“U of Utah” alums could Play Important Role in Raptors-Bucks Series

Following a blowout loss in game 1, the Toronto Raptors needed change something up in game 2. Dwane Casey put Delon Wright and Jakob Poeltl in the rotation for a few minutes with incredible results. The two former Utah Utes may end up having a crucial role in this first round series.

It was pretty clear that the Raptors needed something of a boost if they were to avoid another disappointing loss in game 2. University of Utah alums Delon Wright and rookie Jakob Poeltl turned out to be small sparks in a tight win. The Milwaukee Bucks played close through the whole game, and probably will throughout this series. The roles of Poeltl and Wright are sure to expand following their positive impact on the game.

The Rookie Shines

While both players’ great play was a little surprising, Poeltl’s solid defense is what caught me off guard. Throughout the year, he’s had a habit of having incredible positioning and always being in the right spot, but this was his first meaningful minutes in the playoffs. He continually ended up at the right spot at the right time. Greg Monroe had been physically demolishing the Raptors D in the paint and Poeltl came in and played him tough. Keep in mind that Monroe outweighs Poeltl by 35 lbs at 265 and 230 respectively.

If the fact that Poeltl was about the only one could moderately slow Monroe wasn’t significant enough, he was also a plus on the offensive end. It is a common theme that Poeltl continually find himself in great position. The most obvious example of that was his cut to the basket where P.J. Tucker threw him a perfect pass for an easy layup. It was his only basket of the game but a good one nonetheless.

No Sophomore Slump Here

While Poeltl played great in the paint, Delon Wright played hard and played even better on the perimeter. Wright fits our matchup with the Bucks much better than Poeltl does as his length allows him to guard anyone from Matthew Dellavedova (side note: please Raptors never leave him wide open for a late three again) to Kris Middleton.

The most important role that he can play though is being Malcolm Brogdon’s own little pest. We know that Kyle Lowry is a very capable defender and can always play solid, physical defense but he is only listed at 6 ft. Brogdon, the possible rookie of the year, is 6’ 5”. Delon is the same height and can hang with Brogdon. Wright won’t be replacing Lowry anytime soon, but he could challenge Cory Joseph for minutes if Joseph struggles to defend.

Offensively, Wright was fantastic in game 2. He may not have made a shot, but he had 3 assists and an offensive rebound in just 8 minutes. He was hustling around the court and playing smart which has to be his niche if he wants to play more minutes in the playoffs.

Foul Trouble is No Reason To Panic

In previous seasons, the Raptors would have been a disaster with foul trouble. If DeMar DeRozan or Terrence Ross got into foul trouble, we’d rely on John Salmons or even Landry Fields to come in and play playoff minutes. (Let’s all take a second to honor the minutes that Chuck Hayes played and be thankful we have numerous capable big men) With the likes of Norman Powell, Wright, and Poeltl all prepared to come off the bench at any moment’s notice, the Raptors are in much better shape.

No longer do we need to panic if Lowry and Joseph get 3 fouls in the first half. Obviously it would be stressful, but we know we have a capable third-stringer in Wright. If Jonas Valanciunas gets a little too scrappy, we know we got Poeltl ready for the game. The couple of Utes may have only played a combined 12 minutes in game 2, but as the series wears on, expect to hear their names a few more times for sure.

Let me know what you guys think about the “University of Utah” in the comments. Hopefully they can continue the great play. Thanks for reading!