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Raptors suffering from an identity crisis

By Sahal Abdi

May 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey talks to his team during a timeout in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 116-78. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey talks to his team during a timeout in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 116-78. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fast forward — what’s the issue now?

The Raps have been an absolutely fantastic team offensively — so good that they temporarily held the title of best offense in league history — while being a middle-of-the-pack team on the other end. A major issue that has plagued Toronto since the beginning of last season is their struggle to defend the three-point shot. Their perimeter defense has been downright terrible to the naked-eye and by nearly all defensive metrics.

To this date, Toronto has allowed a .363 3PT percentage (19th ranked in NBA) and a .456 FG percentage (18th ranked in NBA). Last year, Toronto was even worse defending the 3PT shot allowing a .373 3PT percentage (29th ranked) however defended much better inside the three-point line allowing a .444 FG percentage (11th ranked in NBA).

Recently, we have seen mediocre NBA teams such as the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers light up the Raptors in different scenarios throughout each game. For perspective, these teams have a combined 52-93 record this season (.358 winning %).

Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) is tended to after being injured during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) is tended to after being injured during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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