets.

Rudi Schuller