Valanciunas’ pick and roll defence at the centre of Raptors struggle
The Toronto Raptors have been forced to use the Kyle Lowry-Jonas Valanciunas combo on defence more. It is killing them.
The Toronto Raptors have been forced to use the Kyle Lowry-Jonas Valanciunas combo on defence more. It is killing them.
Some simple experimentation was all that was necessary. I doubt it could’ve gone worse than what actually happened in the second half.
Opponents are shooting 79.3 percent from the line against the Raptors and spitting napalm from outside.
The turning point against Golden State came when Stephen Curry calmly drained three threes in the opening 3:30 of the fourth quarter. The Raptors defense on those three plays is the subject of today's post.