Jazz 94, Raptors 104 | Quick Reaction | Boxscore
After the euphoric victory over Cleveland (I’m still getting chills) was followed up by Sunday’s “clash” against Detroit (a game that made you regret setting your DVR to record the Oscars and not the other way around), the expectation for last night’s matchup with Utah had to be for the Raps to get back into the win column. Or at the very least, a major uptick in the effort department.
And as always, whether it’s on Twitter, Facebook, this site’s comment section, or perhaps even when you were trying to kill time waiting in line for shuttle buses during the TTC’s recent power outage, certain narratives begin to heat up as tipoff approaches.
Some were popular, unfashionable, and even of the ridiculous variety. But deciding which one’s which is ultimately up to you. Let’s start with:
Kyle Lowry’s return
I wholeheartedly agree that Lowry’s minutes could have been managed better up until this point, especially during one of the many games that the Raps have had in the bag well before the final buzzer. But are people really taking issue with his day off this past Sunday? That’s quite the reach, no matter how the Cavs performed prior to game time. Does standing atop the conference supersede an optimal postseason lineup? Please, just stop.
If anything, just like his ejection against Sacramento earlier in the season provided, a chance for this squad to play without their leader should be welcomed. You never know when an injury will strike (knocking on wood as I type) or when postseason foul trouble will rear its ugly head. Besides, learning to play without his services, even in limited stretches, can only boost their level of play alongside him. The last thing this squad needs is to be even more reliant on Lowry. That’s not going to to fly in a seven-game series. And if battling in the Eastern Conference Finals is the goal, you can bet the farm that there will have to be a couple along the way.
Like clockwork, though, it was once again KYLE LOWRY OVER EVERYTHING as he picked up right where he left off against the Cavs and earning every bit of his KLOE moniker. With the majority of his supporting cast struggling off the hop, particularly on defense, this club’s engine kept the ship afloat at every turn.
Take your pick of timely steals, smart shot selection (a highly efficient 13-for-20 from the field), or driving the lane with ease to either kick it back outside for an uncontested three or allow the frontcourt to be in an advantageous situation. He even threw in some much-needed help on the glass (4 offensive, 4 defensive) and another dagger from downtown that resembled the game-winner from Friday night to end the second quarter and cap off an 18-5 run. K-Low and his left side step-back are currently the best of friends.
Enter DeMar DeRozan, or should I say:
Doubting DeMar DeRozan
It seems no matter how much DeRozan has taken his overall game to the next level, his critics will never totally buy in. Well, DD provided some answers at both ends of the spectrum. On offense, his graduation continued with a team-leading +15 rating, along with 11 Free Throw Attempts, and even one-upping Lowry’s 65 percent from the floor with a masterful 73 percent of his own. Which of course, featured his trademark and relentless attack of the rim.
Which often times can look effortless when doing so:
DeRozan’s finishing at the rim tonight was ridiculous. Makes incredibly difficult stuff look so easy.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) March 3, 2016
He had to grow into it but moving without the ball on offense is no longer a learning process. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about his defensive prowess. He’s either leaving his man to help in a non-help situation or as Blake Murphy put it in his Quick React, getting back-cut to death. When he actually recovered last night, Gordon Hayward put on a back-cut clinic.
If only DeRozan was more of an opportunistic defender. His faults would be upgraded to extremely manageable. Though there’s plenty to be said about how the impending return of DeMarre Carroll will make that happen regardless.
The following, however, doesn’t show the same amount of promise:
The Scolding of Luis
While at times it’s totally justifiable to treat Scola in a scapegoat fashion, his big picture impact does tend to get lost in conversation. Did he help sway the growing sentiment back in favor? Not exactly. He did manage to contribute 6 boards and 4 assists so a positive effect on the game was present. Especially considering the Raps only had 12 helpers overall.
The problem, and why the call for a switch to Patterson in the starting lineup is ringing louder by the day, is the issue has to be forced with Scola. When he’s not offering help in boards, assists, and the occasional 3-pointer, he’s essentially too slow to make up for a blown assignment on defense along with not being able to consistently take advantage of a mismatch on offense. There have been cases where it really has been 5 on 4, including tonight, and not in a good way.
His veteran presence, however, remains constant. If that’s lost on anybody, it should be rediscovered in the postseason. And I still stand by my early season vote of confidence in Scola in terms of offensive production, there just comes a time when the season becomes a relay race.
It doesn’t truly matter who starts, as the lineup that plays the most minutes together should have the desired effect. However, with yet another slow start at their doorstep, that notion is starting to crack when it comes to how this squad operates.
Jason Thompson’s debut?
Anticipation grew when the Raptors announced that Jason Thompson was going to be in uniform, but that quickly fell flat when his DNP status soon followed. This fan base will gladly take JT’s career averages of 9.4 boards per 36 minutes and just under 50 percent from the field, even if it comes with a diminished skill set. We’ll also take his exposure in a Golden State environment.
But alongside the signing, does Anthony Bennett deserve to get thrown under the bus repeatedly? I wonder where he would have gone if Cleveland didn’t jump the gun. Bennett didn’t choose to go No.1 overall, nor did he choose the pressure that came along with the selection. He had his chances so I’ll stop playing the world’s smallest violin but here’s hoping he’s picked up with another chance to prove himself. Comeback stories are always welcome.
But what about T-Ross and Patterson; two of the hottest topics going in Raptorland?
It’s a bit of a selfish move, but I will be featuring the duo in an upcoming column so they didn’t quite make the cut. But I will say this: Despite fading down the stretch, Ross kept his current identity as a consistent secondary scoring option alive. Not to mention a few timely stretches of closing out passing lanes that helped bear the burden of DeRozan’s mishaps. Patterson, on the other hand, didn’t bring the defensive intensity that usually makes up for his woes on offense. And his knack for passing up opportunities likely won’t net him the starting gig anytime soon.
Though like I’ve said before, the experiment should take place regardless. Which brings us to a player worthy of similar treatment. A little more playing time for the last but not least?
Just Win, Bebe!
It just goes to show what Bebe’s upside could be when he shows so much in just five minutes of action. Running the floor in transition and converting an alley-oop was his first act while his soft touch and passing through traffic in the paint was a solid follow up, but what really stood out was just how active he was.
During a second-quarter possession, with the shot clock winding down, Nogueira battled for the board after a rushed jumper. Once the second chance turned into a quick drive to the hoop, Bebe once again fought for the rebound to then create a third possession all in a matter of seconds.
With “It’s Dame Time” Lillard and CJ McCollum coming to town, the battle of the backcourts could use all hands on deck when trying to exploit Portland’s lack of intimidation up front. At the very least, it would allow a young player to build upon success. There’s still time to chip away (albeit lightly) at the Bebe mystery.
28th straight win while holding an opponent under 100 points? 12th straight victory at home to extend the team’s new record? Make your Friday night reservations accordingly.
