So far this season the Toronto Raptors have not looked good. They’ve had a few close games and have lost by 1 point twice. Coming into tonight their record was 2-8 and they were in much need of a win.
And they got it.
The Raptors went to the bread and butter: The Fast break. They’ve been the top team in fast break points for the past two years and this game they were looking for easy buckets.
The Raptors have also shifted to giving Chris Boucher more minutes at center and we may see him get the starting position soon. The Raptors lost Serge Ibaka and Mark Gasol in the off season and brought in Aaron Baynes and Alex Len. Both Baynes and Len are talented players but it’s different to replace the experience and skill of their former big men. Baynes so far has had some rock hands and hasn’t shown the shooting touch he’s had in previous years. He should be able to pick things up but has already seen his minutes reduced. Len’s shooting has been much better but hasn’t seen much time. Both players don’t have the mobility and shot blocking ability of the previous G-League MVP Boucher.
With the win tonight and improved play over the last few games Toronto has started to find their footing. They still need improved and consistent play for Pascal Siakim. But with their renewed focus of pushing the ball and giving bigger minutes to Boucher the Raptors look like they’ve hit a turning point and they should get back to their winning ways.
