Quick Reaction: Raptors 116, Hornets 101

Getting very used to Siakam controlling himself, his teammates, the other team – everything. The Hornets blitzed him above the break repeatedly. They tried to hurry him up, they tried to force him into mistakes, and he took their earnest attempts and bent them back, turning them to weakness. There was no answer on the roster, just like last time. And Siakam dominated, just like last time. Boogied in single coverage, diced up the help, and did everything right except the free throws. He imprints upon the game like a basketball deity. Not All-Star, All-NBA.

Was the most important and disruptive defender on the Raptors tonight. The Hornets like to ping the ball around, and with him lurking in every passing lane they stagnated way more than they would’ve liked. The on-ball defense was great, too. The on-ball stuff was equally as clunky as it was impressive in this game. He used his strength to create looks for himself and others at times, but looked really limited at others. Still an immense positive in this game.

With the Hornets extending the shell of their defense out and shading his drives he was left a bit vexed with how to attack and the ball happened to stick in his hands on many occasions. He also had the toughtest defensive assignment of the night, being asked to bang around with the very large Plumlee. Was pretty underwhelming, but there’s contextual reasons for that.

Played third fiddle more than often in this game as Gary Trent Jr. stretched his legs in more primary actions, and did a great job of it. What would you want from off-ball FVV? Threes? You got it. Re-routed Ball at the POA to disrupt primary actions, funneled him into help on others – exquisite defense.

Thought this game had really intriguing stretches with him on-ball, running through actions that Fred might have otherwise done. Missed a lot of reads as a passer, but also made some I might not have expected. The big takeaway in this one though was the timely swipes on the less glamorous end of the floor and the ultra quality floor spacing. Took the extra responsibilities in stride.

The plus-minus is very representative of how he helped the Raptors out in this game. Timely cuts, defending the bucket, and once again bolstering a bench that desperately needs him. He is not trade bait, he is a rotation fixture on a playoff team.

Strange game for him to fit into with the Hornets playing 5 out in some of his minutes and the Raptors asking him to stand in the corner during most offensive actions. Helpful contests at the rim, a couple ORBS. Nothing too crazy.

Had a couple good contests, took the mask off, put it back on.

A wallflower in this one on offense, and range-y on defense. It’s funny how good the Raptors main guys have been that they just need bodies to join them on the floor for successful stretches.

Was really intrigued by the decision to go to GTJ more, and they clearly made that a point of emphasis before the game. Knew what he had in GTJ and Pascal, and asked Fred to assume a slightly different role tonight. Good call.