Toronto Raptors: 5 Takeaways From Their Playoff Run

May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Recording artist Drake celebrates after Toronto Raptors score a basket in a 105-99 win over Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) looks to play a ball as Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) tries to defend during the third quarter in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jonas Valancuinas may have turned the corner.

Jonas Valancuinas is one of those young veterans. He is only 24 years old and just completed his fourth season in the NBA, but it feels as though he has been around much longer.

Big men typically take longer to develop, but with the Raptors making the playoffs for three straight years as a higher speed, he has been asked to accelerate his learning curve.

Up until he rolled his ankle against the Miami Heat, it was clear that Valanciunas was the best player for the Toronto Raptors in the playoffs and at many times the best player on the floor.

Valanciunas has always had exceptional footwork and has been a strong post scorer when he has had the opportunity. But when the Raptors needed him against strong post defenders, he was able to deliver when it mattered most.

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He averaged 13.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in under 27 minutes a game. The big man seems ready to take on a larger part of Toronto’s offense moving forward, and lessen the load for the aging Lowry.

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