Game Thoughts- Raptors @ Sixers

Raptors 108, Sixers 98.

Despite what has been a truly inconsistent start to the season, the Raptors moved to the top of the Atlantic Division with a comfortable win over Philadelphia. 

It was as if the Raptors had reviewed their defensive performance from the loss against Portland, and realized that Portland's crisp ball movement leading to open jump shots was something lacking from their own offense. While an excellent three-point shooting performance against the Sixers means little (Sixers ranked last in defending three-point shooting), the ball movement on offense was extremely encouraging. 

In particular, the much criticized Rudy Gay seemed to be playing with the thought of passing much more on his mind than what we have come to expect. While he still launched sixteen shots, a number of which as questionable as usual, Rudy threw a career-high eight assists, and passed up a number of shots he would usually take. While maybe I'm just being optimistic, Rudy seemed to take the Houston game (37 shots attempted) to heart, and since then has looked to share the ball at least a bit more.

Demar DeRozan was the architect behind the victory, dropping another 33 points on 10/19 shooting. Demar was red-hot from mid-range, and also hit three 3's. Averaging 33.0 points on just under 51% shooting over the last three games, Demar continues to show his ability to lead this basketball team. 

Terrence Ross, too, was exceptional, delivering another performances highlighting his tremendous potential. Ross is becoming a very solid bench option; his shot is terrific and his athletic ability leads to plays on both ends of the floor.

The most troubling aspect of the win was Jonas Valanciunas' lack of involvement on offense. Jonas was constantly in deep post position demanding the ball, yet the ball would never be delivered to him. This was troubling as it has become a continuing theme throughout the opening twelve games of the season. How can we expect Jonas to fulfil his immense potential if the team isn't even going to let him beat-up on the weaker teams?

All in all, the Raptors showed another glimpse of the the potential this team has. While Raptors fans compared this game to the win against Memphis, this reminded me more of the Utah game; the Raptors are a cut above the teams whose goal for the season is to draft Andrew Wiggins, and this should not come as a surprise to any of us. 

PLAYER VOTES

3 votes- Demar DeRozan (33pts, 10/19FGs, 3/5 3PTs). Carried the team again, took appropriate shots, made them count. In the middle of a fantastic run of form.

2 votes- Terrence Ross (17pts, 7/11FGs, 7rebs). He and Tyler Hansbrough are the only players bringing anything off the bench. Ross is looking a lot better this season though. Brings a lot of energy on defense, too.

1 vote- Rudy Gay (18pts, 6/16FGs, 8asts, 8rebs). Maybe a bit harsh to only get one vote. Rudy did it all in this game. His passing was fantastic and even his shot-selection is improving.

NEXT- 22 November vs Washington.