The Raptors traded for Marc Gasol to be a difference maker in the playoffs, now that they're here, the Spaniard is ready for whatever challenges are ahead. (ArdenZwelling)
But it’ll likely be Gasol on the court late in games when the defensive possessions are most critical, and the Magic are running a great deal of offence through their all-star centre. Likewise, it will be up to Gasol to navigate how best to attack Vucevic and Co. at the other end, where Orlando’s defensive length was an issue for the Raptors during the regular season, and severely disrupted Toronto’s offence.
Vucevic is the centrepiece of that, but Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac will find crafty ways to get involved on the boards, as well, while using their athleticism to get back quickly in transition. And depth players like Khem Birch and Michael Carter-Williams will bring a useful rebounding presence off the bench.
What the Raptors will need more of from Gasol in this series is a willingness to shoot his shot from beyond the arc. Upon joining the Raptors in February, Gasol’s three-point attempts were cut in half from the four per game he was averaging with Memphis. He took fewer than two attempts from distance only three times over 53 games with Memphis this season; it happened a dozen times over 26 games with Toronto.
“You have to take what’s there,” Gasol said. “Depending on what you do, if you’re popping or rolling, depending on how they play those actions, you have to be ready if you’re the guy that’s open — take that shot. And if not, attack the defence and create a shot for someone else.
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