Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways after preseason loss to Celtics

The Toronto Raptors marched into TD Garden with the intent of showing up the rival Boston Celtics and taking home their second win in three preseason games. Thanks to a strong offensive performance early on, Jayson Tatum and the Cs were able to secure a very narrow 113-111 win.

While they did have to put up another tally in the loss column this preseason, the Raptors were able to bounce back from being down 15 at the end of the first quarter and take this game down to the final possession.

While the Raptors have now lost two straight games, they can at least take solace in the fact that they had some of their key players for 2021 strut their stuff in encouraging fashion. Even among all the positives, some players, unfortunately, stunk things up against Boston.

The Toronto Raptors should take away these three lessons from their defeat against Boston, as these trends could have a real impact on how they line up before the season opener in a little over a week from now.

3 Toronto Raptors takeaways after their preseason loss to Celtics.

3. Scottie Barnes is an above-average defender and passer already.

When the Raptors took Barnes, they likely expected that he wouldn’t be someone that takes over games on offense as a rookie. While he’s drawn praise for some impressive individual plays as a scorer, what he’s done as a passer and on-ball defender has been nothing short of remarkable.

Barnes recorded five rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks in this game. Barnes has had at least five assists in all of his preseason appearances, and the fact that he was able to give Jayson Tatum some real problems in isolation situations shows the type of potential he carries with him.

Scottie Barnes is making the Toronto Raptors thrilled that they picked him.

Tatum did cook the rookie a couple of times, and Barnes had the worst plus-minus of any Raptors player at -30, but he looked like an impact player on both ends, which is exactly what Toronto wanted to see from him at this stage of his development.

Barnes is raw as a shooter, but nearly every other aspect of his game looks like it will be at least average despite the fact he’s so young. It’s rare for a rookie to pass and defend with the degree of refinement Barnes has displayed, and that combination of skills is helping Raptors fans get a very intriguing glimpse into what the future looks like.

2. Goran Dragic won’t score as easily as he did in Miami.

Nick Nurse has shown so much comfort and trust in Dragic that he’s been putting him out with the starters in the first few games, prompting some whispers that he would push high-priced signing Gary Trent Jr. to the bench. Unfortunately, Dragic has not only failed to take advantage of this opportunity, but he’s been a subpar player.

After coming into this game averaging 5.0 points per game on 27% shooting during his first two performances, Dragic went just 2-7 against Boston, amassing just six points in 14 minutes while being a -12 on the evening. In a crowded backcourt rotation, that’s not going to get it done.

Should the Toronto Raptors be concerned about Goran Dragic?

Nurse might fool around with starting him in order to replicate his old strategy of starting multiple point guards at the same time, but Dragic has looked out of sorts in the lineup. Trent took advantage by putting up 14 points in 24 minutes, further beefing up his stock within the organization.

This isn’t to say that Dragic is bereft of value, as he can still be a solid veteran mentor on a young team and an adequate passer. However, for a Raptors team that is both looking for some extra scoring juice and hoping to pump up Dragic’s value before the deadline, this start wasn’t super encouraging.

1. OG Anunoby can be a primary offensive option

Anunoby has made some major improvements to his offensive game in every season since he came into the league. 2021-22 is requiring him to make the biggest leap yet given his increased role without Kyle Lowry. Based on what we’ve seen against Philadelphia and Boston, he is ready to start unleashing his scoring upon the rest of the NBA.

After leading the Raptors in scoring during their 2 games against Philadelphia, Anunonby totaled 17 points on 6-14 shooting. Only Fred VanVleet had more points in this game. The most impressive part of this performance was how he got those points, as he looks better than he ever did as a ball-handler and pull-up shooter.

OG Anunoby could lead the Toronto Raptors in scoring.

Nurse has given Anunoby the green light to take a shot whenever he deems it fit, and that has led to some very promising moments for a Raptors team that needs to find a long-term replacement for Lowry’s scoring. With Pascal Siakam still on the mend, look for Anunoby to pick up the pace.

Anunoby is one of the most unique players in the NBA, as there are very few with his combination of muscle, dexterity, and shooting all in one package. Now that he’s becoming a creator, he should be in for a major uptick in scoring production by the time the regular season comes around.