Raptors take commanding 2-0 lead over Brooklyn Nets

As the playoffs begin this year after quite a tumultuous season, we were treated to a display of determination and skill Monday night. The 2nd seeded Toronto Raptors were locked and loaded to commence what many believe could be a championship run. With a record of 53-19 during the shortened season, the Raptors were poised to break their 59-23 record from the 2017-2018 season and reach 60 wins. With the 2nd best record in the NBA, things are looking up. The meteoric rise of Pascal Siakam, named MIP player last year, has been the subject of many discussions throughout the league this season. The recurrent question, however, asks if he can truly be a #1 option on a contending team. Having signed a 4-year 129,000,000$ MAX contract this offseason, he needs to produce. Before the lockdown, he displayed exceptional basketball skills, averaging 27 points and making the all-star starters team. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic arrived at our doorstep, we saw a halt to his development. This might be down to simply being rusty after a long break, but some fans are worried the he is taking quite some time to find his groove again. The raptors have sharpened their claws and are ready to dig into the competition after having gone 7-1 in the NBA bubble, the lone loss coming at the hands of the Boston Celtics.

Raptors got off to a hot streak resulting in as much as a 33 point lead early on, due to the fast style pick-and-roll plays often facilitated by “Big Spain” Marc Gasol, a veteran just oozing with basketball IQ. Highlighting the night was Fred Vanvleet, who not only shot 80% from the 3-pt line, but had a 30 point, 11 assist, game to break his career high playoff record. The way he is able to penetrate the defense to score in the paint against much bigger opponents is a testament to his gritty style of play and winning attitude. Also chipping in with 22 points and 7 rebounds is Serge Ibaka. The veteran big man punished his adversaries in the paint as usual which greatly helped pushing the lead into the double digits.

The Raptors are a deep team. This is showcased multiple times from the sheer amount of talent that can be called upon off of the bench. Rookies of the likes of Terrence Davis, and Chris Boucher can provide much needed momentum should the starters fall in a basket drought, as such was the case during the 3rd quarter. Evidently, the Raptors triumphed by quite a large margin, seizing back a 20 point lead in the 4th quarter to subsequently hammer down onto the defeated Nets.

The X factor within the team remains the inability for the opponents to single out a single threat as any player is more than capable of bursting for a 20+ point game on any given night. Such an anomaly was displayed Wednesday afternoon as the raptors trailed for the majority of the game. Hot comes in guard Norman Powell, exploding with intensity to give the raptors back the lead in crunch time. Such performances can be expected as Powell seems to have taken a leap in performance this year. Often criticized for his inconsistent play, Powell averaged 16 points this season, and can swing the game in the Raptors favor whenever he gets in his zone. The backcourt duo of Fred Vanvleet and Kyle Lowry chipped in for 24 and 21 points respectively, although some early shooting troubles meant that the raptors had to rely more on Pascal Siakam to provide early on.

Marc Gasol performed horrendously throughout his 17 minutes of play and was thus, promptly removed in favor of Ibaka, who, although not filling up the stat sheets, provided a much better value with a 18+/-. Late in the 4th quarter, the Raptors led by 3 points and a clutch power dunk by Norman Powell off of a steal by Kyle Lowry sealed the win with only 5.6 seconds remaining. An ugly win, but a win nonetheless, as the raptors look to extend the lead to 3-0 on Friday afternoon. Coach Nick Nurse mentioned how every game plays out differently, and how the players will have to better prepare for the next one to avoid close contested debacles such as this.

As the Boston Celtics take a commanding 2-0 lead over the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers, the probability of a second round match-up between the two powerhouses seems very likely. However, having lost 3 times against the Celtics this season, the Raptors must make adjustments to ensure the victory. As evidenced by the losses of both 1st seeds Tuesday night, anything is possible. The Raptors with determination and a “win at all costs” attitude have what it takes to go all the way. The path they take remains to be seen, but they are in great shape to become back-to-back NBA champions.