The Raptors needed a stress test of sorts, and they got one on Monday against the Magic. (via michaelgrange)
might have cause for concern with the playoffs only two weeks away.
In a pair of recent wins over the Chicago Bulls and another against the lowly New York Knicks, one quarter played with one eye open was plenty. The games were barely contested. Move the ball side-to-side once or twice and the open looks were there; sprint out on turnovers and the easy transition scores were there. Defend their opponent’s initial action and chances are the play would break down, their opponents would nearly stop themselves.
It’s no surprise that Green was the steadying force. He’s been a rock for the Raptors all season since coming over from the San Antonio Spurs as the less-heralded piece in the Kawhi Leonard trade. He came into the game shooting 45.1 per cent from three – second in the NBA among those with at least five attempts per game – and increased his average by going 7-of-10 from deep.
“I made a comment earlier that I’m glad this team’s in town because they’re gonna play their butts off. I’m not so sure we’ve had a team play their backsides off here in a couple few games,” said Nurse, putting it kindly. “It’s been just a little bit too easy, right? Not taking away anything from anybody. But we’ve been pretty comfortable here, and I wouldn’t mind maybe a little bit more stress.”
The loss may cost the Magic a playoff spot and removes any possibility Orlando could be a first-round playoff opponent. It also salvaged some pride for the Raptors who had lost twice to Orlando fairly convincingly with their only win coming on a buzzer-beater by – you guessed it – Green.
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