In NBA highlights last night, the Toronto Raptors beat the Sacramento Kings 113 to 95. It was a convincing win which got their seven game road trip off to a good start. With trade rumors swirling, the Raptors played one of their best games of the season. Hopefully, they can take this momentum into the next game. Here are a few things that caught my eye below.
Strong Defense – The raptors defense was very disruptive. They played connected and got their hands in passing lanes. They converged on the Kings main players such as Sabonis, causing him to have nine turnovers. Yes, you read that right, nine turnovers! They also caused a total of 19 turnovers and had eight blocks. As a result, they controlled the game throughout and never looked back.
NBA Highlights Raptors Beat Kings – A Few Observations
More Passing Please – The Raptors had 29 assists and Scottie Barnes led the way with 10 himself and seemed to be initiating the offense a lot. However, it seemed like the whole team focused on moving the ball which was great to see. I think it is important for the raptors players, in particular the starters to at least touch the ball. Even if they are not the ones to shoot the shot, it keeps them engaged in the game which is so important. Well done!
Precious Achiuwa Was Impressive – When I watch Achiuwa play, one minute I am asking why and then the next minute I am saying wow. This is the Precious Achiuwa experience. However, last night, you saw a lot of wow. He had 19 points on 9 for 12 shooting. His defense is pretty elite and his offensive game is growing. He is hitting the three point shot more often. Also, his athleticism and quickness is off the charts! He is definitely the most athletic player on the Raptors and in the league. He is starting to make better decisions and the game is slowing down for him. Once he puts it all together, he will be a very scary player for the rest of the league. Keep giving Achiuwa minutes!
Nick Nurse Still Needs to Play More Players – Nick Nurse went with an eight man rotation last night and it worked out well. However, you had players such as Scottie Barnes and Fred Van Fleet still playing 38 mins each which is still too high. The Raptors play seven games in 12 days and Nurse needs to play a player or two more. I get why he is doing it because this stretch will determine what moves the Raptors will make at the trade deadline. However, if you burn out your players, then you might lose games anyway. Even worse players might get injured from the wear and tear. If nurse can play nine or even 10 players and bring the starters minutes down a bit more, this will serve them well moving forward.
Conclusion
The Raptors played hard last night and got a win against a good team. They realize that they need to put things together or changes will be made. If they can sustain this type of effort, then this could be a very successful road trip. However, I do worry that because they have to exert so much energy in Nick Nurse’s defensive schemes, they might burn out or get injured. So I am hoping that Nurse uses a few more players to relieve the starters. However, last night’s win gives hope on what this Raptors team can do when they are locked in. Hopefully it continues on to the next game.
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