The Raptors fell once again in Las Vegas. The Timberwolves shot well to snatch away a tiny Toronto lead, and there was no one on our side with a hot hand.
The Toronto Raptors aren’t dazzling anyone at Summer League. They dropped their second straight game, this time to the Minnesota Timberwolves. At least our guys were competitive, even taking a 2-point lead into the final quarter. Sadly, the quality shooting which had produced a 35-point Q3 (and in these games, the quarters are 10 minutes long, not 12) disappeared. The T’Wolves kept the Raptors at bay with relative ease.
We’re not much concerned with the results, although we’d like our team to grab a victory sometime. Instead I’ll offer you my thoughts on prospects l like. Unlike Game 1, every Raptor hit the floor for at least a few minutes.
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Once again, Malachi Richardson was the best of the swingmen. He hit four of five long balls, and looked poised and confident with the ball. I wish I could offer more insight on his defense, but there’s not the camera angles or replays with which to do so. He moves well, and speed is a valuable asset on both sides of the ball, so we’re optimistic.
It was deja vu all over again for the big men. Augusto Lima racked up five fouls, and one basket. That’s not the ratio we’re looking for. Shevon Thompson displayed the same soft touch around the hoop he did in Game 1. I’d like to see him more aggressive as a rebounder.
Jordan who?
Rawle Alkins took a step back, but the unheralded Jordan Lloyd did the opposite. He led the Raptors with 17 points on just 9 shots, and made all 5 of his free throws. He’s 24 years old, and smallish at 6’4″, so he’s not a true prospect. However, a couple of his buckets were impressive, and he’s solid with the ball (no turnovers). If this game wasn’t a fluke, he may wangle a training camp invitation.
OG Anunoby proved his improved handle wasn’t a one-hit wonder. He made some tasty moves to the hoop, and rebounded well to boot.
Not a pretty picture
The Raptors’ team play was ragged. Fast break opportunities were frequently butchered, a lot of open men didn’t get the ball, and there were numerous basket cuts not made. Even so, had they gotten off to a decent start, a win was at hand.
Minnesota missed its first 13 or so shots, and the score was 9-8 after almost 7 minutes of brickwork by both sides. That either team would make a century seemed impossible. However, once the T’Wolves found their range, the Raptors were outmatched.
I was most impressed by Minny’s #20 selection, the 19-year-old Josh Okogie. He’s far from a finished product, but who cares? He’s scary fast, and can adjust to defensive pressure in mid-drive. I hope he doesn’t get buried on Tom Thibodeau’s bench. Note the name. He’ll be heard from.
The Raptors tip off Monday afternoon against the OKC Thunder.