The Toronto Raptors entered the season with a bold declaration: they were going to play a fast-paced, aggressive brand of basketball. Nine games into the season, that commitment has yielded mixed results. While their high-powered offense has them leading the NBA in assists per game and ranking eighth in scoring, their defense has become a glaring weakness.
Despite their impressive offensive output, the Raptors find themselves with a 2-7 record. Their inability to consistently defend is the primary culprit. They are allowing a league-worst 124.7 points per game, and while they’ve been competitive in many of their losses, they’ve fallen short in the final minutes. They’ve lost five of their last six games by six points or less.
The Raptors’ struggles to close out games are particularly evident in the high number of turnovers they commit. While their transition defense is impressive, with a league-leading turnover frequency percentage, their offense frequently coughs up the ball, putting their defense in a precarious position.
Adding to their woes, the Raptors have been dealing with key injuries. All-star forward Scottie Barnes has been sidelined with a broken orbital, while point guard Immanuel Quickley is recovering from a right pelvic contusion. The absence of veterans Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown due to injuries has further hampered their depth.
Despite the challenges, the young core of the team remains optimistic. RJ Barrett, a Mississauga native, emphasized the need for the team to learn how to sustain their high level of play over the course of an entire game. He stressed the importance of learning from their mistakes and developing their chemistry as a young team. Gradey Dick, a sophomore swingman, echoed those sentiments, acknowledging that the team can’t settle for close losses but must focus on finishing games strong.
The Raptors’ numbers offer a nuanced understanding of their current situation. Their offense is a force to be reckoned with, fueled by an abundance of offensive rebounds and a focus on driving to the basket. However, the team is struggling to get consistent foul calls despite their aggressive play in the paint. This inconsistency has led to a frustrating disparity in free throw attempts.
As the Raptors continue their west coast road trip, they’ll face the Clippers on Saturday and the Lakers on Sunday. The team will need to find a way to balance their potent offense with a more resilient defense if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
