The Videotron Center in Quebec City was finally able to host the first NBA Canada Series game, a matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat. It didn’t go in the home team’s favor, as Toronto fell 129-105 to the Heat. Regardless, it was a fun matchup that will prove to be great all season.
RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes were the biggest contributors for the Raptors tonight with a 15-3-1 and 11-2-2 record despite playing less than half of what they usually do. Collin Murray-Boyles also had a big night, making some defensive tackles but staying put, and scoring 6-9-1. It also resounds, as expected, unpleasantly. Unfortunately, Kawhi was conspicuously absent while fitting his form in the game. Next to him on the bench were Jamison Battle and rookie Allen Graves who are nursing minor injuries.
For Miami, Giannis Antetokounmpo looked phenomenal in his new jersey, finishing with a statline of 9-4-7 in just 14 minutes. Andrew Wiggins and Tim Hardaway Jr. They were fired up from the three-point line, while they drew space to shoot and sophomore Pelle Larson went 13-2-2 off the bench.
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The run of the game was almost entirely in Miami’s favor, indicative of the stage we are in now. Toronto may have hit a lot of mistakes, but there is a whole season ahead of them to work out the kinks.
Canadian RJ Barrett opened the scoring with a rebound at the rim. He had an excellent first quarter, showing his ability to work in the paint through contact. In the morning, Toronto picked up two ugly birds. There has always been little adjustment in the offseason, with push-offs seemingly a point of focus for the referees. Outside possessions allowed Miami to build a lead. Toronto looked a bit sloppy on the offensive end of the floor, missing shots and despite Collin Murray-Boyles’ second chances on the boards, they couldn’t capitalize.
It’s early, but he’s 0/8 from long range to start, missing open shots and putbacks on the offensive end, and close-range reckless defense seems to be a trademark of the preseason basketball that has struck the Raptors early on.
After scoring 41 points in the opening frame, Miami’s gritty defense and kick-and-kick offense will be their bread and butter this season. Toronto still looked a little kilter, rolling the ball over and trying to find their shot. In comparison, the Raptors were far less polished, and as a result held a 21-point advantage heading into the game.
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In the third quarter, Toronto made a few attempts to recover from the deficit, but was still trailing by double digits. Some people left something to be desired about the decision to make an offense, having them empty handed on many occasions. As the rosters have progressed and the seats have been emptied, let’s take a look at each team that will see significant minutes and roster spots this year.
Tyreke Key looked solid with 15 points and a pretty efficient defense in the last half of the game. His strategy stood out from the other players he shared on the field, especially in terms of making the right call. Chucky Hepburn also looked good, with his excellent defensive motor always on display and contributing 11 points.
Maybe it’s not the way Toronto wanted to start the preseason, but with plenty of time to figure things out and not be full yet, we can just breathe and celebrate the Raptors can finally get back.