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

By Jonathan Turco

TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 21: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors high fives Kawhi Leonard #2 during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 21, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 21: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors high fives Kawhi Leonard #2 during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 21, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /

3. Firing on all cylinders

The Toronto Raptors’ shooting woes this postseason run has been well documented. That was not the case again Tuesday night, as their bench and the majority of their starters were sensational shooting the rock.

Six of the top eight main rotational players scored in double-digits. Five of those eight players scored at least one make from beyond the arc, including three players hitting three from deep. Powell had four. Overall, the main eight rotational players shot 14-of-39 (35.9 percent) from deep and 41-of-82 (50 percent) from the field.

What helped the Raptors shoot the ball better? One reason was the open looks they were getting all series long started to fall. Another more prominent reason was the Raptors collectively assisted on 32 of the team’s 41 made buckets, a staggering 78 percent assist-to-made-field goal rate. Furthermore, they were able to collect loose balls off the glass on both ends. They created 10 second chance points on 10 offensive rebounds and out-rebounded their opponent, 44-40.

Ibaka led the game with 13 rebounds, including four on the offensive side, creating extra possessions for his team. Fun fact: When Ibaka scored double digits in this postseason run, his team is 7-0. The bench had its best collective effort of the playoffs this year, with all three players in double figures. Ibaka had 17, Powell had and Fred VanVleet added 13.

All three of them were +24 or better on the night as well. The team has gained a major confidence boost from its role players’ great play, and the Raptors were rolling in general Tuesday night.