Rudy Gay struggles in return to Toronto

TORONTO, Mar. 7 (Xinhua) — Sacramento Kings fell to the Toronto Raptors 99-87 on Friday night in forward Rudy Gay’s first return to Toronto since being traded three months ago.

Gay finished the game with 15 points (on 5-13 shooting) and five rebounds in 33 minutes.

“We weren’t making plays for each other and it showed on the stat sheet,” said Gay following the game. “Proof is in the pudding.”

The eight-year veteran from the University of Connecticut headlined a seven-player trade on Dec. 9 between Toronto and Sacramento.

Acquired in Jan. 2013 from Memphis, Gay played a total of 53 games with Toronto. Despite his short stay with Toronto, Gay was not well-received by the 18,188 Air Canada Centre crowd.

Gay was booed during the pre-game introductions. During the game, he was booed each time he had possession of the ball.

“Honestly I didn’t even pay attention to it. Boo or cheer either way I have to go out and do my job,” said Gay following the game.

Prior to the trade, Toronto held a record of 7-12 (.368) while Sacramento was 5-13 (.277).

Since the trade both teams have benefited. Sacramento holds a 17-27 (.386) record in 44 games while Toronto have thrived with a 27-14 (.656) record since the trade.

The trade has propelled Toronto to first place in the Atlantic division and are the verge of the franchise’s first playoff appearance in five seasons.

While Toronto is playoff bound, Sacramento is not. With a 22-40 (.355) overall record on the season, Gay and his teammates will use the remaining 20 games as an opportunity to develop the team’s prospects and also create cohesion within the team.

“It’s going to take a lot, a lot of time and experience,” said Gay. ” This is one of those things that is a learning experience with those young guys, going out there and playing while they’re young.”

For Gay personally, he has used the opportunity to increase his efficiency. Entering the game, Gay has improved his efficiency in the 37 games with the Kings. He has averaged career-bests in field goal percentage (50%), free throws attempts (4.4), free throws made (5.1), free throw percentage (86.2%) and assists (3.3).

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2014-03/08/c_133170890.htm