Pitiful third quarter in Thunder loss highlighted all of Raptors’ issues

The Toronto Raptors picked up two very impressive wins against the Wizards and Bucks in the last few days, and they were probably licking their chops to take on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder at home. After all, how difficult can it be to take down a team that just lost by 73 points?

As it turns out, OKC gave Toronto more than it could handle. While the Raptors scored 36 points in the first quarter and ended the first half with a 10-point advantage, what transpired in the third quarter made for some absolutely putrid basketball. It was easily their worst quarter of the season.

The Thunder embarked on a 25-3 run to close out the quarter. Mark Daigneault and the offense amassed 33 points in that frame, and Nick Nurse’s team was only able to respond with 12 points. Toronto made a spirited effort to come back, but it ultimately was in vain due to Justin Champagnie’s game-winner being taken away.

That third quarter swung the outcome of the entire game. The most concerning part of the loss was the fact that even a team that will be contending for the No. 1 pick like Oklahoma City can identify Toronto’s weaknesses and exploit them frequently.

The Toronto Raptors were exposed against the Thunder.

While Fred VanVleet being unable to buy a basket for three quarters didn’t help, the most notable issue in this game was the lack of quality bench play. Toronto amassed just 14 points from their second unit, five of which came from Champagnie in the fourth. Even against a team like Oklahoma City, a lack of depth can be a killer.

Chris Boucher as the lone center with Khem Birch and Precious Achiuwa out is certainly not an ideal situation, but with OKC pummeling Toronto from beyond the 3-point line, the entire defense needs to take a very long look in the mirror after getting knocked around to that degree.

When this defense works as intended, it is one of the most unstoppable units in the East, as proven in the Washington win. When teams like Oklahoma City, Detroit, and Golden State can exploit Toronto’s overaggression, you get nights like this.

With matchups against the Warriors, Nets, and Bulls all on the schedule before the year ends, Toronto needs to pick up home wins against beatable teams like this. Players like Lu Dort should not be completely eviscerating the Raptors on their home floor.

The play-in tournament is in sight, but this roster will need some major changes if they are going to snag one of those final spots.