So that's what it looks like when that team on paper plays defense the way they're advertised. Holding the Raptors to 88 points feels nice. I know part of it has to do with these new rules the league has implemented (which I'm very happy about), but for a team that keeps the same level of energy and intensity and comes at you for 48 minutes, this was an ideal result.
The energy was a little lacking in the third quarter, but once the lead got near ten, the team intensity ramped way up and we took it home. A tight, nine-man rotation was nice to see, and I don't know if the team sits around and watches the Ringer videos together, but they pretty much handled every talking point from Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon's video.
Schroder and Richardson hit their open shots (even if the former had an inexcusable amount of turnovers). The ball moved, players moved, and they switched without over-switching.
Rob Williams was a man possessed, imposing his will on every "big" the Raptors threw at him. He was a lob menace and had 8/13 rebounds come on the offensive end. His ceiling being a "slightly undersized Deandre Jordan" (even though his wingspan almost negates his shorter frame) looks more and more real and fun every day.
Tatum's full-package game was a beautiful sight, I love when he's on triple-double watch. Watching him drive into the paint, draw 2-3 defenders, and then make a dump off to Rob/Al in the paint, or Grant in the corner, it's just a wonderful thing. He was crashing the boards and letting the offense come to him, even if his shot selection was occasionally sus.
Special shout out by the way to Grant Williams, which I never say, but yeah for the way he was consciously repositioning himself to get open for three when his first looks weren't falling? Yeah, I like that.
I mean Scottie Barnes is going to be a problem in the future and I hope he doesn't stay in Toronto, but if tonight's effort keeps up, mixed with some of our points allowed in recent games, Luka buzzer-beaters notwithstanding, there is a lot to like moving forward. Shit, I mean no Jaylen, no problem, and that dude is hooping, too.
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