Usually, being severely worried 2 games into a series with a record of 1-1 is silly – but not with this team and this playoff history.
As the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference, and while looking like an elite team the entire season, I expected the Raptors to get their first playoff home-opener victory in the DeMar-Kyle era. While I am disappointed in my incorrect and expected outcome, I still believe that the Raptors will win this series, thus proceeding to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With that said, every Raptors fan – including me - is worried about another first round exit. Paul George, in two games, has torched the Raptors. George is playing like the elite player he has been throughout his career. George is a player that has had difficulty performing against the Raptors during the regular season. The Raptors succeeded in the task of containing and suppressing George in their 4 matchups during the regular season, but so far in the postseason, he is taking advantage of pick-and-roll scenarios and getting easy looks for himself. George has already doubled his season average against the Raptors in Game 1 (16.3 points vs. 32 points). The Raptors have to make it hard for George on the offensive and defensive end. Easier said than done, but expect a decline in Luis Scola’s minutes and an increased role for Patrick Patterson, Norman Powell, DeMarre Carroll, and maybe even James Johnson – more versatile defenders who can switch effectively on opposing players. In addition to the superiority of George, another factor that could play a significant part in the demise of Toronto is the emergence of a second star, something the Raptors have had experience with regarding Washington in the 2015 playoffs, notably Bradley Beal and Otto Porter. Monta Ellis strikes me as the prime candidate of George’s sidekick. Ellis excels offensively and in transition, but struggles defensively; the Raptors have to exhaust him at that end of the court. The Raptors have to take advantage of his defensive woes, as Ellis is usually tasked with the easy job of guarding Norman Powell. Zach Lowe of ESPN has an interesting method of combating and punishing Ellis: “One method: Have Joseph, Lowry and DeRozan screen for each other in jumbles with one Raptor big man. Good things happened when Toronto did this in Game 1, and it's an easy way to make Ellis do actual work on defense.” The success of the Raptors ultimately revolves around their all-star duo playing at an all-star level. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry both disappeared in their first two games of the postseason. While Lowry is still effective as a defender and playmaker, the duos offensive struggles are a significant hindrance to their success. As long as DeRozan and Lowry continue shooting 27% from the field, the Raptors cannot expect to succeed in this series. The DeRozan-Lowry duo is one of the best guard duos in the league, but both are playing at a subpar level. Both players must get back to playing at the elite level. The two guards went from averaging 44.7 PPG, and accounting for 43.5% of the Raptors’ offence to averaging 26.5 PPG, accounting for 28.2% of the team’s offence. It is surprising at all that the Raptors won Game 2, but fortunately for the them, Patterson, Joseph and Jonas Valanciunas have been playing at a phenomenal level, hiding DeRozan and Lowry’s inefficiencies. The Raptors have so far looked ugly in the postseason, and as their postseason shifts to Indianapolis, it will be interesting to see if their stars can respond and get some wins on the road. If the Raptors do lose this series, expect Masai Ujiri to make serious changes. The question of the summer will be: DeRozan or Casey? Or both?
0 Comments
adidas Ultra Boost Shoes - Black, White, Grey
An abundance of comfy mixed with street fashion. The Ultra Boost is difficult to purchase because of the overwhelming demand it has garnered. This shoe is weight-defying and has become popular in recent years; it is one of the genuinely light sneakers available while appealing to streetwear connoisseurs. The neutral colour way of this Ultra Boost can compliment any outfit. Breathable upper for a flexible fit while giving a weightless feel. Mamba Day NIKEID option for the Kobe XI - Black, Gold, Blue A gesture of appreciation to the Mamba and everything he has done in his Basketball career. It is Kobe’s last year in the league and Nike has been releasing countless classic Kobe sneakers as an ode to the legend’s legacy. One of the sneakers in which Nike will release is a NIKEID option for the Kobe XI, only available April 13th 2016 (the day of Kobe’s last game in the NBA). Any sneakerhead would love to get their hands on these. Great for athletes: Flex grooves for multidirectional movements; responsive cushioning for shock absorption; and lightweight support for agile movements. |
Categories
All
Archives
September 2016
|