Raptors 102, Mavericks 91 – Quick Reaction, Boxscore, Grandstand, Pre-Game
Feel free to fire up a Cohiba!
Despite the turbulence getting there, the end result does call for a mini-celebration. Not only do the Raps remain undefeated, but they also claimed victory on a highly significant occasion.
Anyone remember where they were when this franchise played their very first regular season game? Were you even alive? Either way, considering T.O. has never started a season 4-0 before this moment, the party is definitely an all ages event.
But before we pump the music, let’s begin with a preliminary perspective.
Even though the Raps have been dealt a daunting road-trip hand this early in the season, the first four games couldn’t have been scheduled any better.
First came the chance to shake off any rust against an inferior opponent, and a test-worthy fight facing off with an up-and-comer soon followed. Which in turn, brought a confidence boost that led to dismantling a team (though depleted) who many think are on equal footing.
The first three provided the perfect steps coming into Dallas, who by all accounts would be their most formidable opposition to date.
So if we’re living in the moment, it’s time to get excited.
*ASTERISK ALERT
I do, however, have to sneak this side note in, because a big-picture reminder should always lurk in the background. Witnessing last season’s 25-6 start crumble into a state of mediocrity should have everyone’s guard up. Those wounds are still fresh.
With such an encouraging beginning to the new campaign, it’s tempting to wipe the slate clean, but we must stay the course.
With that balance in mind, this post-game piece will cover both sides of the equation. To keep the festivities flowing, we’ll begin with the positive reinforcements.
The Unsung, the Rock-Solid, The Star, and The Contract Kid
El Scola: Nothing suggests a difference of opinion like Toronto’s sports scene. A divide that was in full effect when the signing of Scola was initially announced. Notions of how little the grizzled vet would help this squad only rang louder after his discouraging and clumsy performance against the Pacers.
Well, having faith in fundamentals usually pays off, and on this night, Luis brought all of his savvy to the table. A scrapper on the boards (12), efficient from both the paint and outside (19 points and 69% from the field), while throwing in two steals and drawing an offensive charge for good measure.
Now, seeing Scola about to take the plunge from behind the arc isn’t exactly what we’re hoping for on a regular basis. Flashbacks of Amir hit too close to home when that happens.
There was no need to hoist a corner three the first time around, but the crucial down-the-stretch trey he did sink is deserving of its props. It was a point in the game where proper positioning is never a guarantee and when someone simply needs to step up. Well played, Luis.
Bonus Valanciunas: We can get used to this. In 80 games last year, JV eclipsed the 30-minute mark just 21 times. You can now book two of the first four to start the season. And with the way he’s come out of the gate swinging, his full-time employment is seemingly underway.
Fourth-quarter run is what we’ve all been waiting for. I highly recommend sending a trade offer in your fantasy league.
The usual moments of predictable pump fakes, and defenses being able to delay checking him outside the paint are still present, but his vision and rough-around-the-edges footwork are graduating to a more than adequate level.
JV’s touch around the rim will be a work in progress moving forward, but we’ll take a baby-step smoothness in the meantime.
To paraphrase Kiyan’s Quick React: JV was demanding the ball and his teammates were obliging. Gone are the days of letting ball-handlers totally dictate the action. Well, hopefully.
Captain Kyle: The rejuvenation continues. If his rebuilt frame has done anything, it has brought back his run-and-gun mentality. Minutes will be a concern down the road but he looked like he could go all 48 if he wanted to.
He featured two more hustle blocks, some downtown clutch (4-for-5), three aggressive swipes, a 10-to-4 AST/TO ratio, (his previous two: 7/1, 9/3), and kept his steady assistance on the glass intact.
One aspect that should keep his train rolling for the foreseeable future was his ability to catch himself slipping. The version of K-Low most of us grew to question over the course of last season’s second-half started to rear its ugly head in the second quarter.
Careless passing, shooting with minimal rebounders available, and halfcourt gambles all made appearances. Which spoiled a first quarter where the Raps notched 31 points and a FG% of 53.8. However, those episodes were short lived, and K-Low quickly returned to the under control style he came in with. Only to then push the pace with authority.
Terry: All eyes were going to be on Ross after news of his contract dropped a day prior. It’s safe to assume the entirety of this fan base couldn’t wait for Terry’s number to be called from the bench, while getting prepared to either scrutinize or praise his first game since getting paid.
And It didn’t take long to transpire as DeRozan got into quick foul trouble (three fouls in seven minutes to be exact), which sent Ross in earlier than expected.
His final numbers didn’t amount to much, but he did manage his help his own cause. We’re seeing a much more active Ross, and a much less timid demeanour. Not to mention signs of a playmaker who’s attacking the rim while gaining an appetite to make a tangible effort to help out on rebounds.
Wait, am I thinking straight? Is this actually happening? Let’s just say that aforementioned asterisk almost certainly needs hang over this scenario as well until we can get a clearer picture.
My personal take on his contract: First and foremost, the onus is squarely now on Ross to prove his worth. He’s teased this city for far too long to just jump back in with both feet. Optimism has popped back up again, though, so we’ll see where that takes him. It’s a “risk” worth taking considering what’s ahead for this club’s overall picture is unknown.
Despite all of what DeRozan has recently stated about him wanting to be a Raptor long-term, it shouldn’t be considered automatic. Ross and Powell could very well be the future at the two-spot.
And if you have an option in-house with upside, you pull the trigger on a deal that won’t seem as high when an influx of the league’s nine-year, $24 billion TV deal comes in to play.
However, the positivity starts to fizzle out, right about now:
The Unsatisfactory, The Puzzling, The Awkward, and The Outrageous
Not-so Christmas Carroll & Tricky Patterson: It pains me to include DeMarre in this section, as he’s already brought so many sound attributes to our attention. But for post-game purposes, and the fact that no player is above being held accountable, I have no choice.
Yes, it’s one game and off nights are expected, yet Carroll seemed to get lost in the shuffle at both ends for the first time. Touch around the rim was non-existent but, to be fair, that was an epidemic that plagued the entire roster. His trademark movement without the ball also dissolved halfway through the first quarter.
He was disengaged seemingly from the jump. Though there’s little doubt he’ll be back to his usual jack-of-all-trades self in Oklahoma City.
Here’s where things get Tricky. It was becoming clear that Patterson embraces a secondary role, one that can be counted on nightly. Though a reminder was sent that PP is prone to inconsistencies much like the rest of this group.
Usually, though, it’s not seen on both ends so blatantly. Lackadaisical shooting and a disconnect on defense led to Tricky having one of his worst nights in a Raptors’ uniform. Checking Dirk is a tall order for anyone, but this was a no-show.
DeMar DeFrozen: DD got his 20. And whether we like it or not, we need him to get that 20. Even when the offense goes through a night like this. A free-flowing, ball-moving display was front and center early on, only to revert back to their ISO sets during the second and third quarters.
When they fall back on those bad habits, it’s DeRozan who spearheads it. Situational basketball has never been his strong suit, especially when he gets all the space he needs to operate and still ends up with a fadeaway rather than taking it to the hoop.
Reminiscent of Vince Carter and the later stages of his stay in T.O. His work fighting through screens on Tuesday resembled VC as well.
He’s started to counteract these spells with even more trips to the line along with a bump in assists. Only the former showed up tonight, though.
Mumbo Biyombo: It’s easy to like Bismack. No clamoring for minutes while sacrificing his body for the good of the team. At least on the defensive side, that is.
Still, it’s only been four games and his extreme lack of touch is abundantly apparent. To the point where I wouldn’t put it past Masai to make a move to aid a potential injury to Valanciunas. Biyombo has value that doesn’t always translate to the boxscore, but this team could use little more insurance with an offensive pickup down the line.
The Whistle Blowers: Harping on the Refs is usually just excuse driven, but in this case both squads have a legitimate beef with the number of curious calls that were made. Not to mention T.O. being constantly harassed by Zaza and D-Will.
I’m all for mixing it up, as there’s been a physical void in the league for quite some time. Though I wouldn’t exactly characterize those two as being on the level.
High Note:
To overcome the negativity, I’ll end off in good spirits. In three of their four wins, the Raps have managed to fight through all of these twists and turns whether a lead gets blown or they’ve had to mount a comeback themselves.
With so many new parts, the smart money (or at least my money) was on the start of the year being a .500 struggle. And so far, it’s the defense that’s saving the day.
The initial steps have been passed and the stage is now set for OKC. That task might be too much to ask for but, at the very least, Toronto won’t just be swinging for the fences against one of the league’s elite.
Happy 20th Anniversary!
