The Toronto Raptors defeat the Boston Celtics in NBA preseason action 125 to 119. The game looked like it was going to be a rout for the Celtics. However, the Raptors deep bench players had other ideas and played inspired basketball. They brought the team all the way back and took the game into overtime. In overtime, the bench continued the inspired play and won the game.
I felt that I watched two different games last night. The first game with the starters their two main bench players (Achiuwa and Boucher) were thoroughly outplayed by the Celtics. Brown and Tatum had their way with the Raptors. They scored 19 points and 14 points in the first half. Also, the Raptors were horrible in shooting the three only making 2 of 19 in the first half. As a result, the Celtics were able to push the ball in transition for easy looks. The Raptors’ starters looked disjointed, had no flow in their game and lacked offensive toughness. Honestly it was tough to watch.
When the deeper bench players started to play, it was like I was watching a completely different game. Yes they were playing against the Celtics bench players but they dominated them. They played hard and together and they passed the ball to the open man. The closing line up was DJ Wilson, Khem Birch, Jeff Dowtin Jr., Josh Jackson and Gabe Brown. I liked what Josh Jackson said at the end of the game when he was interviewed by Matt and Jack of TSN. When referring to finding the open man and playing together, he basically said that “it is a fun way to play and it must be fun for you to watch.” Yes, it was and thank you Josh Jackson! Here are my pros and cons from last nights game.
Raptors Defeat Celtics in NBA Preseason 125 to 119 Pros
Koloko’s Continued Steady Play – I love Christian Koloko’s play so far this season. And last night was no different. His stat line doesn’t jump out at you as he only had six points, three rebounds, two assists and a block shot. But he changes the game and he helps others to play better. He came in the second quarter but had to leave shortly afterwards because of the bloody nose. But he came back in the second half and had a nice stint. The thing that jumps out at you is that he does all the fundamentals needed to play winning basketball. He sets good picks in the pick and roll. He blocks out his man on the boards. This is huge because the Raptors have a problem with blocking people out. When Koloko is out there, this problem is solved. I really love how he seals his man giving his players open driving lanes to the basket. He also shot 3 for 4 from the field. Well done Koloko!
Josh Jackson, I See you – I think we all see Josh Jackson now. He has been a revelation for the Raptors. His inspired play really ignited the Raptors bench. He was the engine that fueled the comeback. He scored 13 points and was a plus 24 and played hard in the 17 mins he played. I liked how he attacked the basket and played with aggression. He was also aggressive on defensive end getting into players. He and Jeff Dowtin make a nice back court tandem as they played well together. I would like to see more of them together.
Jeff Dowtin Jr. The Next Raptors Back up point, Maybe – If Josh Jackson was the engine of the bench line up, Jeff Dowtin was the Maestro. He had 10 points and five assists and no turnovers in 14 minutes of play. He was running the offense like a seasoned veteran particularly in the half court. Dowtin used the picks set for him well and got into the heart of the defense. He also found the open man when he drove to the basket. In particular he got the ball to Jackson and Brown who both made some big shots. Finally, he hit some clutch baskets himself down the stretch in the fourth quarter and overtime. I love Dowtin’s game and I think at some point this year, he might be the Raptors’ back up point guard. If he keeps playing like this, it might be sooner than later!
The Bench Played Beautiful Basketball – The Raptors defeat of the Celtics was due to the bench. The line up of Dowtin, Jackson, Brown, Wilson and Birch played together and played with a sense of urgency. And for most of them (not Birch) it really is as they are all on non guaranteed deals. They are playing for their basketball lives. If most of these players continue to display this type of effort, there are going to be some tough decisions on who to keep and who to let go. For the Raptors, it is a good problem to have but it will be difficult for sure!
Raptors Defeat Celtics in Preseason 125 to 119 Cons
The Starters Are Out of Sync – The starting line up of Pascal Siakam, Fred Van Fleet, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. looked disjointed. Nothing was smooth and many possessions ended up in a failed three point attempt. There was also a lot of one on one play. As a result, the Celtics starters got the best of them. And things did not get much better when Achiuwa, Boucher and Hernangomez were subbed in. I was trying to put my finger on why they were out of sync.
First, I was thinking it was due to a lack of a true point guard but Van Fleet and Barnes had three assists each. I then started thinking of the Rico Hines summer runs where the Raptors starters dominated most of the runs. I was thinking what was missing from then till now and I came up with one glaring thing, Christian Koloko. Yes, Koloko was playing with the starters in those runs and he provided the rebounding, rim protection and interior offense. As a result, they were dominate and pretty much played on the winners’ court for most of the summer. Perhaps at some point, Raptors might need to add a true big man in the starting line up to do the little things. Maybe it is Koloko (see above) or maybe they acquire someone else. For the time being, we’ll see if the current starting line up can find their rhythm.
Sometimes I Really Hate Help Defense – I really did last night! The constant doubling led to a lot of open looks for Boston, in particular three pointers. Boston kept passing the ball around making the Raptors’ players scramble and eventually finding the open man. The problem is that the ball travels faster than the person. Yes, passing is quicker than running. And if you pass enough, you will find an open man. This is especially true if the Raptors’ are sending help.
Case in point, in the second quarter, Koloko got switched unto a smaller Boston player. The player attempted to drive on Koloko. At that moment, Siakam comes from the corner to double. Immediately, the Boston player passes the ball to Siakam’s man in the corner who is now wide open and that player swishes in a three. Siakam had no chance of getting back to his man. This play was frustrating to watch. First, the Boston player who drove on Koloko actually was not by him. Koloko was recovering and any shot he would make would be difficult. And even if he got by Koloko, Koloko’s length and his ability to recover would still make his shot a difficult one. I do understand why Siakam just ran to double? There was no reason to do so. Also, he doubled on the same side Koloko was on so it did not affect the player at all.
I know Nick Nurse likes to use this scheme to put pressure on the ball and it can work for sure! However, fundamentally sound teams like Boston can exploit it and they did last night. The Raptors gave up a lot of corner three shots last year. This will need to improve a bit for them to compete with the best teams in the east.
Conclusion
Last night the Raptors went to overtime to defeat the Celtics in what turned out to be an exciting game. So far it looks like the Raptors have some good bench players to pick from which good news! Last year, the Raptors had one of the worst benches in the league and that looks like it might improve this year. Hopefully, the starters can find their stride and chemistry in the next few games as you need your starters to be playing well once the season begins. However, I do have some concerns about the starters regarding balance and role definition but hopefully this can be worked out. Onto the next game!
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