The Toronto Raptors misfired most of the evening against the Phoenix Suns, yet managed to grab the victory anyway. What did we learn?
The NBA season is incredibly long, and gruelling beyond words. The Toronto Raptors played their first of four straight road games, and emerged with a 107 – 98 win. The Phoenix Suns entered the game with the flipped record of the Raps; an ugly 1-7 start compared to the 7-1 mark of the visitors.
We’ll give the Suns credit for never folding, despite the Raptors taking command of the match in Q3. From the perspective of Raptors fans, were there any positives from a win that looked it was going to be a loss?
Fred VanVleet > Lorenzo Brown
Toronto has been forced to utilize Lorenzo Brown as the backup point guard over the past few games, since Fred VanVleet has been sidelined by a sore big toe. Thankfully, Fred returned, and played like he’d never been away. He drained a pair of long balls, and dished out six dimes in just over 20 minutes of playing time. He also managed a pair of steals, and a blocked shot (Fred, you’re incredible).
Lorenzo Brown was the only Raptor not to hit the floor, a result I expect we’ll see again and again. There’s no comparison. Fred is a better shooter, defender, passer, and ball handler than Lorenzo, though Brown rocks that headband.
Win when not at your best
The Raptors got no long balls from Serge Ibaka, and just one each from Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry. They missed 8 of 21 free throws. Toronto was abused on the glass, particularly by as-good-as-advertised rookie Deandre Ayton. The rookie pulled down 18 rebounds, as the Suns won the boards battle 49 – 30.
Yet our team emerged on top anyway. Our centers both managed double figures in scoring, and six blocked shots. Leonard’s so-so night still found him leading the team with 19 points. (Am I getting spoiled already by Kawhi?)
Our defense held Phoenix to eight made three-balls. This was the first game this season in which a Raptors opponent was held under a century.
Get everyone back in the fold
This game was not just Fred’s return to service. OG Anunoby, who’s been away from the team for “personal” reasons, hit the floor tonight. While he didn’t set the scoresheet alight, he defended at least as fiercely as I’ve ever seen him.
The Raptors enjoyed roster depth which is the envy of the league. Even Greg Monroe managed to get on the floor long enough to hit the scoresheet – with a turnover for travelling. Toronto is double-figure deep, which figures to be a huge advantage as the season drags on.
Next up will be a true test – the Raptors face the Lakers on Saturday night.