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Revisiting the Toronto Raptors’ Loss to the Philadelphia 76ers: Key Takeaways

By William Lou | November 3, 2023, 12:20 AM

Let’s dive into the Toronto Raptors’ recent defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers and explore the five major implications from the game.

1. Joel Embiid Dominates on Both Ends of the Floor

The standout performer of the game was Joel Embiid, who showcased his versatility and dominance. Despite the Raptors’ efforts to defend him with Jakob Poeltl’s size and help defense at the rim, Embiid proved too crafty. In offense, Embiid’s footwork outplayed Poeltl, and his passing skills were exceptional. Moreover, Embiid’s defensive presence prevented the Raptors from accessing the paint effectively, ultimately impacting their scoring opportunities.

2. Scottie Barnes’ Explosive Start

Scottie Barnes had a remarkable start to the game, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. In the opening minutes, Barnes made two three-pointers, assisted OG Anunoby for a three-pointer, and showcased his skill on drives to the basket. Barnes’ performance highlighted his ongoing development and emergence as a leader on the team.

3. Lackluster Performance from the Raptors’ Bench

The Raptors’ second unit failed to deliver as expected. Despite coach Darko Rajakovic expanding the rotation to provide opportunities for bench players, the reserves fell short. Gary Trent Jr., in particular, struggled on both ends of the court, displaying inconsistency in his shooting and defensive efforts. Overall, the team lacked physicality and faced issues with defensive rebounding and turnovers.

4. Promising Adjustments in Rajakovic’s Coaching Approach

Rajakovic’s defensive strategy showed promise, despite the team’s loss. The Raptors transitioned from their previous hyper-aggressive approach to a more balanced defensive scheme that limited opponents’ scoring opportunities from the paint. The team also demonstrated willingness to innovate by altering coverages and experimenting with small-ball lineups. On the offensive end, the Raptors’ increased passing led to creative playmaking and open shot opportunities.

5. Pascal Siakam’s Adjustments in a Secondary Role

As Pascal Siakam adapts to a secondary role, his performance has been inconsistent. With fewer touches and deliberate efforts to rely less on one-on-one play, Siakam needs to showcase improvement in specific areas of his game. This includes being a reliable catch-and-shoot threat, maintaining stronger defensive coverage, and becoming a more effective driver to create scoring opportunities near the paint.

While the Raptors faced challenges in this particular game, there are signs of growth and potential for success as the team continues to develop its strategies and strengthen its bench.

Reference

Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.