Opening week has been eventful to say the least. Game 1 offered a microcosm of last season (in reverse order) with a blistering second-half bailing out a frustrating first. Friday night’s trip to Boston provided much of the same, though it also suggested the Raptors might be ready to take a leap in the category of closing out games, while stifling a team’s momentum at the same time. A renewed intensity on defense comes in handy when a matchup features 11 lead changes and 11 ties throughout.
It’s way too early in the year for pivotal moments, but that doesn’t mean adversity can’t be right around the corner. After Sunday’s tilt at home vs. Milwaukee, the Raps must prepare themselves for 10 of their next 12 games on the road, with four straight setting off the gauntlet. The Eastern Conference promises to be a scratch-and-claw battle for position to the bitter end, so leaving home on a high note becomes more important than usual.
Seeing Amir Johnson suit up for the opposition was undoubtedly a weird experience, as his six years of hustle will forever reside in the folklore of Toronto’s sports scene. Well, get ready for another bizarre feeling with Greivis Vasquez on deck. His fanfare and productivity can’t compare to that of AJ’s, though it’s safe to assume the majority of us never expected Vasquez to have the impact he did. A mix of defensive inefficiencies and clutch shooting made for more than a few violent swings of support, but all in all, the Bucks’ new backup PG/SG should receive more applause than disapproval from the home crowd.
There most likely won’t be any Lebron-Wade type handshakes beforehand, though. And luckily for the Raps, the Bucks will still be playing the waiting game when it comes to last year’s second overall pick, Jabari Parker.
Now, since we’ve all gotten an extra hour of sleep, let’s continue with a breakdown of what we could be in store for.
Front and Center: More Valanciunas, Please and Thank You
It’s no secret the Bucks are built around defense and, arguably, the league hasn’t seen a more impressive jump in that department when one surveys the Defensive Efficiency Rankings. Thanks to the groundwork laid by the then newly-anointed bench boss, Jason Kidd, a mock-worthy 29th overall rating (108.9 Points Per 100 Possessions) in 2013-14 took a quantum leap last season all the way up to a second place finish (99.3). Trailing only the eventual champs, Golden State. Fingers crossed Casey has been doing the same thing this whole time? Wishful thinking, indeed.
But where there’s a loophole, there’s a way to attack. The Bucks’ weakness is in the interior, as their status relied heavily on defending the perimeter. A 1st overall position in fewest Opponent Field-Goals Made, holding team’s to a mark of just 35.6, helped mask a troubled 24th overall Defensive Rebound Rate. And don’t let ranking 7th in lowest Points Allowed in the Paint fool you, as most teams were literally on the outside looking in more often than not.
Enter Jonas Valanciunas, along with a prime spot for production. We’ve seen both sides of coin already in terms of JV’s involvement, playing the role of savior in the opener (if only 32 minutes was his floor), while existing as an afterthought in the follow-up. His flair for foul trouble didn’t do him any favors but, neither did his teammates knack for losing sight of him down on the blocks.
The arrow is pointing up, though, in both his game and towards his full-time integration into this offense. I’ll stop short of getting too excited due to the fact that it won’t be consistent anytime soon. We simply have to live with big games happening organically whenever the game script allows for it. But if there was ever a time to force the issue, Sunday night is ripe for the picking.
The responsibility to make it happen and penetrate such a formidable defense lies on the backcourt (more on them in a bit), but the task becomes much easier if it’s designed as the mission ahead of time.
There is a flip side, however, as all of the above relates to the same concerns when it comes the Raps’ defense up front. Newly acquired Free Agent, Greg Monroe, wasn’t brought in for his chops on D, but he could very well trump all involved on the offensive end. Back-to-back 22-point performances with a 14-board outing mixed in has Monroe in full swing. So don’t be surprised if DeMarre gets the call to aid the troops at the four-spot. Hell, maybe even James Johnson will finally get a chance.
Though with the aforementioned Parker still out, shot-blocker John Henson being questionable due to a sore achilles whether he plays or not, the Raps should be able to dictate how these scenarios play out for the most part.
Besides, DeMarre will have his hands full elsewhere.
Hot Wings: DeMarre Carroll vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Try saying his last name once, let alone five times fast)
Carroll has wasted little time silencing his contract doubters, showcasing his two-way game from the jump. But it’s more than his timely and clutch spot-up threes, more than his help on the glass, and goes further than his tenacious presence on defense. Watching Caroll move without the ball is a sight to behold. Knowing when to stay outside, when to cut to the rim, and just understanding situations has Carroll on the short-list of biggest offseason steals, and a perfect fit for this team. Yes, even this early, and even with his contract.
VIDEO: DeMarre Carroll is the perfect role player. Look at those spot-up 3s and clever baseline cuts. https://t.co/sp5rVFghVx
— Raptors Republic (@raptorsrepublic) October 31, 2015
To top it all off, DeMarre’s ability to play through pain has also come as advertised. How many of you had thoughts of DeRozan sliding to the floor in agony race through your mind when Carroll went down in Game 1, I know I did. That is until I remembered his track record. My fears quickly turned into confidence that he’d be back on the floor in no time. Setting the example is just another attribute we’re all going to love about DC.
But wait, there’s more! What else could he possibly provide? Well, how about the majority of times he’ll receive the assignment of checking the opposition’s best player, I know Paul George left Toronto in a frustrated state. Who’s up next? Milwaukee’s rising star, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Fresh off his season debut, which featured 27 Points, 9 Boards, 3 Steals, 10 Free-Throw Attempts, and a three thrown in, Giannis’s versatile arsenal is on the verge of mega media attention. A skill-set with elements of Carroll’s game, though DeMarre has never been pegged to play all five positions, nor has his one-on-one game owned the same upside. One that will eventually help set “The Greek Freak” apart. Though he may have already accomplished that feat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo should go to jail for this dunk on Nene https://t.co/dWTEPUW6Pu (h/t @BehindTheBucks) https://t.co/ktq2PKsjBy
— SB Nation NBA (@SBNationNBA) October 31, 2015
DeMarre to the rescue yet again? Considering there’s not a player on this roster other than Carroll who can properly hold down the fort, we better hope so.
The guard rotation can help the cause, but they might be too busy with what should be their primary focus.
Backcourt Vision: Veterans Looking to School the Inexperienced
Just like JV, DeRozan’s issues are trending in the right direction, and a compromise of sorts is currently on the table. As much as we long for DeMar to quit taking suspect mid-rangers, we may be forced to realize he simply won’t evolve in that area. Though we can hold a bit of confidence in him kicking the habit of dribbling into double-teams, while choosing not to pass his way out, which ends up in a forced possession. Right?
Kidd and company are currently rewinding his game tape over and over again.
However, DD’s first two stat-lines are too impressive not to hold weight. Even though the book is somewhat out on DeMar’s free-throw line tendencies, 30 trips to the stripe in two games earns plenty of props. Not to mention a 12-spot in boards and assists, where both are far above the norm. That level can’t last but an early effort to raise his overall presence is apparent. Which offers some middle ground that I think most of us would take. Max-dollars on the other hand is a story for another day.
His counterpart, Khris Middleton, is just that. Fundamentally sound and the stabilizing factor holding the Bucks’ backcourt together. Never flashy, but in the right place at the right time while pitching in across the board. Highlighted by his 1.4 threes and 1.6 steals per game in 58 starts last season.
A complementary piece to Point Guard, Michael Carter-Williams, who much like DeRozan, and to a lesser extent, Lowry, can get out of control at inopportune times. A scenario that shrinks the use of his definitive height advantage over K-Low. He comes with a defensive reputation attached, though it’s debatable how many times a turnover is forced in comparison to the mistakes of the opposition falling into his lap. MCW has been trending south since Philly pulled the trade trigger. Vasquez, anyone?
Which leads to Kyle Lowry. Who not too long ago could have slid under the same description. But he’s seemingly evolving before our eyes. We’ll take a bit of erratic shooting if it comes with getting others involved along with his current court awareness. Pushing the tempo and setting up the half-court is once again a positive characteristic. 38 and 34 minutes so far, however, need to be scaled back a bit.
Both DeMar and Lowry will get theirs (or at least attempt to), but if the main objective tonight strays too far from capitalizing on a frontcourt weakness, disappointment should creep into the picture, even in a victory.
Predictions
The names I failed to mention in this piece, mainly Patterson, Scola, Joseph, Biyombo, and Ross, all have a chance to make an impact. Particularly Luis and Bismack if I want to stick to my personal blueprint.
PP is earning more trust each time out, but he’s a bit out of place in this one. Joseph’s underrated ball-handling and drives to the hoop can help ease the burden in nearly every department. This could be a time where a lineup of CJ, K-Low, DD, DC, and JV gets a little more experimental run.
Which only leaves Terry Ross. All aboard?
Well, the opportunity to take advantage of the Bucks’ second-unit is wide open.
Score: Neither team cracks the 100 mark in a close-for-three-quarters showdown. The Raps head to Dallas undefeated. 99-88.
Happy Belated Halloween.
