With the NBA now in full swing, the Raptors sit alone at the top of the league with the best record at 23-9. Most knew that the Raptors would be a team to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference, but nobody could’ve predicted that they would hold the best record in the league. They also beat the Warriors, the repeat defending champs, twice this season already and once without Leonard.
So, Why Are the Raptors Good?
First off, trading for Kawhi Leonard will make your team better overnight, even if that means losing DeMar DeRozan. A few emerging performances from Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby have helped drastically. Both are good two-way players, but Siakam is quickly becoming one of the best two-way players we got in the league today. Toronto also acquired Danny Green in the trade with the Spurs, who has been great so far this season on both ends and a veteran leader. Last but not least, two career resurrections have occurred in Toronto. Serge Ibaka has finally returned to his form in which he was in his time in OKC. He stretches the floor very well and plays solid defense on anyone. Kyle Lowry has also had a bit of a blossom this year. Yes, I know he’s been great the past four years, but he can now embrace his role more as a facilitator and isn’t relied on as a scorer anymore.
The Offense
The Raptors offense this year has been very fluid and efficient. They sit at 5th in the league in ppg and 11th in apg. The North are also 8th in 3p% and 5th in FT%. With numbers like these, that calls for one of the best offenses in the league. Leonard leads the way with 26.6 ppg. Ibaka sits at 16.7 ppg. Siakam is third with 14.4, then Lowry is 4th with 14.2. However, Lowry makes up for the scoring with averaging 10 assists per game.
The Defense
Being good at defense in such an offensive dominating league is still somewhat important. The Raptors just so happen to be good on that side of the ball, too. So far this season, Toronto ranks 8th in total team defense per game. With three defensive juggernauts, this team con really frustrate super teams like Golden State or Boston. Leonard, Siakam, and Ibaka can guard every position 1-5 anywhere on the court. Leonard and Siakam have the characteristics of lockdown defenders, which can help them in their hopes of taking down Golden State in the finals.
Can Toronto Dethrone Golden State?
Right now, I don’t know yet if the Raptors could take the Warriors in a seven-game series. They have beaten the Warriors twice this year already, but we all know that Boogie Cousins will be back in action by the time the finals come around, who might make them unstoppable. I think if Toronto had another player that they could rely on for a score if they needed it, then I would be more confident in what they can accomplish. However, this is still a great team that can shake up the playoffs.
