Raptors Cage

Game Day Preview: Raptors look to play spoiler against undefeated Warriors

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Bernard Weil / Toronto Star

The Toronto Raptors are regrouping after a demoralizing loss against the Denver Nuggets two days ago, in which the Raptors (12-8) were able to claw their way back from a 14-point deficit at the half, but ended up losing by 1. Now, on an unusual Saturday Night home game, the Raptors will be in tough against the undefeated Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors (20-0) have yet to lose a game so far. As the NBA’s best team, they court the reigning MVP Steph Curry who forms one half of the Splash Brothers alongside another sharpshooter in Klay Thompson.The game starts shortly after 5 PM eastern time.

Raptors Cage’s Keys To The Game

Get off to a strong start

Slow starts have been the demise of the Raptors’ season especially in the last four games. On Thursday night against Denver the Raptors’ inability to put up points right out of the gate costed them a game that they should have won. Due to the immense talent of this Warriors team, the Raptors will need to be consistently good for all 48 minutes. This Warriors team can break open a game in a hurry, so the Raptors need to play hard from the get go.

Aggressive backcourt

This game is essentially the battle of the best backcourt in the West against probably the best backcourt in the East. DeMar DeRozan is averaging over 20 points a game and Kyle Lowry is quietly in the MVP conversation. Furthermore, with these two in attack mode the Raptors can keep the Splash Brothers on their toes, tire them out and possibly get them into some early foul trouble.

Late-Game Execution

A number of times this season the Raptors have lost due to poor late-game choices. Sure its exciting when DeRozan isolation plays work to perfection or when Cory Joseph hits a game winning three, but the Raptors need to be consistent late in the game at moving the ball and getting high percentage shots. After all, with the strength of these two teams, it is possible this game will be decided in the final 2 minutes.

X-Factor: Kyle Lowry

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There’s no doubt that the match-up of the game will be at the point guard position. Sure, Joseph may be counted on to shut-down Curry, but this is the chance for Lowry to establish himself among the elite once and for all. This is a game he must have circled on his calendar for quite some time. You gotta believe the Raps have chance in this one, but it will really come down to Lowry.

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