Toronto Raptors: 3 early takeaways from NBA playoff series vs Nets
3. Norman Powell saves the day in Game 2
Where would the Toronto Raptors be without Norman Powell?
For Game 1, the rising guard was mostly absent in the 17 minutes he played, shooting 2-for-4 from the field for 6 points. Toronto still won by 24 points, but he was a nonfactor compared to Fred VanVleet’s night.
However, if not for Powell in Game 2, this is potentially a tied series, after he posted a team-high 24 points on 11-16 shooting. He went just 1-for-6 from behind the arc, but six rebounds, two assists and one steal helped supplement.
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The Raptors’ other guards still posted productive nights, but scoring lacked elsewhere, including just 10 other bench points and a combined six points between OG Anunoby and Marc Gasol in the frontcourt.
Powell, overall, has been impressive as the Raptors’ sixth man in the bubble, continuing his pre-restart success with double-digit scoring in six of the eight seeding games and efficient shooting. Head coach Nick Nurse uses few players off the bench as is, further highlighting what the 27-year-old does.
As the Brooklyn Nets wield ample 3-point attempts to counter the lack of talent, Powell will remain important as a player to combat the spontaneous spurts from the likes of Tyler Johnson and Timothee Luwawu-Caborrot and take the pressure off VanVleet and Kyle Lowry, including when they need rest.
Powell could save the day again before the series ends, and his role will remain prominent for as long as the Raptors stay in the playoffs.