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NBA Toronto Raptors

5 Takeaways From Toronto Raptors’ Early-Season Play

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5 Takeaways From Toronto Raptors' Early-Season Play

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The Toronto Raptors were one of last year’s best surprises, winning 14 more games than the year before and moving up seven spots in the Eastern Conference standings to secure the No. 3 overall seed. This season, they look to take that next step and become a true contender. Through three weeks, they continue to surprise. Here are five takeaways from their early-season play.

5. They Are The Most Balanced Team In The League

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5. They Are The Most Balanced Team In The League

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Ranked third in offensive rating and sixth in defensive rating, no other team can boast such high ratings on both sides of the court. Through three weeks, no other team has shown the type of consistency that the Raptors do on a nightly basis.

4. DeMar DeRozan Plays Really Hard

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4. DeMar DeRozan Plays Really Hard

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We all know that DeRozan is one of the premier shooting guards in the league, but one of the more overlooked aspects of his game is just how much effort he gives during the course of a game. This is evident in the fact that he ranks seventh in overall distance traveled per game at 2.4 miles per game and 21.3 miles covered on the season so far.

3. They Are One Rebounder Away From A Championship

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3. They Are One Rebounder Away From A Championship

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Their only real area of weakness right now is on the boards, where they rank 25th in the league at 39.4 rebounds per game. I love what Amir Johnson gives this team, but his 5.3 RPG at the power forward position is an area where they can really improve upon. Oh, and their center, Jonas Valanciunas isn’t pulling down many more at 7.4 RPG. If they are going to be a true contender, they must upgrade this aspect.

2. They Can Get Better At Offensive Efficiency

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2. They Can Get Better At Offensive Efficiency

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They are currently tied for second with Portland for most points scored a night (105.4). The scary thing about that is they aren’t shooting or sharing the ball very well right now, and there is a lot of room for improvement in those areas. They are 17th in overall field goal percentage (44.3 percent), 20th in three-point percentage (32.8 percent) and 28th in assists (18.4 APG).

1. Nobody Is Talking About How Good They Really Are

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1. Nobody Is Talking About How Good They Really Are

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Regardless of everything you just read, not many people are talking about the Raptors and they continue to fly under the radar. At 7-2, they are currently second in the Eastern Conference, and their only defeats came on a road loss to the Heat and a home loss to the Bulls, two of the premier teams in the East. This team has all the pieces to compete for the top seed.

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