It’s almost game-time. The Atlantic Division-champion Toronto Raptors (48-34) are about to open up the NBA playoffs with a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets (44-38)… again. This time however, the position of the Raptors is one of the biggest surprises in the entire Association. Following an early season trade that seemed to signify the roster going in the tanking direction, the Raptors have proven themselves as one of the league’s better squads.
Toronto absolutely dominated the Atlantic, going 11-5 in divisional games (2-2 in four meetings with the Brooklyn) while the Nets only finished with a 9-7 record against the same group of teams. Despite all of this, the Raptors are still seen by many as the underdogs in this series. Why? Because the Nets have really turned things around since the calendar flipped to 2014, going 34-17 since January 1st. With that being said, Toronto does hold homecourt advantage and does have a decent chance at taking their second series win in franchise history. It won’t be a cakewalk, but it is possible.
Cage’s Keys to the Game:
No Slow Start:
In order to really show the competition that they mean business, the Raptors need to perform well as soon as this game begins. A couple weeks ago, Toronto fell into the poor habit of starting games with a lack of urgency. Now, this is the postseason. The Raptors simply cannot afford to play catch-up versus this savvy veteran Nets team. The energy level needs to be maintained for the entirety of the first frame. On the defensive side of things, the home team has to be engaged and aware of the offensive schemes that Jason Kidd and company decide to roll with. If small-ball is utilized by the Nets, Dwane Casey‘s team needs to be ready to adjust in order to keep the game manageable. On offense, the Raptors should elect to push for transition buckets against this opponent. Looking at the matchups alone expose the speed advantage that Toronto should have.
Defend The Three:
In the final meeting in the season series, the Nets were able to escape a relatively even game because of solid late game execution that result in good looks from downtown. Paul Pierce led the game in the fourth quarter as his team elected to live and die by the three point shot. Toronto’s failure to defend the long range attempts of the Nets played a huge factor in the outcome of the last game between these two teams. In game 1 of this series, the way that the Raptors go about slowing down the three point onslaught of Brooklyn’s wings/forwards will definitely be something to keep an eye on. If DeMar DeRozan, Terrence Ross, and the other Raptor swingmen can keep their matchups in check, Toronto has a legit shot in this one.
Limit Turnovers:
In a game sure to be decided by the intangibles, the turnover count could prove to play a significant role in the matchup’s final outcome. Toronto’s offensive execution has to be consistent today. In the effort of establishing rhythm, the Raptors will need to quickly pinpoint which matchups are favorable and which ones aren’t. The ball needs to keep moving and Brooklyn’s traps attempts should be avoided. While we know that the Nets are bound to get their share of takeaways, the kinds of turnovers that they force will play an important role. Toronto can live with dead ball turnovers, they cannot afford too many of the ones that will lead to open court layups for the visiting Nets. Kyle Lowry and Greivis Vasquez need to have a steady handle on the flow of the Raptors offensive attack in order to give their team a good chance to go up 1-0 in the best-of-seven series.
Get LOUD:
This one is on the fans. It’s been six long years since the last Toronto Raptors postseason appearance. It’s time to show the rest of the league what they’ve been sleeping on all year. In fact, it’s time to show the rest of the country what they’ve been missing too. Two days ago, Sid Seixeiro gave a pretty remarkable speech on the Tim and Sid show speaking on the importance of the fanbase showing up for this series. Not only will it show the rest of the Association that there’s something special brewing here, but it will be integral in developing this under-appreciated basketball market for the future. Like Masai Ujiri recently said, “we have to make this place a living hell for [the opposition] to come play here“. It starts today, both inside the ACC and at the “Party In The Square”. If you’re there, your job is simple: show some love by showing just how much this year’s team means to you. Get loud!
X-Factor: Jonas Valanciunas
I know that I may be putting some pressure on the second year big man, but the reality is that he’s going to play a huge role in this series— not just this game. With future HOFer Kevin Garnett sure to be in his ear, Jonas Valanciunas will need to show his growth now more than ever.
Andray Blatche and Mason Plumlee may match up with JV too, so he needs to be ready to adapt to various styles of play. His contributions in today’s game will be important. Hopefully he can continue his late-season surge of scoring and rebounding.
