RAPTORS UPDATES: Raptors Starter accept blames and apologizes for awful game , Otto Porter Jr. in rotation, Dennis Schroder wins honor

The Raptors are at least accepting responsibility.

Dennis Schroder truly let the Toronto Raptors down in their loss to the Miami Heat, as his 4-18 performance was not only far below what was expected of him, but it was so bad that some wondered if the offense would be better with him on the bench.

While Schroder has been regarded as an excellent player for Toronto this season, his worst games can make for some difficult basketball. He can demand the ball too much, take too many ill-advised shots, and stymie any offensive flow that might be developing.

Schroder’s selfish play not only results in some serious blunders for himself, but it also takes the ball away from Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes. Perhaps because he had been made aware of the limitations his style of play can bring, Schroder was more than willing to admit he had a bad game and vowed never to repeat it.

In an interview with SportsNet, veteran Schroder said he personally apologized to the team after such a poor performance, saying that performance is “not who I am” and that he has “got to get better.” This won’t make up for the bad game, but it’s encouraging to see a veteran player accept responsibility after a rough night.

More Raptors news
Otto Porter Jr. will remain in the team’s 10-man rotation, according to Darko Rajakovic. Porter’s ability to shoot well from 3-point range has become too valuable for the Raptors to overlook after receiving limited playing time before taking a few games off.
In Germany, Schroder was named Playboy Man of the Year, receiving 18% of the vote in a Norstat Opinion Research Institute poll. Schroder was chosen over legendary striker Rudi Voller and German national soccer team manager Julian Nagelsmann, as well as multiple high-ranking members of the German government and acclaimed actors.

NBA updates
Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks was furious after his team was eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the semifinals of the inaugural In-Season Tournament. According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, Portis “challenged” his teammates as well as head coach (and former Raptors assistant) Adrian Griffin.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Indiana Pacers in the IST Championship, after beating Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. The winner of the Los Angeles vs. Indiana game will receive a $500,000 prize.