As far as anticipation goes, we’ve been a bit spoiled lately. A three-game stretch will tend to have that effect when it comes with storylines as big as Golden State’s streak, Kobe Bryant’s farewell, and a matchup against the league’s perennial benchmark for success, San Antonio Spurs.
That can only lend itself to the casual fan’s level of excitement dipping when looking ahead to the back end of the club’s homestand. Which on the surface, represents two games vs. a couple of the NBA’s lower class. The first welcomes Milwaukee to town, and the second features the hard to “Process” 76ers.
But whether you fall into that casual category or are a hardcore member of the Republic, allow me to demonstrate why instead of making other weekend plans you should revolve them around the Raps.
While the essence of this preview wholeheartedly relates to Philly, the focus, being that it is Game day, will be on the Bucks. And believe it or not, it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for, all over again.
It’s time for the Raptors to start thinking like a contender. And what better way is there other than to impose their will on a struggling squad while not falling into their own trap of inconsistency. If not, you run the risk of igniting a team that was in the conversation as one of your main competitors to begin with. Especially when the East’s 1st and 8th seed are currently only separated by 1.5 games.
The time to strike is now. Just ask DeAndre Jordan:
Good morning, DeAndre Jordan sent Greg Monroe to a new dimension. (via @LAClippers) https://t.co/o5XfRyKpyp https://t.co/3o7ztQnaoT
— SB Nation (@SBNation) December 10, 2015
Did I mention Milwaukee has dropped eight straight on the road? Enter a prime spot for a knockout punch.
Still, in the grand scheme, the next step as an organization won’t be achieved by simply making the playoffs every year. Sure, it keeps season-ticket sales in place, but it doesn’t imply that success as franchise is truly taking place.
However, the opportunity for a renewed direction is there for the taking.
The mainstream may have performed a few double-takes when T.O. went toe-to-toe (twice) with the Warriors, and likewise after their victories over OKC, Cleveland, Atlanta and San Antonio. But how many of the Raptors faithful were genuinely surprised? It’s no secret around these parts that on any given night the Raps can hold their own no matter the opposition.
It’s just unfortunate that a frustrating flip side exists. This team’s habit of playing to the level of their competition has resulted in numerous letdowns after such a solid effort. Nobody expects perfection, mishaps are inevitable and you can’t bank on each individual bringing their A-game every night. But everyone does expect the same assertive mindset whether they’re facing off with one of the league’s elite or against an inferior opponent.
And when those instances occur, the blame can’t solely be put on Casey. If in a timespan of a week, a squad never has the lead over the course of an entire game against a team who lost eight straight coming in (Nuggets), only to then do the exact opposite and never trail against one of their stiffest tests of the year (Spurs), it leads to the players’ mindset also coming into question.
Hopes were high coming into the season, and still are as the year progresses. At the forefront was the promise that a rejuvenated and re-dedicated Kyle Lowry could evolve to new heights, followed by DeMar DeRozan being able to take the next step towards reaching his ceiling. Not to mention the notion that the offseason additions could fit in without too much of an adjustment period, and the development of Jonas Valanciunas allowed to properly move forward.
Well, Lowry has undoubtedly held up his end of the bargain with another All-Star nod surely in his future, he’s a changed man. While DeRozan is inching closer to figuring out that he should be attacking the rim at all costs instead of falling in love with his erratic jumper (at least as far as the 4th quarter goes, the overall mission is a work in progress).
Even Masai’s detractors are giving his acquisitions a round of applause, and while Jonas’ growth was stunted by injury, signs of a breakthrough are present.
But until it all matures into a killer instinct, they’ll ultimately hit a roadblock they can’t overcome. Tonight can be the first step to a new and needed identity, even without the services of DeMarre Carroll. As for Bebe, an appearance at Thursday’s practice has everyone’s fingers crossed.
You never know which version of the Raps will show up, but on paper, it can only help matters that the Bucks are still searching for an identity in their own right.
Behind Enemy Lines
Alongside those eight road losses in row, the Bucks have come up lame in nine of their last 14 overall. With all the chaos coming after their double-overtime win over Cleveland earlier in the year, Milwaukee fans have become well acquainted with how a letdown performance feels.
If you had the Bucks regressing this season, you were one of many. But I don’t think anyone could have predicted such a nosedive. Of the most telling stats, last season’s 2nd overall defensive efficiency rating has currently plummeted to 26th (105.4). A shocking development considering their rise to relevance last year was them taking their 2013-14 rank of 29th and making that quantum leap to 2nd.
Though recently, things are somewhat moving in the right direction with two out of their last three ending up in the win column. Jason Kidd elected to send Michael Carter-Wiliams to the bench in favour of letting O.J. Mayo handle duties at the point. A move that’s seemingly paying off allowing Carter and his slash-but-can’t-shoot style to run against other second units. With that said, the starting nod might eventually be filled by everybody’s favorite former Raptor, Greivis Vasquez.
Unfortunately, we most likely won’t get to see Round 2 of Greivis back in Toronto, as he’s listed as doubtful with an ankle issue. The injury tradeoff in this matchup just does’t seem fair.
Even though T-Ross has temporarily been inserted back into the starting lineup, I can only assume a rotation of minutes will take place on Friday. TJ is not equipped to guard the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although, when you lead the NBA in personal fouls, the Greek Freak might not be able to get out of his own own way.
Perhaps the most intriguing player to watch, other than seeing how Greg Monroe handles Biyombo, is Jabari Parker. The pick after Wiggins is slowly but surely finding is form after fighting a lengthy battle with his torn ACL. He reminds me of DeMarre in terms of moving without the ball, with arguably more versatility than Antetokounmpo.
He doesn’t do business behind the arc, but his game is clicking on multiple levels. Checking Parker will be the key to the Raps’ defensive blueprint. Whether it’s from the post, in the mid-range, on drives, or cutting to the rim, T.O. better hope their rotations are as tight as they were against the Spurs.
But this matchup really comes down to whether the trio of Lowry, DeRozan and Joseph take this opportunity and run with it. The Bucks are allowing a second-highest 26.5 Free-Throws per game, yet remain in the top 10 when it comes to giving up 3-point buckets. In what used to be this team’s calling card, their perimeter defense has since betrayed them.
Regret that Brandon Knight deal much, Milwaukee?
The Raps’ trio could have a field day setting up chances inside at out.
Prediction: Bucks 89, Raptors 102
Bold Move: Lowry registers a triple-double.
Take advantage of the moment Toronto, take advantage.
The recommended mindset for tonight: “THAT’S MY BIKE PUNK!!”
http://youtu.be/xFJThMDLYM4
