Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to second round series vs. 76ers

5. Prioritize defense over offense

Every young baller gets told that offense wins games and defense wins championships. Throughout the season, the 76ers solidified themselves as an elite offensive team, scoring an average of 115.2 points per game, which they have increased all the way to 122.4 points per game so far in the playoffs.

It is no secret that these Philadelphia 76ers are a very young and inexperienced team. Even though their roster consists of highly talented players, they often tend to be rather careless with the basketball.

During the regular season, the Sixers averaged 14.9 turnovers per game, which was close to the bottom of the NBA. Since the playoffs began, this chaotic style of play has only gotten worse. They are turning the ball over an alarming 16.4 times per game, meaning they are extremely vulnerable in this aspect of the game.

On the other side, we have a very mature and experienced team that has proved to be an elite defensive group, often winning their games based on their hustle the defensive side of the court. In five games against the Magic, the Raptors allowed an average of 92 points per game, winning the series with ease without showing anything close to remarkable on the offensive end.

Defensive aggression creates havoc against inexperienced teams, forcing the main ball-handlers to panic and turn the ball over. By capitalizing on that, the Raptors should ensure that they get the better share of the ball.