Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to series vs. Wizards
By Chris Conner
2. The bench
Rotations obviously shorten during the playoffs as rest goes out the window. Coaches want their important players on the floor for as often as possible. It just so happens for the Raptors, some of their important players come off the bench. No matter the minute reduction, a good bench can make a huge difference in what can be grueling matchups.
The Raptors’ bench has been one of the best in the league this season. They finished the regular season top five in points (41.8 per game) and assists (9.6 per game), as well as first in steals (3.9 per game) and blocks (3.1 per game). With Sixth Man of the Year candidate Fred VanVleet ready to make a splash and Pascal Siakam emerging, the Raptors should probably keep a similar rotation.
Their bench is a strength against almost any potential playoff matchup. In most years, whatever duo outlasts the other would normally cement a winner. But the playoffs have grown more and more about role player performances throughout. Teams put their best gameplans together around April, sometimes forcing stars to look to unheralded sources for production. The Raptors should be prepared if extra depth is needed.