3 hot takeaways as Raptors win first game without Pascal Siakam
By Mike Luciano
2. O.G. Anunoby is a top-five defender in the NBA
One of the best parts of this season has been Anunoby getting his roses from the greater NBA community for his defense. Everyone knew that he was a solid defender before this season, but what he’s done on a Raptors team that has rarely been healthy is worthy of every accolade in the thesaurus.
In the last six games, Anunoby is averaging four steals per game, which would blow his career averages to this point out of the water. Not only is he on track for the first season since 1991 with 3.0 steals per game or higher, but he’s actually been more impressive than the box score numbers say.
Toronto Raptors: O.G. Anunoby has been a terrific defender.
Need him to lock down an elite guard like Trae Young? He can do that with ease, as he forced Young to commit 10 turnovers. How about moving into the post and defending 7-footers regularly? The Indiana product, one of the game’s most interesting and versatile chess pieces, is up for the task.
Offensively, Anunoby has scored 19.2 points per game on 52/39/85 shooting splits in the last six contests. After it looked like O.G. was going to be an issue that the team would need to work around offensively, he has come out firing with sensational performances against some near-elite competition.