The Raptors sang and danced to “Contagious” on their team plane after beating the 76ers 😂😂😂 Look at Kyle Lowry!
(SC: pat_patterson) pic.twitter.com/nTrWGD00hT
— Alysha Tsuji (@AlyshaTsuji) December 15, 2016
Raptors’ latest song and dance shows how well this team gets along | Toronto Sun
There’s no question in Patterson’s mind that this kind of off-court togetherness translates on court and is part of the reason the team is so successful.
“Pretty fun, pretty close-knit family,” Patterson said of the Raptors. “We all enjoy having fun with each other whether it’s on the court or off the court. Moments like that on the plane just happen naturally and the next thing you know everyone has their phones out. Happens all the time.
“From Day 1 we have the same core group of guys and then you add on these unselfish players, these guys who enjoy having fun and enjoy learning,” Patterson said of the team makeup. “We have great leaders in Kyle and DeMar who embrace them and want to take them under their wing. We all just enjoy each others’ company.”
Which is a round-about way of saying team success isn’t just about what happens on the court.
This Raptors knows what they like, what they don’t like and there is a carry-over when it comes to the games.
Those no-look passes that look like something scripted in a play don’t work if this team is not totally in-tune with one another.
Casey was asked why he thought his team was in the midst of an historic offensive run these days.
His answer began with moving the basketball, moved on to guys playing in a good rhythm right now and simply making shots.
Raptors’ consistent offence outshining their defence? – Video – TSN
Dwane Casey preaches defence but right now it’s the Raptors offence that is winning them games. But Matthew Scianitti explains why the players are well aware that they can’t let their defensive mindset slip.
Bringing Up Bebe Week 8: Star-crossed situation – Raptors HQ
But to the point at hand: Lucas Nogueira had a solid week. The Raptors played four games, won all four, and got steady contributions from Bebe in, uh, three of them. (More on that in, you guessed it, the Unhappy section.) He’s found his sweet spot in and around 18-22 minutes a game, and is part of one of the most devastating lineups in the league. And not for nothing: Bebe is the NBA’s most efficient player amongst all players averaging more than 15 minutes a game. Not bad.
The game logs tell part of the story. Against Minnesota, Nogueira put up an 8-point, 9-rebound, 3-block mini-gem. Then versus Boston, an eight rebound game, and finally, he chipped in for the Milwaukee beat down with five points and five rebounds. It has all been very encouraging to see as Bebe becomes somebody the Raptors (and we) can count on night in and night out.
Toronto Raptors: Lucas Nogueira Having A Breakout Season – Hoops Habit
In addition to his incredible offensive efficiency, Lucas Nogueira has improved his defensive play and rim protection. He has averaged 1.8 blocks per game this season. Furthermore, he has nearly doubled his block percentage from 4.4 percent last year to 8.3 percent this year.
He is averaging 6.7 fouls per 100 possessions this season–while that number is still a bit high, it is identical to his rate from last year despite the increase in block percentage.
Although Nogueira does occasionally over-extend himself to hunt for shot blocks, he has been a solid rim protector overall. He is forcing opponents to shoot 4.4 percent below league average on shots taken less than six feet away from the basket, according to NBA.com’s shot tracking data.
Part of this improvement is due to his increased strength. Nogueira is a true 7-footer, but weighed in at just 220 pounds prior to the 2013 draft. He has since gained more than 20 pounds, according to Basketball-Reference.
Nogueira may never be as strong as Dwight Howard or DeMarcus Cousins, but his added weight has helped him to hold his own in the post.
Game day: Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors | Toronto Star
KEY MATCHUP
Thabo Sefolosha, Hawks vs. DeMar DeRozan, Raptors. The Hawks’ hard-nosed defender is likely to get some time on Toronto’s prolific scorer. Tim Hardaway would be mismatched.
Is DeMar DeRozan the new Kobe Bryant? | Between Me and Yu
Dane and Yu talk about Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan, his mid-range efficiency, and the impact former Los Angeles Lakers lifer Kobe Bryant had on his game. The conversation also discusses the longevity of the San Antonio Spurs, and whether the Portland Trail Blazers can realistically trade for DeMarcus Cousins or Nerlens Noel.
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Why Daryl Morey Banned The Phrase “Man Boobs” – The Dream Shake
The decision to trade Kyle Lowry to the Toronto Raptors in 2012 was based on one acknowledgment. If the Rockets were in the Raptors shoes, they wouldn’t give up a first round draft pick for Lowry. Despite seeing a promising future for Lowry they pulled the trigger.
The Rockets initially recoiled at the offer before putting themselves in Toronto’s shoes. Morey recognized from this trade that the Rockets were overvaluing their own players due to bias and sentiment. They termed this bias the “endowment effect.”
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Dial 905: Delon Wright eyes return, Toupane stays hot, and more – Raptors HQ
Delon Wright Close to Assignment
After having off-season shoulder surgery Delon Wright has now been cleared for 1-on-1 on-court contact and is close to returning to game action. It seems likely that Wright will play with the Raptors 905 to ease him back into the swing of things after his long lay-off.As reported by Sportsnet’s Eric Smith, Wright is aiming for a January 17th return, but could be with the 905 sooner to practice with the club while the Raptors are on the road over the holidays. Good news all-around for Delon and the Raptors organization.
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What separates Giannis from Bruno Caboclo? – RealGM
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