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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, November 21, 2005

Toronto gets first win

Associated Press

TORONTO — Life is a lot more enjoyable for the Toronto Raptors now that they've finally won a game.

"Every one likes each other again," said a chuckling Mike James after the Raptors beat the first-place Miami Heat 107-94 on Sunday to end Toronto's longest losing streak since 2003.

Chris Bosh had a season-high 27 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Raptors, who opened the season 0-9 — the worst start in their 11-year history. James added 25 points for Toronto.

Dwyane Wade had 33 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for the Heat, who were missing an injured Shaquille O'Neal.

James and Bosh both said they'll savor the win as they head out west four a four-game trip.

"The mood always lightens after a win. People are nicer, the food tastes better, practice is a lot more fun," Bosh said.

The Raptors went on an 18-2 run late in the fourth to seal the victory, ending their longest losing streak since a 12-game skid from Dec. 18, 2002-Jan. 10, 2003.

Toronto's win leaves the Atlanta Hawks as the NBA's only winless team.

"I'm happy for those guys. Being the coach is one thing, but when you have to go out there in front of 19,000 people and prove yourself every night, the way the season started, that's where the focal point is," Toronto coach Sam Mitchell said. "I get mine after the game, but during the game, those guys have to out there and be the focal point and hear the cheers and the boos."

CLIPPERS 113, WARRIORS 101

LOS ANGELES — Elton Brand had 32 points and 10 rebounds to help the Pacific Division-leading Clippers improve to 8-2, the best start in franchise history, and tie San Antonio for the best record in the Western Conference.

BULLS 96, LAKERS 93

LOS ANGELES — Chris Duhon scored 11 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, and Chicago beat Los Angeles despite 43 points by Kobe Bryant, matching an NBA single-game high this season.

KNICKS 103, BLAZERS 92

NEW YORK — Stephon Marbury scored 27 points to help New York beat Portland, giving coach Larry Brown his first win at home.

PACERS 85, ROCKETS 74

INDIANAPOLIS — Ron Artest scored 24 points to lead Indianapolis over Houston. The Rockets played without Tracy McGrady, sidelined by a strained back.

NUGGETS 99, GRIZZLIES 83

DENVER — Marcus Camby had 21 points and 21 rebounds to help Denver beat Memphis.

SONICS 106, KINGS 104

SEATTLE — Ray Allen scored 21 of his 28 points in the second half to lead Seattle to its third straight win.

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