Seven players hit the double-figure mark, 25 dimes were cashed in (Amir leading the way with six, yes, Amir Johnson), 55 percent was shot from the field, with Sweet Lou and Vasquez combining for a +51. Not to mention an appearance made by Bruno with more than 45 seconds left on the clock, a Tom Sterner halftime interview (Got to give the people what they want), and Psycho-T topped it off with his first double-double of the season. Let the good times roll!
Actually, wait. Let’s chill for a sec. Considering the undermanned opponent (No Rubio, K-Mart, Dieng, Pekovic, or KG), perhaps we should tone down the celebration a tad. Hey, keeping and even-keel is our job collectively. But feel free to pop a few bottles quietly, as three wins in a row deserves some recognition. Besides, Friday is a holiday.
First Impressions
Before and after Wednesday night’s tilt with the Timberwolves:
The 82-game grind is quickly coming to an end, and with the Raptors’ 75th episode, we are that much closer to reliving last year’s euphoric level of postseason drama. On the surface, the season’s dog-days are in full swing, after all, there are only so many times one can watch reruns of poor decision making; the Talking Raptors Crew idea of “Absinthe Indulgence” is a tempting one.
But this is why we’re here, it’s why we ride the roller-coaster, even if the difference of opinion in this city knows no bounds. With all things considered, from hardcore fans to fair-weather supporters, the Raps reaching their potential is all that is truly desired.
From one end, the playoffs can’t come soon enough. This loyal fan base has earned that boost of excitement. On the flip-side, I’d undoubtedly would welcome much more regular season action than the 7 games remaining, due to the fact that this team’s chances at a deep playoff run are currently dubious at best. Am I optimistic? It comes with a default disclaimer, but absolutely. The Raps are capable, although the city’s guard is unquestionably up.
If we’re on the same wave length, those were more than enough reasons to keep your focus last night. If not, at least Andrew Wiggins, The Sequel, was about to hit your big screen.
Shout-Out Worthy
- You know those moments whenever Amir begins his shooting motion from behind the arc, and every single one of us switches to panic mode? Well, AJ defied logic once again drilling two in the first quarter. But that’s not what nets him props in the shout-out section. Johnson has sniffed a high-assist total in the past, but it’s a rare sight when it helps to create quality opportunities within the team’s ball-movement efforts.
- As much as Hansbrough can’t finish around the rim without the aid of his own put-back, countless extra possessions have been earned by his work in the trenches. Perhaps his season-high of 18 points a week ago against the Knicks mixed with the aforementioned double-double credentials will create the respect that should already be in place. One of the few Raptors who realizes his limitations, and completely adheres to what’s asked of him.
- Wildcard Williams has been under control lately, and it coincides with Lowry’s absence. More ball-handling responsibility translates to less carelessness. Lou’s season averages of 15.1 points, and 40.1 percent from the field put him in any 6th-man discussion. But when you tally the numbers during K-Low’s two extended stints on the shelf, a spike takes place. A bump up to 17.5 points, (sure, extra minutes leads to add-ons), but mix in 47 percent from the floor over those 10 games and you get a more concentrated effort. Or at least quality variations of his off-balance, float away jumpers.
- I’m going to enter uncharted territory here, at least for yours truly. Dwane Casey deserves a compliment. Halfway through the second quarter, Devlin and Armstrong noted that they could hear DC call out an OFFENSIVE play while in the half-court set. It’s about time. Wait a minute; April Fools, anyone? Had to be.
Broad Strokes
- A redemption of sorts for Wiggins. Lost in the shuffle of the Raps 14-point victory was Wiggins’ 25 large, 5 apiece in boards and assists, with a steal and a rejection to boot. A decided difference from his first showing vs. Toronto on Canadian soil, where suspected jitters and foul trouble led to disappointment.
- Arguably though, he took a backseat to fellow rising rookie Zach LaVine, who much to the chagrin of his early-season, and draft-day naysayers, carries more in his arsenal than just an array of dunks. The kid can dice the lane with relative ease, and carved up Toronto’s all night long with 22 points of his own. In the end, A&W’s 10 trips to the charity stripe acts as the trump-card kicker. But with a seemingly dead crowd (that ugly head of attendance again), and an influx of travelling Raptors’ fans, both get swept under the rug.
- I’m on the fence in terms of what could have taken place in this game. It was clear Valanciunas could have enjoyed a career night as the T-Wolves had no inside counter at either end. As much as people are getting sick of the “Feed JV Movement”, the fight must go on!
- On the contrary, having nine players reach the 20 minute mark and beyond has future benefits in its own right. Competing against a depleted Wolves’ roster could offer an unwelcome ego trip, especially when that lineup outscores you in the paint, while the Raps jack up 30 attempts from downtown, and allow the Wolves to shoot at a 53 percent clip. Laziness shines through on Raptors’ rotations, even in the midst of a romp.
- But through all of the frustration the campaign’s second-half has caused, any notion of confidence is an embraceable swagger.
Up Next
Whether Toronto continues its 3-game momentum is anybody’s guess, Sportsbooks have likely made a killing on the Raps’ inconsistencies all year long. But the remaining seven games provide plenty of entertainment value, considering six of the last seven are up against teams fighting for their playoff lives.
The party’s just getting started. Happy Easter!
