Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 6/5/2016 (1020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
TORONTO - It was only about a month ago that DeMarre Carroll worried that he'd never bounce back in time to play in the post-season.
Now, he's finding his rhythm at just the right time.
The athletic forward was a huge part of the Raptors' overtime Game 2 victory Thursday night that sent the second-round playoff series to Miami tied at one win apiece, scoring a team-high 21 points.
"It feels real good, man," Carroll said. "For me to be able to be back, and miss that many games, and only play, what. . . a total of 10 games (since his return), to finally get my rhythm back, it's amazing."
Get the full story.
No credit card required. Cancel anytime.
Join free for 30 days
After that, pay as little as $0.99 per month for the best local news coverage in Manitoba.
Already a subscriber?
Log in

Already a subscriber?
Log in
Subscribers Log in below to continue reading,
not a subscriber? Create an account to start a 30 day free trial.
Log in Create your account
Your free trial has come to an end.
We hope you have enjoyed your trial! To continue reading, we recommend our Read Now Pay Later membership. Simply add a form of payment and pay only 27¢ per article.
For unlimited access to the best local, national, and international news and much more, try an All Access Digital subscription:
Thank you for supporting the journalism that our community needs!
Your free trial has come to an end.
We hope you have enjoyed your trial! To continue reading, we recommend our Read Now Pay Later membership. Simply add a form of payment and pay only 27¢ per article.
For unlimited access to the best local, national, and international news and much more, try an All Access Digital subscription:
Thank you for supporting the journalism that our community needs!
We hope you have enjoyed your free trial!
To continue reading, select a plan below:
All Access Digital
Introductory pricing*
99¢
per month
- Unlimited online reading and commenting
- Daily newspaper replica e-Edition
- News Break - our award-winning iOS app
- Exclusive perks & discounts
Continue
Read Now Pay Later
Pay
27¢
per article
- Commitment-free
- Cancel anytime
- Only pay for what you read
- Refunds available
Continue
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
We hope you have enjoyed your free trial!
To continue reading, select a plan below:
Read Now Pay Later
Pay
27¢
per article
- Commitment-free
- Cancel anytime
- Only pay for what you read
- Refunds available
Continue
All Access Digital
Introductory pricing*
99¢
per month
- Unlimited online reading and commenting
- Daily newspaper replica e-Edition
- News Break - our award-winning iOS app
- Exclusive perks & discounts
Continue
Mon to Sat Delivery
Pay
$34.36
per month
- Includes all benefits of All Access Digital
- 6-day delivery of our award-winning newspaper
Continue
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
We hope you have enjoyed your free trial!
To continue reading, select a plan below:
All Access Digital
Introductory pricing*
99¢
per month
- Unlimited online reading and commenting
- Daily newspaper replica e-Edition
- News Break - our award-winning iOS app
- Exclusive perks & discounts
Continue
Read Now Pay Later
Pay
27¢
per article
- Commitment-free
- Cancel anytime
- Only pay for what you read
- Refunds available
Continue
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
We hope you have enjoyed your free trial!
To continue reading, select a plan below:
Read Now Pay Later
Pay
27¢
per article
- Commitment-free
- Cancel anytime
- Only pay for what you read
- Refunds available
Continue
All Access Digital
Introductory pricing*
99¢
per month
- Unlimited online reading and commenting
- Daily newspaper replica e-Edition
- News Break - our award-winning iOS app
- Exclusive perks & discounts
Continue
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
Your free trial has come to an end.
We hope you have enjoyed your trial! To continue reading, we recommend our Read Now Pay Later membership. Simply add a form of payment and pay only 27¢ per article.
For unlimited access to the best local, national, and international news and much more, try an All Access Digital subscription:
Thank you for supporting the journalism that our community needs!
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 6/5/2016 (1020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
TORONTO - It was only about a month ago that DeMarre Carroll worried that he'd never bounce back in time to play in the post-season.
Now, he's finding his rhythm at just the right time.
The athletic forward was a huge part of the Raptors' overtime Game 2 victory Thursday night that sent the second-round playoff series to Miami tied at one win apiece, scoring a team-high 21 points.
"It feels real good, man," Carroll said. "For me to be able to be back, and miss that many games, and only play, what. . . a total of 10 games (since his return), to finally get my rhythm back, it's amazing."
The Raptors acquired the gritty defender and solid scorer in the off-season, but his much-anticipated first year with Toronto was derailed by injuries almost from the outset. He finally missed a 42-game stretch after having knee surgery.
The 29-year-old said his comeback was both hard work and a lot of trust on the part of coach Dwane Casey.
"He's the one that put me out there. He could have just sat me on the bench and played me spot minutes, but he said, 'Get out there, play your minutes, and get your rhythm back,'" Carroll said, before boarding the team flight to Miami for Saturday's Game 3.
Carroll has started eight of nine playoff games, and was key in defending Pacers star Paul George in the opening round against Indiana. His ability to push the pace will be big as the Raptors hope to wear down the Heat.
"I think we can play faster, it's more to my game. Playing faster, and movement, and running, and doing all those type of things," he said. "If we can do that, and stop thinking so much and being stagnant, we can win this series."
His solid play is welcome relief to a team whose all-stars — Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan — are both mired in shooting slumps.
Carroll said he didn't lose faith in making a post-season appearance during his lengthy rehab.
"Even when my knee was swollen as a grapefruit. It was still on," he said. "It's one of those things, man, you've always got to be positive. And basketball is a small part of our life. I feel like I was always going to be able to play, even though sometimes it didn't look like it."
Carroll credited Alex McKechnie, the Raptors' director of sports science, for his recovery. But Carroll joked he's tired of seeing McKechnie.
"I look at Alex, I told him he's like my granddad, he kind of likes that," Carroll said. "We've been through a lot, man. . . it's been crazy, but it's been good."
The Raptors play Games 3 and 4 in enemy territory at American Airlines Arena.
"They're averaging 108 points a game at home versus 92 on the road," Casey said. "That's a huge difference, whether it's shooting the ball better, familiarity with their rims, their style of play doesn't change that much. They seem more confident at home shooting the basketball."
The Raptors went 24-17 on the road in the regular-season, tied for third best in the NBA. They split their two games in Miami.
"For some reason, a lot of guys on our team like to play on the road," Carroll said. "I know Kyle loves to play on the road, that's the type of competitor he is. And I like to play on the road. I think the biggest thing we have to do, we need to do it collectively."
You can comment on most stories on The Brandon Sun website. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or digital subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to The Brandon Sun print or digital subscribers only. why?
Log in SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to The Brandon Sun Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective January 2015.