Opening night wasn’t pleasant for the Toronto Raptors, as they go under .500 for the first time since 2014.
Wednesday night marked the start of the 2020-2021 season for the Toronto Raptors. A game that the Raptors looked to put their stamp on early, quickly turned to an ugly turnaround as they lost to the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite the opening night loss, there were many positives along with negatives, to take away from the Raptors’ first game of the season.
#1: Third quarter collapse
This game was a tale of two halves. A game that the Raptors had completely in their control, quickly turned into an onslaught by the Pelicans from the third quarter on. The majority of it wasn’t even due to what the Pelicans were doing to the Raptors, more so Toronto’s inability to score on the offensive end.
The woes the Raptors went through on offense, clearly affected the intensity on defense. Transition defense was weak, to say the least. On multiple occasions, Lonzo Ball was wide open from three on lackluster defense from the Raptors. Ball himself had 13 points in the third quarter alone, which was more than half of the points the Raptors as a team scored (22).
It’s understandable when JJ Redick has it going from three, but when Eric Bledsoe begins to convert shots from outside, that’s a serious problem. The Raptors were unable to contain a single player on the Pelicans. With the offense being non-existent, and the defense faltering, it was the recipe for a defeat.
#2: OG needs to be more impactful on the offensive end
One game is not enough to jump the gun and start criticizing OG Anunoby, however, it’s not a good sign for the Raptors. Fresh off inking a 4 year, $72 million contract, expectations coming into this season are high for OG.
This is supposed to be the season for OG to make that jump that everyone has been anticipating. With Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol gone, Anunoby’s role on the Raptors has increased greatly, as head coach Nick Nurse is ready to utilize OG in a greater way this season.
OG finished with just 8 points on 0-5 shooting from three, along with 4 turnovers. Nowhere close to what the Raptors expect of OG, and shouldn’t be a performance that fans should expect often going forward. However, his play in the third quarter was really detrimental to any rhythm the Raptors tried to attain.
If Anunoby makes one of the three, three-point shots he took in the third, it ends that major run that the Pelicans went on. Brings life back to the Raptors, and could have potentially swung the game back in Toronto’s favor.
OG isn’t called upon to be a go-to shot creator, but him making timely shots will be essential in the Raptors’ success throughout the season.
#3: Pascal Siakam’s play is a good sign
Instead of just focusing on all the negatives from the game, there should be positives that are covered as well. Pascal Siakam had a solid outing on Wednesday night, which is a good sign for the Raptors.
Pascal came out the gates looking great when it came to his poise on the offensive end. His control over the types of shots he decides to take has become much better. He is more decisive with his moves, which displays the mental improvements Siakam has made since the bubble.
Right out of halftime Siakam had a smooth looking pull up jumper over Steven Adams at the top of the key. His ball-handling was tight and controlled, and his form was silky smooth. Shots that Siakam should’ve taken more of.
Siakam did play well but it would’ve been nice to see him more assertive, especially during that drought the team was in during the third. Every team needs to have that “guy” who will deliver them to the promised land. Pascal needs to grab that role by the neck and run with it.
https://raptorsrapture.com/2020/12/03/toronto-raptors-pascal-siakam-shooting/
He shot 8-17 from the field, which is just under 50 percent. In the type of game the Raptors were in on Wednesday night, Siakam has to take more shots. Going forward, Siakam’s play is a bright spot, but he needs to be more assertive for the Raptors to be considered a threat.