Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from big Game 4 win vs. 76ers

3. Defense was back on track

The Toronto Raptors took pride in their defense, being one of the best in the league out of those remaining in the postseason. Game 3’s defensive collapse was an outlier in their playoff run, allowing 100-plus points for only the second time. Both times resulted in losses.

After Game 4’s win, the Raptors are once again the best with a defensive efficiency of 99.9. Furthermore, they are second in net rating with a +7.9. For the first time in this series, they weren’t out-rebounded by the Sixers, tying them in the category, 43-43.

They held their opposition to 33-of-82 shooting (40 percent) and 12-of-38 from deep (32 percent). They produced 12 turnovers translating to 14 points, and limited the lengthy Sixers’ forwards to only 34 points in the paint after allowing 52 points in the paint in Game 3.

One of the strongest aspects of the team’s play, is using defense to fuel offense. Toronto’s offense is most efficient when it utilizes the transition game. The Raptors had 17 fast break points, and assisted on 19 of their 35 made field goals. The transition game is a result of their hustle on the defensive end. The Raptors lead all remaining playoff teams in deflections (14.4 per game) and charges drawn (1.44 per game). They are third in contesting shots from beyond the arc as well (26.2 per game).

The team’s shooting woes were prevalent again in Game 4, missing a lot of open looks from beyond the arc. The difference was their defense was strong, unlike Game 3’s, and set the pace of the game.