January 15, 2013

Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams is defended by Toronto Raptors point guard Jose Calderon in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in New York, January 15, 2013. (ADAM HUNGER/Reuters)

After blowing a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, the Raptors had two ways to go. Hang heads, or show some heart.

Though the Raptors chose the latter on Tuesday night in Brooklyn, the undermanned, hurting group could not quite upend the NBA’s hottest team.

Kyle Lowry overcame a sprained ankle to spark the Raptors with 19 points in the fourth quarter, but Brooklyn’s big three of Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez and Deron Williams combined for 64 points in a 113-106 Nets win.