Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: 10 takeaways from the first quarter of the 2017-18 season

By Evan Dyal

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts in front of Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks after hitting a three point shot during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 110-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts in front of Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks after hitting a three point shot during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 110-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors shouts instructions to his team as they play the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors shouts instructions to his team as they play the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Toronto has a bench 

These are not the same old Raptors. No longer are the Drake’s relying on Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan to do everything. They are counting on their young pups and C.J Miles, and it’s paying off. Miles gives them some much-needed shooting for a team who needs it. Rookie OG Anunoby is now starting and has been great defensively while holding his own on offense.

Young point guards Fed Van Fleet, and Delon Wright (who is now injured) have been solid behind Lowry. Up front, Jakob Poeltl has brought some scoring inside, while Lucas Nogueira has brought some shot blocking.

Toronto is now deep at every position. Pat Siakam has filled in admirably for an injured Serge Ibaka and has been much-improved offensively. The Raptors best lineup that has played at least 20 minutes features both Siakam and Anunoby.

The young guys with Miles, pass, shoot threes and defend. The newly upgraded bench gives the Raps more versatility, and more importantly more ball movement. Toronto is 3rd in offense, 8th in assists and ninth in turnovers. They are an incredible 3rd in effective field goal percentage. Defensively Toronto is a solid 11th in efficiency. The starters still deserve credit, but the bench is the difference this year.

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