Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby shows why starting Khem Birch makes sense

The arrivals to the Toronto Raptors have been keeping their playoff hopes alive, as the additions of Gary Trent Jr., Freddie Gillespie, and Khem Birch have boosted the team’s energy and have helped the squad in the win column. The Raptors are currently on a four-game win streak, and OG Anunoby found out that starting Birch is a big reason why.

In six games with the Raptors, Birch is averaging 25.2 minutes per game, the highest total of his career. Birch is averaging 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with Toronto, both of which would be career-highs for the native Canadian.

During the post-game interview, Anunoby was asked about the impact of playing with bigs like Birch and Gillespie. He mentioned that they bring “rebounding, energy” and that they “can finish around the rim.” Anunoby also added that it gives the Raptors an advantage because they don’t have to play “small as much.”

Anunoby was specifically impressed by the fact that Birch shoots the ball ‘so well’ from what he’s seen from him in practice and games so far. He highlighted that Birch didn’t shoot the ball so much in Orlando and that his shooting ability surprised him the most.

Birch played well at center for the Raptors in the win against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. He had eight points, seven rebounds, and three assists in the game. His three-point shot at the end of the fourth put the game away for good.

When you don’t put the skinny Pascal Siakam at center and you have someone who can contribute on offense, unlike Aron Baynes, it makes a world of difference.

It was the slam dunk inside off a pass from Siakam with a little over a minute left in the game that gave the Raptors a 10 point lead. The versatility and value Birch brings to the team are what Anunoby was speaking highly about.

OG Anunoby and Khem Birch helped the Toronto Raptors.

Anunoby was put at shooting guard a few games back against the San Antonio Spurs due to injuries. Now, being in his natural position with key guys back shows the potential the Raptors have. Anunoby finished the game against the Nets with 25 points, three rebounds, and had two blocks.

Although the team is looking better, they still have a long way to compete for a play-in position in the post-season. The Raptors have a tough matchup ahead of them as they face the Knicks on Saturday, who are on a winning streak themselves with eight in a row. Whether or not Toronto is tanking is now out of the question with the possibility of being thrust into the playoffs.

The up and down season continues, but at least Toronto finds out what lineups work looking into next season. With the loss of Chris Boucher due to a knee sprain, the other bigs for the Raptors have an opportunity to showcase their skills, and Birch has made the most of his chance.