The Toronto Raptors looked good with their new lineup and beat a former dynasty (the Golden State Warriors) today in California by a score of 133-118. To be brief, the new lineup is clicking, and RJ Barrett was especially looking good tonight with a season-high 37 points. He just kept hitting three points.
The team is making waves with its revamped lineup, and the latest win against the Warriors just shows how strong this new lineup can be. The Raptors went out fast and never looked back.
There are several reasons why the Raptors not only won but looked good doing it.
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Reason One: RJ Barrett’s Explosive Performance
It’s hard to believe this is just Barrett’s fourth game with the Raptors since being traded from the New York Knicks. He looks as if he belongs and has been around for a long time. We wrote about Barrett when he was first traded to the Raptors and his potential. On Sunday, Barrett exploded for a season-high 37 points; and, he did it efficiently. He hit 13 of 20 shots, including 5 of 8 from three points.
This standout performance was the third-highest-scoring game of Barrett’s career. Raptors fans have to hope that such scoring dominance is something they will see regularly. If so, there’s a lot to be excited about looking forward.
Reason Two: Immanuel Quickley’s Playmaking Ability
Although Barrett has looked strong since coming to the Raptors, it’s Immanuel Quickley who has even looked as good (or better) since coming to the Raptors in the same trade. He played a key role in the victory with a game-high 10 assists.
Quickley also can create scoring chances for his teammates by facilitating the ball. On Sunday, he complemented Barrett’s scoring as well as showed some promising chemistry that seems to be growing in this new-look Raptors lineup.
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Reason Three: The Raptors Started the Game Strong
As soon as the game began, the Raptors jumped to a 7-0 lead in the first minute. To be fair, the Warriors were missing some players. Both Draymond Green and Chris Paul did not play. That kind of talent is hard to play without. Whatever, in the NBA it’s the next man up and the Raptors established an early lead and completely controlled the game’s flow and momentum.
Toronto dominated the first half and jumped out to a 27-point lead. They were hot. Overall, the Raptors made 58.5 percent of their field goals (a lot on transition when the Warriors didn’t get back in time on defense) and also hit three points at a 45.5 percent success rate. With Steph Curry not shooting well (only putting up nine points on the night), it was a complete off night for most of the Warriors – although Clay Thompson made some great shots – and a complete on night for the team from Ontario.
Reason Four: The Raptors Closed Out Efficiently
Despite the Warriors’ best attempt to mount a comeback in the third quarter, the Raptors never blinked and continued to hold their lead. It seemed that every time the Warriors got within 12 points, Toronto put on a mini-rin to go up by 18 again. They were able to respond to every run the Warriors threw at them.
Scoring aside, the Raptors’ new lineup looks fast, strong, and good. The team’s performance against the Warriors shows what they can do. They work hard and seem to play with confidence.
About Barrett, he’s explosive. If Sunday is any indication, Raptors’ fans are going to like his play a lot. Perhaps it’s too early to tell for sure; but, from where I sit, the future looks promising for the Toronto Raptors.
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