If you decided to cure the Sunday scaries and post-Jays loss blues by watching the Toronto Raptors, you may have been able to tell they were at an immediate advantage tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies.
That’s because Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ frontman, had been suspended for one game earlier in the weekend, and this was the game her served that suspension. After letting some frustration boil over last week, it was reported that Morant was suspended due to “conduct detrimental to the team.”
Memphis Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo told the media before the game that Morant’s suspension was a move made by the front office that was in line with the team’s values and supported by everyone in the organization. This isn’t the first time Morant has been suspended by the Grizzlies organization, either. While there is a lot to be contemplated about Morant’s future as a Grizzly, the show must go on, and Memphis had to figure it out without Morant for this road game.
It’s not outrageous to say Morant’s suspension came at a pretty convenient time for the Raptors, too. They are 2-4, winning their Friday night game in Cleveland thanks to the heroics of Jamison Battle to break a four-game losing skid. Not having to deal with Morant was a lucky break as they attempted to extend that streak.
It’s also not egregious to say the Raptors have been lacking in several areas. Their defence is probably the biggest problem they have as a unit, allowing 123.3 points per game (before tonight), and Jakob Poeltl being out not only does not help that, but also has contributed to Immanuel Quickley being all out of whack. Darko Rajakovic wasn’t too worried about Quickley as he fielded questions before the game, saying that he will find his way one, when Poeltl gets back, and two, just by getting into the flow of the season more. In his words, “he’ll be fine.”
So coming into a game where your opponent’s star player is out is a good thing for this Raptors team. Murray-Boyles yet again subbed in for Poeltl in the starting lineup. It was clear pretty early on that the Raptors seemed to have more cohesiveness to their play tonight. Maybe they were inspired by the level of chemistry the Blue Jays have on this year’s squad, and wanted to bring some of the power of friendship back.
It worked, as the Raptors won 117-104, and many of the things they needed to do in order to be successful were executed.
Let’s take a look at three factors in the Raptors’ win tonight:
RJ Barrett is playing incredibly freely
When the Barrett/Quickley for Anunoby trade originally happened, Barrett was looked at the the “throw-in” player, to make the money work. Oh, how that narrative has changed. Barrett is a different player now than he ever was in New York.
When Ingram joined the team, the idea around it was that his presence would free up his teammates on offence. People speculated Barrett’s role would decrease as a result. Instead, the opposite has happened, and Barrett seems to be playing more freely than he ever has before. It’s like the pressure being taken off of him has made him even better.
“He’s a guy who takes a lot of pride in what he does,” Darko said about Barrett after the game.
He scored 27 points on 10-19 shooting from the field, while having 6 rebounds and 6 assists. He was a team-high +19, just edging out Ingram to lead all scorers in the game.
Collin Murray-Boyles is going to be quite the NBA player
The rookie came into the league boasting strength and great defence — and he has delivered. He is built like a tank. Tonight, he managed to score more, something he is working on with the Raptors’ coaching staff, as his offensive game is definitely less developed than his defensive game. Yet, just being seven games in, he seems to be progressing quite well.
Tonight he scored 15 points on 50% shooting from the field, making 7 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists as well. While he went 0-3 from distance, his shooting from beyond the arc will improve with time if his other stats are any indication. Despite being active in the post, as he tries to fill a Jakob-sized hole in the lineup, he also drew only 1 personal foul.
The Scottie + Ingram duo is delivering
Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram are supposed to be this team’s leaders, with Barrett rounding out the top three. Just a glance at the box score from tonight proves that formula can work. Ingram and Scottie played well off each other tonight.
Barnes was tasked with helping fill the Poeltl void and stopping Jaren Jackson Jr. from getting his way. He did just that, holding the Grizzly to 20 points in a game he needed to step up in, with Morant out. Barnes scored 19 of his own points, made 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 blocks.
“He was just making winning plays,” Darko said about Barnes after the game, “he cares so much, he’s growing so much.” Coach emphasized how Barnes just gives the team whatever they need from him on any given night.
While Barnes was taking on a bigger offensive burden, Ingram did his job on the other end. He scored 26 points with 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists. He was also incredibly efficient, shooting 10-15 (66%) from the field.
The Big Three did their Big One tonight to make sure the Raptors came out on top while they had the opportunity to do so.
Can it last?
That’s to be determined when the Raptors welcome the Bucks back to Toronto on Tuesday, after losing their home opener to them. If they can repeat a more well-rounded offensive and defensive performance? Maybe they can get a win. Yet, the Giannis factor is present.
