Toronto Raptors: Knicks loss unveils fatal flaw that could kill play-in hopes

The Toronto Raptors defense was going to be tested once again by Julius Randle and the revitalized New York Knicks. Not only has Randle owned Pascal Siakam in recent weeks, but Tom Thibodeau’s team is in the middle of a hot streak that has the city buzzing after years of futility.

Siakam managed to have some solid moments against his nemesis, but the Raptors came out completely flat in the Saturday matinee, which is surprising for a team that had won four straight on the bounce. Even more frightening for Toronto, this game might’ve uncovered a hidden flaw that could ruin the Raptors’ fleeting chances of making the postseason.

The Knicks not only beat the Raptors 120-103 thanks to a dominant fourth quarter, but they did so thanks to a barrage of 3-pointers that is uncharacteristic considering how they play. New York shot 56% from the field, but they made 16 of their 31 3-point attempts, which shows that Toronto’s perimeter defense was torn apart in this game.

Can they make the playoffs playing like this?

The Toronto Raptors need to defend the perimeter better

The Knicks are the hottest team in the league and a worthy opponent, but shooting the lights out is not their strength. Gary Trent Jr. has emerged as a quality shooter and defender from the shooting guard spot, but the return of both Lowry and VanVleet has relegated both him and Malachi Flynn to backup duty.

The Knicks are unique in that they don’t conform to the NBA’s 3-point revolution like other teams. Yes, they’ll make some threes, but they will grind you down with the intent of beating you via physicality, rebounding, and defense. Toronto let Reggie Bullock, Immanuel Quickley, and even Randle carve them up from deep.

Look at the teams Toronto might have to compete with for a play-in spot. The Indiana Pacers have more shooters than they know what to do with, Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards defense will eat this perimeter grouping for lunch, and the Chicago Bulls with a healthy Zach LaVine will have no trouble with this defense.

Toronto needs to retool its rotations, and fast. This alignment has not been working, as Obi Toppin, of all people, was having his way with the defense. This can’t happen as the calendar flips to May.

We know the Raptors can score, and their defense has been making some improvements over the last few games. However, if Toronto is unable to stop a below-average offense from raining death from above, better offensive teams like Chicago and Washington will have a field day dreaming up ways to exploit this suddenly shaky defense.