Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Toronto Raptors won’t go down easily as they look to defend their crown

By Daniel Outerbridge

NBA Toronto Raptors Fred VanVleet (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
NBA Toronto Raptors Fred VanVleet (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Defense wins championships

The Raptors have a penchant for playing terrific defense. They have the second-ranked defense in the league and also rank second in steals and 14th in blocked shots. The Raptors have athletic players that can get back down on the floor on defense and stop fast breaks in their tracks.

Fred VanVleet ranks fourth in the league in steals while Kyle Lowery ranks 24th, as both guards are great at defending the pick-and-roll and are constantly on the floor diving for loose balls. Lowery also leads the NBA in charges taken.

The Raptors have many players who can protect the rim. While Chris Boucher leads the team in blocks, Pau Gasol, Serge Ibaka, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam are all capable of being an anchor defensively.

The Raptors stellar defensive play was a huge reason the Larry O’Brien trophy ended up north of the border in Canada last season.

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