Mar 3, 2019
Thoughts on the Raptors, their fans and more
Coach checks in with five things he noticed this week, including Toronto's overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday evening.
1. CLOSE RAPTORS GAMES: All these tight and close games that Toronto is playing in are good preparation for the playoffs. Coach Nick Nurse gets to get a sense of what he likes and doesn’t like when it comes to late-game execution on both sides of the ball, both on an individual and team level. Know thyself! These teaching opportunities provide great opportunities for growth and late-game clarity. You’re not going to succeed all the time or win each game, but the perspective you gain helps you later.
2. RAPTORS FANS IN DETROIT: Toronto-West! The presence of Raptors fans in attendance at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday was overwhelming. It was awesome. So much so, that I would love to see a Pistons-Raptors first round playoff series. It would provide a wonderful territorial rivalry that would bring Raps fans out in droves. Both games this season between the two teams have been super entertaining. They haven’t played in the playoffs since 2002, and 17 years later it would provide an even greater stage for the Raptors franchise to grow and expand its reputation as the best travelling team. Bring it on!
3. REGGIE JACKSON (Pistons): Really impressed by the growth and progress he’s making playing for coach Dwane Casey. This is the best I’ve seen him play as a pro. He’s a lot calmer and purposeful in his approach to the game. Kyle Lowry blossomed in his time with coach Casey in Toronto, and similar improvement is happening again with another point guard.
4. JAKE LAYMAN (Trail Blazers): Really like how he’s developing. He’s long, athletic, active and maturing as a player. He can create his own shot, shoot the ball from deep, rebound and defend. He gives their second unit life and energy. His confidence level is really growing and it shows with his game and increased playing time and production.
5. Kenneth Faried (Rockets): Appreciate what he’s brought to their team. Every team needs a grinder and blue-collar, lunch-bucket guy who does the dirty work for others, such as set screens, rebound, corral loose balls, defend and compete. Every high level team needs a selfless winner in the background. He’s it.