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Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to series vs. Magic

By Jonathan Turco

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 1: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 1: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images /

5. Relentless energy

The Toronto Raptors ended the season with a pace of 100.55 (15th), which doesn’t tell the whole story about the energy level they can deploy. With 298.6 passes per game (15th) and a 1.81 assists-to-turnover ratio (13th), they have utilized ball movement as one of their main aspects in the offense to complement their paint penetration of 48.1 drives per game (eighth). They also have a 7.3 percent pick-and-roll frequency (fourth) and 6.9 percent isolation frequency (11th).

What do all those advance statistics mean? The Raptors had a 112.5 offensive efficiency rating, which was the fifth best in the association. Despite missing Kawhi for 22 games, Lowry for 17 games and shuffling their depth at and post-trade deadline, the offense was still versatile enough to keep most defenses honest. In order to accomplish such a feat, effort was one of the main factors this team had to provide night in and night out, having role players step up in absences of their star players.

One of the main pieces to the Raptors’ engine is Most Improved Player candidate Pascal Siakam. Having only missed two games, he has been extremely efficient, consistent and an absolute delight with his infectious energy on and off the court.

The Orlando Magic gave Siakam a tough time in their regular season series (2-2), but even when he isn’t dropping buckets via in transition or his signature spin move in the post, it’s his playmaking abilities that truly shine, getting his teammates involved even when his shot isn’t falling.

Since Feb. 1, Orlando has the league’s best defensive rating and 22-9 record in its last 31 games. It was this run of excellent play and defensive magnitude that allowed the Magic to clinch their first playoff berth since the Dwight Howard era.

The Raptors are at their best when they are engaged on the defensive end, creating turnovers and running in transition for an easy bucket. Having a deep, talented roster with the fifth-best defensive efficiency rating over the course of the season, their defense will help fuel their offense and generate easier looks, especially when the playoffs typically close out more in the paint with the combination of more physical play and a loose whistle from the referees.

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