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Toronto Raptors: 5 Reasons Behind Strong Start

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) gets ready as guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and center Bismack Biyombo (8) look on while Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) looks on at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Cavaliers 103-99. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) gets ready as guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and center Bismack Biyombo (8) look on while Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) looks on at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Cavaliers 103-99. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Raptors
Nov 28, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) celebrates with guard Kyle Lowry (7) after hitting the game winning shot as time expired against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Toronto Raptors defeated Washington Wizards 84-82. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Crunch-Time Execution

For a defensively inclined team, the Raptors certainly spring to life in crunch-time situations. In 55 minutes of what NBA.com classifies as “clutch” situations, Toronto has a total point differential of +14, the seventh highest mark in the league.

The Raptors rank 19th in field goal percentage (44.0 percent) and 14th in three-point percentage (35.3 percent) overall, but those numbers jump to second in both categories (48 percent from the field, 43.5 percent from deep) in clutch situations. Toronto may be 2-3 in games decided by three points or less, but this team becomes deadly on the offensive end with the game on the line.

Just ask the Washington Wizards, who had to watch Cory Joseph drill a game-winning three-pointer off DeRozan’s penetration on the final possession of their Nov. 28 matchup:

The problem might be — surprisingly — the Raptors’ defense in crunch-time. Though Toronto boasts the eighth best offensive rating in clutch situations (111.4), they rank 17th in defensive rating in those same situations (108.9). Compare that to their regular O-rating (103.5) and D-rating (99.8) and it’s almost as if the Raptors completely change their identity late in close games.

Dwane Casey’s approval rating has had more peaks and valleys than a politician this season, but if he can get his team to batten down the hatches on the defensive end while still executing on offense in late-game situations, Toronto could become a very tough team to beat in a tight game.

Next: No. 4

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