Gameday: Hawks @ Raptors, December 15

The Toronto Raptors continue a four-game homestand when they take on the Atlanta Hawks for the second consecutive game, on Friday night.

In their last matchup on Wednesday, it was a battle of two teams in the midst of four-game losing streaks. The Raptors came out on top in that contest as they were able to hold on for a 135-128 victory, bringing their record to 10-14.

Atlanta entered the night with the league’s 27th-ranked defence and that looked evident as Toronto had their way offensively for a lot of the game. The Raps shot over 50 per cent from the field and distance, and all five starters scored 15+ points.

The trio of Pascal Siakam (33), Scottie Barnes (27) and OG Anunoby (22) combined for 82 points and 10 of the team’s 18 three-pointers made.

Hawks Scope

(9-14 | 11th in East | Offensive Rating: 118.5/5th| Defensive Rating: 119.5/27th)

On the other side, the Hawks, now losers of five in a row, simply couldn’t keep it together for four quarters. They looked impressive throughout the first half, even leading by as many as 12 points in the second. That was largely thanks to the stellar play of Trae Young who finished with 35 points and 17 rebounds.

The third quarter was the turning point for Atlanta as Toronto caught fire. The Raptors hit eight straight shots coming out of the break and drilled 9-of-12 threes as they outscored Atlanta by 10 in the frame.

Raptors Scope

(10-14 | 10th in East | Offensive Rating: 113.1/19th| Defensive Rating: 114.6/18th)

Contrary to how Toronto has opted to defend teams with high-powered stars in the past, it felt like the Raptors were okay with Young cooking, as long as they limited everybody else from getting into a groove. Opposite to their traditional approach of trying to lock up opposing stars and daring their teammates to win the game.

It’ll be interesting to see if the Raptors deploy the same strategy and if so, what adjustments the Hawks might make.

Whether Wednesday night’s performance was season-shifting for this otherwise middle-of-the-road Raptors team, or simply a case of making the most of a lackluster opponent, remains uncertain.

Either way, unless the Hawks learn to defend overnight, the Raptors should expect the same kind of opportunities, and hopefully the same kind of success.