Entering the 2019 NBA Playoffs, the projected Eastern Conference second-round matchups between the Bucks and Celtics and the Raptors and 76ers were highly anticipated by audiences around the world.
The Raptors-76ers series has already started off with a bang, with Toronto crushing the hearts of Philadelphia fans 108-95 in game one. Kawhi Leonard led the way scoring a career-high 45 points on 16-of-23 shooting to go along with 11 rebounds. He was assisted by rising star Pascal Siakam who added 29 points on uber-efficient shooting (12-of-15).
The Raptors dynamic duo has been ever so dominant throughout the playoffs and Saturday night’s performance is just one example. The two combined for 74 points on 74 percent shooting, three more points than the entire 76ers’ starting lineup.
Although strong performances from Leonard and Siakam are expected, the tandem cannot outscore the 76ers’ starting five every night. The supporting cast must step up to the plate and deliver if the Raptors wish to extend their season.
Supporting Cast
That’s where all-star guard Kyle Lowry enters the scene. His playoff performances thus far have been disappointing for an all-star caliber player. His postseason career has been highlighted by poor shooting nights, one of which came this year in game one against the Magic when he scored scored 0 points on 0-of-7 shooting. Through six playoff games this season, he’s averaging 11 points per game (PPG) on 43/28/67 shooting splits.
With that said, social media blows his play out of proportion. Lowry finished the first round of the playoffs with the best +/- in the NBA. His impact is not felt through the scoring column as much but rather through his defensive intensity and role as a floor general.
https://twitter.com/Anthonysmdoyle/status/1121052103928160264
Even then, Lowry will need to provide Toronto with increased scoring while maintaining his level of defensive vigor and leadership if the Raptors expect to make a run at the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Toronto’s Frontcourt
In addition, veteran bigs Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka will need to be more reliable and active on the glass. In 19 minutes, Ibaka snatched six rebounds, while Gasol only grabbed two in 26 minutes. The duo’s combined eight rebounds was seven fewer than Tobias Harris’ 15, one fewer than Ben Simmons’ nine and equal to Joel Embiid’s eight.
The 76ers’ rebounding prowess was a strength of theirs throughout the regular season. They ranked fourth in the NBA with an average of 47.8 rebounds per game (RPG), while the Raptors were 17th in the league with 45.2 RPG.
Toronto’s frontcourt will need to be on its A-game from here on out to neutralize Philadelphia’s rebounding advantage.
Defensive Play
Despite the lack of scoring and rebounding from Toronto’s supporting cast, the defense locked up and has been on fire in the past five games. The Raptors held the 76ers to 95 points, marking the fifth straight game in which they held their opponent to fewer than 100 points.
The 76ers shot 39 percent as a team in game one as the trio of Embiid, Harris and Jimmy Butler drove the team into the ground. The three stars combined to score a mere 40 points on 15-of-47 shooting (32 percent), only six more points than Leonard and Siakam’s supporting cast.
Back-to-back poor performances from the 76ers is unlikely, especially with the star-studded starting lineup of Simmons, J.J. Redick, Butler, Harris and Embiid. Expect much improved shooting and continued rebounding excellence from Philadelphia in game two.
However, Toronto’s potent defense will be on display and if Leonard and Siakam can get more help from their role players, the Raptors may see similar success in game two.
