NBA: 3 talking points heading into the second half of the season
By Quinn Allen
Toronto exceeding expectations
After losing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green in the offseason, a lot of people believed that the Raptors would have no shot at contending this season. Boy, were they wrong. With their core group of budding superstar Pascal Siakam, a new and improved Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry, and Serge Ibaka, among others, Toronto is currently red-hot. Before the break, the defending champions went on a 15-game winning streak, before losing to Brooklyn last week.
During that span, seven players were averaging more than ten points per contest, with Siakam leading the way with 21.7 points per game and Lowry putting up 18.2 during the streak.
The Raps have dealt with their fair share of injuries this season, but their deep roster has been extremely impressive when starters were absent. From rookie Terence Davis to OG Anunoby, who’s seen more playing time since Norman Powell injured his finger, their starters and second unit players have all played a part in Toronto’s success.
They have five players who are averaging at least 15 points per night, with first-time All-Star Siakam scoring a career-best 23.5 points while grabbing 7.5 rebounds. The 25-year-old continues to solidify himself as one of the most exciting players in the league and a vital piece to Toronto’s future.
The veteran presence and output on both sides of the floor from Kyle Lowry have been very important for this team as well. He’s averaging 18.6 points and a team-best 7.6 assists per game, proving night after night to be a selfless player who will do anything to win basketball games. Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell are also having tremendous campaigns, putting up career highs across the board. With the absence of Leonard and Green, these two have stepped right up and contributed at a high level.
As a team, the Raptors have shot the ball very well from 3-point range, sitting third in the league with a 37.7 percentage from downtown. With numerous players who are absolute pests on defense like Lowry, VanVleet, and Siakam, Toronto is second in the association in defensive rating and also second in steals with 8.8 per game.
I don’t think they’re going to contend for a title, but I do believe that Nick Nurse’s team has what it takes to give the Bucks a run for their money in the East. Through and through, they’re a very solid team. Their lengthy winning streak proves what Toronto is really capable of.