Toronto Raptors: Big takeaways from first four games in the bubble
Toronto Raptors need more from the bench
Toronto’s first three victories masked the team’s lack of production from their reserves.
Through their first four games in Orlando, the Raptors’ bench has been outscored 199-113. Here’s a breakdown of the per-game numbers:
Aug. 1 @ LAL: *15-50
Aug. 3 @ MIA: *22-56
Aug. 5 vs ORL: 46-40*
Aug. 7 vs BOS: 47-36*
(* = Toronto bench points)
It’s the inconsistency of the second unit which could hurt Toronto Raptors the most throughout this run. Sure, the team won its first three games, but relying on the starters for almost all the production is a dangerous recipe for a fast burnout.
There are three players in particular who were pegged for big roles in the bubble who have underdelivered so far. They are Norman Powell and Terence Davis Jr. and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Powell is slowly breaking out of his slow start after shooting a combined 6-21 in Toronto’s first two games. While he’s only shot a combined 9-21 in Toronto’s last two games against Boston and Orlando, Powell is beginning to make the most of his scoring chances.
The 9-21 clip doesn’t look pretty, but when you consider he’s upped his shooting percentage over the past two games from 28.6 to 42.8 percent it’s a good sign.
In the first two seeding games, the biggest story in Powell’s play was that he missed shots off of good looks. However, as the Raptors get deeper in their Orlando run, Powell is starting to turn good looks into great makes.
The 27-year-old will undoubtedly carry a huge load for Toronto off the bench, as the first man up and especially as a veteran. While he’s quiet in the vocal department, the Raptors will need Powell’s play to be considerably louder moving forward.
On the other side of the coin sits rookie standout Terence Davis Jr. Sometimes it’s extremely easy to forget the 23-year-old is in his first NBA season.
The often mentioned ‘rookie wall’ is always mentioned when it comes to first-year players. However, in Davis’ case, the stoppage may be the biggest reason for his slow start in Orlando.
If you’re a betting man or woman, bet on Terence Davis finding his rhythm again soon.
Finally, the last player the Raptors need more from is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. The 25-year-old was held scoreless in Toronto’s first two bubble games, where he only attempted one field goal.
Good things happen when Hollis-Jefferson scores. The Raptors need him to raise his level of play because his hustle and tenacity are contagious qualities.
The opportunity is there for him to have an impact of the bench for Toronto and now it’ll be about cashing in on those chances.