Back-to-back blowout losses against the New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets (comeback not-withstanding), the Toronto Raptors are getting majorly exposed as teams scout their iso-dominant offense, and scheme-heavy defense which often leaves wide gaps for corner shooters.
The Raptors ruthlessly double stars, and the teams with more than one generally figure them out by the second half. Box and 1. Triangle and 1. 1-3-1. Zones. Presses. Nick Nurse has a lot of tricks. But what happens when players refuse to execute? Refuse to close out? Refuse to help? Refuse to rotate?
Well, what happens is the league’s WORST half-court offense gets exposed, and the inmates currently running the asylum show what they look like when the defense sags? The Raptors have given non-stars the creativity liberty only enjoyed by superstars. And while they have the green light to take off balance fade aways with 20 seconds on the clock, ill-advised contested midrange shots, and to chuck without conscience, when the defense stops carrying the offense, the offense gets shown for what it is; fraudulent.
The Raptors enjoyed a bit of continuity compared to other teams. But with second-year-player Scottie Barnes struggling to find any flow in this offense, OG Anunoby back to being an afterthought, Fred VanVleet shooting the worst percentages he’s shot in 4 years, and Siakam playing the role of Doncic, with half the skill and vision, the Raptors desperately need an intervention.
CHAPTERS
0:00- INTRO
0:30- DEFENSE
2:53- BAD SHOT DIET & HERO BALL
4:14- IQ & TRUST ISSUES
5:58- SELFISH CULTURE
7:43- GOOD BASKETBALL EXAMPLES
#scottiebarnes #torontoraptors #brooklynnets
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16 Comments
I'm beginning to think the problem is Nick Nurse.
Where is the film of the 7 turnovers Scottie had last game
The team culture feels different from most years. Almost feels like the players might have been affected by the trade rumors over the offseason…
I need more time. I see many problems, but also fatigue. I think the team is both mentally, and physically exhausted from the terrible schedule, and injuries. I see a GTJ trade coming soon.
Pascal and Fred don't give 100% on defense.
ISO basketball sucks!!!
Chris Boucher doesn't have a leash….17% from 3 since November…. and still allowed to shoot??!!!
I just want to say…. I knew this would eventually happen when Siakam said he's trying to be top 5.
This format makes you the most unique Raptors content creator on youtube. Keep it up!
All credit to you for watching these games and taking notes. I can tell the Raptors are cooked very early and go do something more exciting and less painful like watching paint dry.
Watching a Nick Nurse offense is so painful. Our entire offense is a 3 man weave to start, then ultimately an iso situation. So predictable, so boring, so easy to defend. Plus he hates a dynamic offensive player. Our roster is filled with average to above average role players, who have length & supposedly play defense. This team needs a serious talent upgrade 🤷🏾♂️
All great points! I especially agree with Part 4 – Selfishness which is so shocking for this team. They used to be a cohesive unit with great ball sharing and now all of a sudden they’re doing this?? It’s so hard to watch OG & others have a wide open three or to see someone cutting at the perfect time and no ball goes to them. Something is up with the guys, they’re not looking like themselves out there. It’s like each of them is trying to be the one to save a game when all they really need to do is go back to the team they once were and get the W as a cohesive unit. I’m also not loving how emotional Scottie’s getting. The bad body language can really mess with the other guys’ heads. & If he doesn’t get a call, he shouldn’t spend too much time arguing with the ref, get on the other side and show some defensive effort. All in all, I miss seeing the team we know and love working together. Love your videos and all the hard work you put into them and your community posts!
I miss Lowry. Fvv and pascal are the leaders, they gotta be unselfish. Trade fvv gtj pascal for ball movers/ a true star. Build around og and Barnes at forwards and find actual playmaking guards. Is what I’d do.
Well done!!!!
Dayum, my eyes are sullied for real reaches for visine
Hard to win when we're not a shooting team and the opposition is a shooting team our defense is always the main thing that dictates our wins and losses but we need better offense when defense isn't up to par
Beautifully done. Thank you for that.
It was very stressful game on a. Friday night ague raptors tiring day’s work. I wish the players watch this and do something for the next game . It’s very well put together .
Lowry was the leader everyone was scared of, he had this aura that if you rubbed him off the wrong way you would be out. I don't think Siakam or FVV has that aura. Lowry was respected by the entire league and known as a tough/hard-nosed Pitbull type of character. Again, leadership in teams is very important and tbh I don't see that in this team.
Put me through all that and then you don't gimme no Diaw at the end? For shame.