Jumbo-sized Toronto Raptors are a problem for the rest of the NBA

Long reach, effort and efficiency yield positive results for Toronto Raptors.

You can already imagine how difficult it might be to score against a team with the combined wingspan of these Raptors, but it becomes increasingly harsh when considering their speed and timing at this size. This is the best team in the league when it comes to intercepting passes, but they’re also adept at using quick hands to strip the ball away on drives or poke at the rock when opposing ball handlers try to break them down with a dribble.

It all begins with OG Anunoby, the NBA’s leader in steals per game and the self-proclaimed “best defender in the league.” Strong, agile and incredibly poised, Anunoby is legitimately defending five positions and making a run at the Defensive Player of the Year award through the early going. Having a defensive anchor at the forward spot opens up the floor for everyone else to fall into place, close out on shooters and switch comfortably.

They’ve also been quite effective at protecting the rim, funneling opponents into those aforementioned redwoods where several players are guaranteed to get their hands up for every layup or dunk attempt. In turn, Toronto allows the fifth-fewest paint points per game thus far. They’re also turning defense into offense, ranking third in points off turnovers (21.9) while leading the league in fastbreak points per game. This winning recipe has crafted a formidable defense in Toronto with emphatic victories over Eastern Conference foes including the Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers and Hawks.