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Toronto Raptors: Some mind-bending numbers from Toronto’s 15-game win streak

By Jordan Skuse

Toronto Raptors huddle (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors huddle (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JANUARY 15: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors shoots a free throw during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 15, 2020 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Toronto ranks 21st in free-throw attempts over its last 15 games

Any fan of basketball goes through phases during the regular season where they’re adamant the league is against them – one game, it’s a parade to the free-throw line, but the next night you find yourself screaming at the TV, begging for a call. NBA referees have a very tough job, but that doesn’t mean I or anybody else is prohibited from calling them out when it’s appropriate *cough* Damian Lillard *cough*.

In totality, the Raptors rank 20th in free-throw attempts per game this season. Over the past 15 games, they are 21st in that department. Despite averaging more shots inside five feet per game than the rest of the league (36.7), refs aren’t rewarding the Raptors as much as maybe you’d think.

Rather than get discouraged, Toronto has simply pressed on and focused its collective effort on stopping opponents on defence. In possession of the ball, Raptor players continue to be aggressive on offence even though the whistle has been unfriendly at times.

Being able to battle through both calls and non-calls will go a long way come playoff time. In the postseason, defences become super aggressive and some calls that players expect to get during the regular season are suddenly deemed “play-ons”. Without a bonafide superstar among its ranks, Toronto could be forced to dig deep in the playoffs if it finds itself on the wrong side of a preferential treatment conspiracy. That being said, with the likes of Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol on the floor, along with an emerging superstar in Pascal Siakam, this team should have plenty of clout with officials when the going gets tough.

Next. Toronto Raptors: Biggest surprises of 2019-20. dark

In closing, to win a title, a team must win 16 games before it loses four of seven. A win over Brooklyn would give Toronto 16 straight wins, precisely the total it’s going to have to reach if a repeat is to become reality. Doing it now is nice, but doing it in May, June and July would be oh so super swell. The way they’re playing, it would seem unwise to bet against them.

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