Toronto Raptors Preseason: Raps bounce back to beat Sacramento Kings 99-94
Oct 5, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the first half at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a long time since the last Toronto Raptors game, against the Brooklyn Nets for the 7th game of the 1st playoff round. We all know how it ended. But this is history. Now we have a new season, with much hype and optimism.
Yesterday it was the first preseason game of our team. The game was held in Vancouver, BC, against the Sacramento Kings. The Raptors bounced back after a bad 3rd quarter (when they found themselves losing 75-68) and they won 99 – 94. First scorer from our team was (who else?) DeMar DeRozan with 21 points. Ramon Sessions, from the opponents, was the best scorer (and the best player) with 14.
How did our players, new and old, appeared in this first Raptors “show”?
First and foremost, it’s too early to get any conclusions. Even if the player core is the same, players need to blend and practice together after the summer period in order to play at the level that everybody is expecting. But a first general idea was shown today at Rogers Arena.
What I liked?
Terrence Ross’s self-confidence. Terrence showed that he believes more in himself, he took many shots, missed half of them, but his all appearance was promising. He was not afraid to test his jumper, he stole the ball twice and generally looked more aggressive and confident.
Greg Stiemsma. I liked this guy’s help especially on the defensive end. He was a tough match-up, he grabbed many rebounds. I believe he will be the 15th Raptor.
James Johnson. He will be a great help coming from the bench. Steals, defense, but even offensive moves. Very efficient.
DeMar DeRozan. Top scorer; again. Tireless. He will be our leader this season. The rest is yet to come.
Lou Williams’ last quarter. His performance got the Raptors back in the game and helped them a lot to win this.
Tyler Hansbrough’s 3 point jumpers. He needs this extension on his game if he wants to get minutes this season.
Nick Stauskas’ first NBA appearance (12 pts with 2-3 3pt%, in 25mins). He’s going to be one of the sharpest shooters in the league.
What I didn’t like?
Jonas Valanciunas “extreme” decisions. He started great, but he tried so many difficult shots during the 2nd and 3rd quarters some of them were easily blocked by the opponents. He seemed to be trying to persuade everybody that he improved and that he has to take more plays this season. I believe in him. He will be an all-star someday, but patience is a virtue. He showed glances of brilliance on this game, so I believe he will be better, eventually.
Lou Williams during the first 3 quarters. He showed a bit stressed on his first game as a Raptor. Too many short shots, he tried to prove everybody that he’s the offensive thread everybody says.
Defensive inconsistency. Great effort during the first and the last quarter (17 and 19 opponents pts), subpar during the 2nd and especially the 3rd one (25 and 33 opponent points respectively).
But, this is preseason game, isn’t it? Players want to get rid of the summer “rustiness” at the beginning. Defensive awareness and consitency will come later.
The moment of Terrence Ross injury. Hopefully it will not be something serious.
What do I expect to see at the next games?
Jumpers going in. It’s a preseason game; the first one. So don’t expect to see every jumper go in. As I said and before, it was the first preseason game. If every player was 100% fit, with full energy and every shot went in, I would be much worried.
Defensive consistency. As players feel fit, as players learn what his coach expects from them this season, they will play with more energy on this end.
Bruno Caboclo.
Happy and successful season everyone!