NBA Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors’ Greatest Strength Continues To Be Defense

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Toronto Raptors

Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors seemed to have gotten back to their old ways during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans but couldn’t maintain it in a close loss. A small burst of hard-fought defense proved how crucial that part of the game is to the Raptors.

For several minutes during the end of the third quarter, Toronto turned back the clock to earlier this season. The Raptors’ hustle, team contribution defense came back and sparked an offensive performance fans have not seen for quite some time. Around four minutes left in the third was the first time the Raptors took a lead in a game since Jan. 14 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

During this time every Raptor on the court contributed the way they have been all season. Greivis Vasquez, who had a good overall game, started shooting and passing the ball making the game more up-tempo. Lou Williams also made his presence felt when we started driving the ball and taking it in on Jimmer Fredette and taking contact on the three-point line. The defense continued to step up and made it obvious that Toronto has been missing that part of their game.

In the beginning of the season Toronto ranked in the top five for points scored and points allowed; this was when the Raptors were at their best. As the points allowed kept increasing game after game, the Raptors managed to win with offense, but it was only a matter of time before it would catch up to them.

Toronto now ranks 21st in points allowed. However, defense is not just to limit their opponents, as the young team thrives of the high intensity that comes with it. Stops lead to transition play which increases their tempo. If the Raptors want to get back to the way they used to play, they must play hard defense all the time and the offense will follow.

Abdikarim Hashi is a NBA writer for www.RantSports.com. You could follow him to Twitter @GoldHashi, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google. 

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