The Toronto Raptors were expected by many to be one of the bottom-feeders in the Eastern Conference due to the roster turnover and tough division, but Nick Nurse has surprised plenty by getting this team off to a 6-5 start with wins over the Knicks and improved Wizards already under their belt.
The Raptors have leaned into their positionless philosophy, building a young team that goes all out on the defensive end and is willing to bang down low on offense. With Pascal Siakam finally back in the fold, this team will start to kick things up a notch when it comes to taking on the best of the best.
The Raptors might be a team unlike any other across the league, and that unusual roster construction has led to a team that is at the top of the NBA in a few specific categories and near the bottom in a few others.
These 3 stats tell a pretty stark tale of how the Toronto Raptors have performed in the first few weeks of the season. This organization has some unique aspects to its game that will define its style and formula for winning games despite what looks like a very difficult schedule ahead.
3 stats that show why the Toronto Raptors are playing well.
3. The Raptors are dominating the offensive boards.
The Raptors were one of the worst rebounding teams in the league last season, as the likes of Aron Baynes just weren’t doing enough to go up against players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid. Who could’ve imagined that? Toronto is much better in that area this season, especially on the offensive glass.
Toronto is at the very top of the league in offensive rebound rate at 32.2%. Teams that are ranked near them include the Jazz, who are buoyed by an All-Star in Rudy Gobert, and the Heat, who have their own tremendous big man in Bam Adebayo. Scottie Barnes is playing a huge part in this turnaround.
The Toronto Raptors are a much better rebounding team in 2021.
Barnes is averaging just over three offensive rebounds per game by himself, as the combination of his length, leaping ability, and hustle all contribute to his ability to make an impact on the glass. Toronto may lack height, but that hasn’t done much to stop them from crashing the boards.
Even though Precious Achiuwa has become a bit of a controversial figure for his roller-coaster play, he has proven to be solid on the glass. Masai Ujiri identified the lack of a rebounding presence as a major need for this team, and this squad looks much better in this area after the roster was turned over.