Takeaways as the Toronto Raptors lose heat against the Miami Heat

By Lee Tanner | Jan 3, 2020

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 08: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Toronto Raptors – Serge Ibaka (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Movement, Movement, Movement

The Toronto Raptors struggled on the offensive end, everyone knows that. There were many moments where they were looking like a team that was just starting to play with one another. They weren’t moving the ball around as well as usual and didn’t seem to be able to get in any passing rhythm.

They weren’t able to crack the code that was the Heat’s zone defense. Because of this, there were a lot of simple repetitive passes that only succeeded in running down the clock.

But there were some flashes where they were able to put together a few drop passes that opened up a lane to the rim or opportunity in the paint. This tended to happen while players were in motion offensively and when everyone was able to touch the ball on a play.

Moreover, there were times where the Raptors shook things up and went for some early offense with a quick screen, pass and shot before the defense was able to settle. But this happened a minimal amount of time and could have been utilized to potentially force the Heat to switch their defensive strategy.

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