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Toronto Raptors: What Must Be Done To Exorcise Playoff Demons

By Ben Gibson

Apr 16, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) holds onto the ball after being knocked down against the Indiana Pacers in game one of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Indiana defeated Toronto 100-90. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) holds onto the ball after being knocked down against the Indiana Pacers in game one of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Indiana defeated Toronto 100-90. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) comes down with a rebound against Indiana Pacers forward Lavoy Allen (5) and guard Monta Ellis (11) and center Ian Mahinmi (28) in game one of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Indiana defeated Toronto 100-90. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) comes down with a rebound against Indiana Pacers forward Lavoy Allen (5) and guard Monta Ellis (11) and center Ian Mahinmi (28) in game one of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Indiana defeated Toronto 100-90. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Glass Cleaning

Jonas Valanciunas had 19 rebounds in the game to go along with his 12 points and was a headache for the Pacers defense. Jonas fouling out might have been a saving grace for the Pacers as the Raptors lost one of their biggest advantages. When he was on the court the Raptors grabbed 66 percent of the total rebounds.

When he was on the bench those numbers dropped to 47.5 percent. Pattrick Patterson had a similar effect for Toronto as well.

This season when the Raptors had the same or more rebounds than their opponent, they had a 43-9 record. When they had fewer rebounds their record was 13-17. Valanciunas had several rebounds that were just his own tips, but that’s still him creating another offensive chance each time he’s sending the ball towards the basket and away from the Pacers’ hands.

Game Stats vs. Stats Allowed in Previous Toronto Raptors Game | PointAfter

The final result didn’t go the Raptors way in Game 1, but more often than not when they rebound like they did on Saturday they’re going to get the win. Paul George‘s second half erased what had been a solid game for the Raptors.

If they can continue to use Valanciunas’ advantages against the Pacers — especially in matchups against Myles Turner and Lavoy Allen — a win should be coming their way.

Next: Exorcise Their Playoff Demons