We are now about a week into the NBA season.
The Raptors are not off to the start they were hoping for. Everybody knew it would likely be another developmental year for the young Toronto squad. However, a 1-4 record at the end of October might be the scariest Halloween surprise for the Toronto faithful.
Every game has had its fair share of positive and negative takeaways. Here is an early-season recap for anybody who may have missed the start of what is hopefully an exciting season.
A Slow Start (Loss vs. Cleveland: 106-136)
It was a rough opening night in the Scotiabank Arena.
The Raptors’ starting lineup was missing premier wing-scorer RJ Barrett, who was nursing a lingering shoulder injury. However, there is no excuse for the Raptors’ performance that night.
An atrocious shooting night by star forward Scottie Barnes headlined the Raptors’ offensive woes. The lone bright spots were Gradey Dick and Chris Boucher, who had 16 and 18 points, respectively.
However, the Toronto defense secured the loss. Evan Mobley looked like an MVP candidate, feasting on the Raptors’ weak frontcourt. Mobley’s 25-point, nine-rebound performance highlighted the biggest holes in this current Raptors squad.
A Glimmer of Hope (Win vs Philidelphia: 115-107)
After that atrocious start, the Raptors bounced back against a banged-up 76ers squad.
A 27-point performance out of Barnes glimmered the potential for greatness that Raptors fans have become accustomed to. That, along with a 19-point, nine-rebound performance out of Jakob Poeltl, ensured the Raptors a win.
A win is a win, but other factors must be considered.
The 76ers were without two of their best players. Paul George and Joel Embiid were both out of the starting lineup. Even without them, the Sixers managed to keep the game close.
Once again, the Raptors’ defensive incompetence almost stole the show. 24 points for Tyrese Maxey is one thing, but 28 points for Kelly Oubre? Unacceptable. The Raptors’ inability to shut down more than one offensive weapon may be their downfall again this year.
Raptors Couldn’t Crush an Ant (at Minnesota: Loss 101-112)
It was another loss for the Raptors in Minnesota, but this may have been their best showing up to this point.
Barnes put up another spectacular showing with 20 points in about 37 minutes. However, it was young sharpshooter Gradey Dick who stole the show.
Dick exploded for 25 points in an offensive exhibition rarely displayed in his rookie year. If Dick continues to be this consistent on the offensive end, he could become a true number two option behind Scottie Barnes.
https://twitter.com/RapsShowYo/status/1850363658859086278
Despite the offensive fireworks out of the Raptors’ starters, they could not stop superstars Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle on the other side.
The newly acquired Randle looked like he settled into the Timberwolves’ offense. Following his 33-point performance against the Kings, he dropped another 24 against Toronto.
https://twitter.com/Timeless_Hoops/status/1850488003912753247
Edwards’s contribution of another 24 points and six rebounds was the nail in the coffin for Toronto. Another great offensive performance that was offset by the Raptors’ inability to get a stop on defense.
Make Your Free Throws Please (Loss vs. Denver: 125-127)
This one hurt.
With a minute left, Toronto was clinging on to a six-point lead. A post-spin move by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic cut that lead down to just four. Then, the borderline unthinkable happened.
Davion Mitchell missed a free throw that would have iced the game. Then, down two, Jamal Murray hits a last-second up-and-under layup to send the game to OT.
From there, the Nuggets showed their experience, whereas the Raptors showed their lack thereof.
The Nuggets ended up squeaking this one out, winning by two. While Raptors fans may look at this game and think at least they competed, one major part of this game has been left out.
In the fourth quarter, Scottie Barnes and Nikola Jokic went up for a rebound. Barnes took a forearm to the eye. What looked like it could have just been a poked eye ended up being a right orbital fracture. This injury will hold Barnes out for at least three weeks.
https://twitter.com/ChrisGraf21/status/1851683486215631122
Despite Barnes’ loss, this game featured the return of RJ Barrett. He showed no signs of rust and dropped 20 points in the losing effort. With RJ’s return, there might be a chance to keep the ship afloat while Barnes misses the better part of November.
A New Era in Toronto? (Loss at Charlotte: 133-138)
It’s still early in the season, but it’s hard not to react to the new-look offense that incorporated Gradey Dick.
A career-high 30-point performance out of Dick should have propelled the Raptors to their second win of the season (even without Barnes). But, of course, the defense once again gave the game away.
https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1852003571790758294
72 bench points for the Hornets blew away any offensive effort the Raptors mustered up.
At a certain point, it should just be expected. Opponents are averaging 124 points per game against the Raptors. The new look offense is certainly exciting, and it will be intriguing to see what Dick has in store for the Toronto faithful as the season progresses.
But giving up 72 points to the Hornets bench? That’s simply not a winning strategy today, tomorrow, or ever.
Key Takeaways
Nobody thinks the Raptors are winning it all this year. They are young and are still trying to establish themselves in a new, more loaded Eastern Conference.
However, the biggest red flag is the lack of a defensive identity. Last year when the Raptors struggled, glimpses of the offensive talent they are displaying this year were shown. But so far, there has been no sign of any defensive strength from this roster.
It’s still early, and people shouldn’t give up on this squad yet. But an increased focus on the defensive side of the ball would do wonders. the offense is flowing better than last year. It’s time to commit that same dedication to the defensive side of the ball.
Defense wins championships after all.
Leave a comment