Resurgence of Marc Gasol has been key to Toronto Raptors success

Marc Gasol’s resurgence has allowed the Toronto Raptors to take the lead in the series with Milwaukee Bucks. In the two games at home, Gasol has bounced back and momentum is shifting in favor of the Raptors.

The Toronto Raptors slugged through that seven-game series with Philadelphia 76ers. Kawhi Leonard carried the Raptors offensively for most of that series (not to mention the game-winning shot in Game 7).

But going into this series with the Bucks, the Raptors would need more from its supporting cast. Marc Gasol struggled mightily in the first two games in Milwaukee, resulting in a fourth-quarter meltdown in Game 1 and a blowout loss in Game 2.

Since then Gasol has helped the Toronto Raptors bounce back, and they now look to close out Milwaukee in six games. He did have a rough shooting night in Game 5 but his defense and presence on the floor still contributed to a Raptors win. His resurgence has allowed the Raptors to come back and take the lead in this series.

Shots are finally dropping

In the first two games in Milwaukee, Gasol averaged four points per game on 15-percent shooting from the field and 22-percent shooting from the three-point line. In the two games in Toronto, he has averaged 16.5 points per game on 52-percent shooting from the field and 50-percent shooting from the three-point line. Gasol is finally making shots, but more importantly, there is no hesitation to shoot when he’s open.

Milwaukee’s defense is predicated to defend the three-point line and close shots at the basket. Brook Lopez is tasked with defending those close shots by dropping down close to the basket. Lopez is averaging 2-blocks per game this postseason, that includes a four-block game in Game 1 this series.

When Gasol or another shooter gets the ball near the three-point line, Lopez then tries to close out hard, but he’s usually too late. This has led to a lot of open jumpers for Gasol that he just couldn’t seem to hit in the first two games.

Luckily for the Raptors, Gasol was making those shots in games three and four and was looking to be more aggressive in general with his shot. With Gasol finally hitting shots, it will give Milwaukee problems on defense because they can’t simply pack the paint. Lopez will have to play a little bit tighter on Gasol if he’s hitting shots, which can give enough space for the other Raptors to attack the rim without the presence of a shot blocker.

Using Gasol more as a Playmaker

Since the Raptors acquired Gasol at the trade deadline, discussions about whether he is underutilized came into question. Gasol was most effective being used as a playmaker from the high post, where he’d be able to run the offense by delivering passes to cutters and open shooters. In Memphis, he averaged 4.7 assists per game this season. As a Raptor, he averaged 3.9 assists per game. In the playoffs, he’s averaging 3.4 assists per game.

Just as his shooting suffered in Games 1, 2, and 5, so did his assists numbers. At Milwaukee, he’s averaging two assists per game. In Game 1 of this series, Gasol had a decent outing with five assists going into the fourth quarter. But from then on, Gasol had zero and the Raptors blew probably one of the best games they’ve played collectively this season. In the two wins in Toronto, he averaged seven assists per game. What was the difference?

Just like his scoring, Gasol was finally being more aggressive and was used more in both the high and low post areas. Nick Nurse had also put more emphasis on wanting his players to move the play more because Milwaukee was packing the paint. On several occasions, Gasol was able to hit cutters to the basket, find open shooters, and he even attacked the rim a few times that attracted multiple defenders, leading to quick passes to guys near the basket.

Being more Effective as a Defender

Gasol has been great at defending this post-season, having to match up with Nikola Vucevic and Joel Embiid already. He did an admirable job defending them and was the biggest factor as to why they struggled against Toronto.

Lopez was thought to be an easier match-up for Gasol because he doesn’t pose as big a threat. But in Game 1, Gasol struggled to defend Lopez, allowing him to get 29 points on 57-percent shooting from the field, making 4-of-11 shots from the three-point line.

After Game 1, Lopez has not been able to replicate that success. He’s averaging 11.5 points per game on 47-percent shooting from the field and 33-percent shooting from the three-point line. Gasol has also quietly averaged 2.2 blocks in the Conference Finals. Which includes 5-blocks in Game 3.

Gasol does an excellent job helping on defense. All postseason long, Gasol has been able to get to the right positions on the floor to help disrupt shots. With Toronto’s switching defense, Gasol is able at times to float around the floor. This enables him to anticipate how and where the opposing team is going to try to score.

An area where he has done a very good job is clogging the middle when Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to drive to the basket. Several times Giannis has had to kick the ball out or committed a turnover.

The series is now in favor of the Toronto Raptors. Gasol has done a nice job stabilizing this Raptors team. His defense has been solid and the Raptors have utilized him much better in the past three games.

If Gasol continues to play well, the Raptors should be in a prime position to make the NBA finals for the first time in franchise history.