Takeaways from the Toronto Raptors blowing out the New York Knicks

The Toronto Raptors utilized their quick pace to keep the New York Knicks on their toes.

The Toronto Raptors sit directly in the middle or 15th place in terms of the overall pace of their games so far for the season. While that doesn’t seem very high, it does when the New York Knicks are in 28th place.

The pace of the game influenced the transition game as the Raptors had 19 fastbreak points. Yet, the Knicks also had 17 fastbreak points, so the difference wasn’t astounding. What was really apparent was how the Raptors responded after the Knicks made a basket, especially in the second quarter, wherein they outscored the Knicks 37-17.

After made baskets by the Knicks, the Raptors would rush the ball up the court, at least until they were beyond the half-court line. At times, the pushed the ball into the corner or even right above the break. Essentially, even after the Knicks made a basket, the Raptors were gunning trying to get past them. As the Knicks were giving each other high fives, the ball was being moved right under their nose.

This ball movement didn’t always lead to a quick possession and basket, but it seemingly had the opportunity to do so, which kept the Knicks guessing when defending. It’s similar to the tactic employed by Fred VanVleet when he drives under the basket, keeps his dribble alive, then resets the offense: He’s begging to make the defense jump.

In a way, those quick outlet passes — even after made baskets — do the same. Plus, if lucky, they can lead to possessions ending like this:

Gasol shooting near the logo is a sight that could make anyone believe in these Raptors.