Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from dominant Game 5 win vs. 76ers

3. Clicking on both ends

The Toronto Raptors held their opponent under 100 points for the eighth time in 10 games this postseason. Their defensive efficiency rating is the best in the playoffs (98.9), with no other team under than 100. They are controlling the pace of the game through their activity on the defensive end and with their stars’ playmaking, aggression and shot creation on the other end of the court.

The Raptors have the second-lowest pace out of the remaining teams in the playoffs at 95.9. That may seem like a negative at first glance, but it means they’re playing their brand of basketball at the tempo they want to play it.

Toronto’s offensive sets are methodical, always looking for the open man for a great look. The team was aggressive in attacking the paint, outscoring its opponent 38-32 there. They also added sufficient outside shooting, going 16-for-40 from deep compared to Philly’s 6-for-24 mark. Aside from the balanced offensive attack and control of the tempo, the Raptors’ high activity on the defensive end is their biggest strength.

They led in nine of the 10 main non-shooting categories, showing complete dominance of their opponent Tuesday night. They out-rebounded the Sixers, 42-37, one-upping one of the greater strengths of Philly. Furthermore, they forced 19 turnovers leading to 31 points, compared to their 10 turnovers allowing 15 points. When the Raptors are active defensively it fuels their transition game — one of their strongest forms of attack. Tuesday night was no different, as they were able to score 33 fast break points.

The highlight above was one of many such plays, as the team had 12 steals on the night with two blocks. Fueled by their home crowd and defense, the Toronto Raptors were the better team from start to finish for possibly the franchise’s best postseason performance ever.