Toronto Raptors: 3 keys for Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals
3. Gasol continuing to be a calming presence on offense
One of my favorite stats heading into this series was Marc Gasol’s win/loss splits in regards to 3-point percentage. In the postseason, Gasol shot 47.9 percent on 4.0 3-point attempts per game in wins.
In losses, that number dipped to 22.7 percent on 3.7 3-point attempts. In Game 1, Gasol went 2-for-4 on 3-point attempts with both makes being wide open shots as the defense collapsed on drives.
Where he made an immense impact offensively was his calmness with the ball after the Warriors trapped Kawhi Leonard and other Raptors ball handlers in the pick-and-roll. Gasol has been one of the best passing big men for years and this series is a perfect chance for him to utilize this skill.
Gasol would get the ball at the top of the key after traps, read the defense and swing the ball to an open teammate. He only logged one assist on the night, but having him as your floor reader while a defense scrambles is optimal for Toronto.
With Golden State switching a great deal of the time, he was matched up on smaller players, and went to work in the paint a couple times.
His complete offensive game from a big man is not something the Warriors have seen this postseason, and really puts constant pressure on the defense.
If they switch, Gasol has an advantage in the post. If they double the ball handler, Gasol has a four-on-three and keeps the ball moving, or an open 3-pointer. If they hedge and allow the defense to recover, Toronto has ball handlers that can make a lot happen off the bounce.
Acquiring him midseason was specifically for this type of offensive game, and it paid massive dividends in Game 1.
We will get to the defensive masterpiece he and his teammates put on later in this piece, so don’t think I’m ignoring how phenomenal he was on that end.
But it’s his offensive game that is really going to give the Raptors advantages on that side of the court, and as we’ve seen all playoffs, if he makes his 3s, the Raptors are on top, as they were in Game 1.