3 important lessons learned during 2022 Raptors preseason

1. O.G. Anunoby is ready to dominate

Anunoby didn’t start off hot from 3-point range in the preseason, but multiple Raptors starters also seemed to be mired in some malaise from the perimeter. Not only did O.G. show signs of snapping out of that funk, but he was absolutely blitzing an unsuspecting Boston defense during the finale.

Anunoby ended the Celtics game with 32 points, including 20 in the first quarter, on 13-21 shooting and 4-5 from 3-point range. After having to shoot down offseason rumors of him being dissatisfied with his role in the offense, O.G. is gearing up to seize more minutes and responsibility by force.

Toronto Raptors: O.G. Anunoby may have his best season yet.

Anunoby has improved his scoring every year he’s been in the league, and the 17.1 points per game he averaged this year will almost assuredly fall if he plays at a level even approximating what he exhibited against Boston. Even the starters from a unit that was arguably the best defense in the league last year couldn’t stop him.

Anunoby has been through his fair share of ups and downs in Toronto, but he seems to have realized that the path to greater recognition and a nine-figure contract is in smoothing out his offensive game. When the season starts, O.G. will come out firing.