10 things I saw from Raptors-Magic (27–3–2017)
Published in
3 min readMar 28, 2017
- Playing with fire: Remember all that talk about the Raptors becoming a gritty defensive club that grinds out wins? Not tonight. This was more like the beginning of the season, where the Raptors didn’t really respect the opponent and hardly cared to play defense. Specifically, I recall that home win against the 76ers. The Raptors simply outgunned the Magic in a free-flowing game.
- Welcome home, sweet prince: Terrence Ross was triumphant in his return to the ACC. He came out aggressive, drained those signature elbow jumpers, received a sweet video tribute (should have shown “WHAT ABOUT DEROZAN??”) and was treated to a huge ovation. He even threw down a 360-windmill dunk.
- Player of the Week: DeMar DeRozan took it personal. He answered every one of Ross’ buckets with two of his own. DeRozan dropped 18 in the first and attacked Ross every chance he got. That’s that alpha dog mentality where nothing shakes his confidence. 36 points tonight on 21 shots and 14 free throws like it’s nothing.
- All business: Serge Ibaka didn’t need to prove nothing to the Magic. There was no hunger for revenge as there was with Ross. Ibaka did that by dropping 31 and the game-winner against OKC earlier this season. All Ibaka did tonight was stay within his game and collect his nightly 16 points, 7 rebounds and solid defense.
- Yung Gunz reloaded: It’s a treat to watch Delon Wright and Norman Powell grow right before our eyes. They might not have it every night, but you catch yourself dreaming about the future when they excel. Wright was a two-way menace, getting blocks and steals while flinging crafty passes out of the drive and kick to his teammates. Powell played within himself, drilled catch-and-shoot threes and dunked with a Westbrook-ian ferocity in transition.
- Just like old times: Like Ross, Bismack Biyombo also delivered a classic performance, only he flashed all his flaws. Bricked free throws, blew bunnies (shouts to RR), missed free throws, unforced travels and one truly awful pass.
- Overlooked: I continue to be impressed by the way Cory Joseph has turned his season around. The Raptors wouldn’t be 12–5 in Kyle Lowry’s absence without his steady hand guiding the ship. Joseph kept it real simple tonight — with everyone on fire, all Joseph needed to do was distribute. Career-high 13 assists.
- Not for nothing: After a few uninspiring performances, Jonas Valanciunas responded with an efficient effort against Nik Vucevic. Decisive in the post, strong going up with the ball, even got a block on Ross. That interior presence balances the offense.
- In a month or so … this game will make for an excellent “Open Gym” episode. There was lots of love in the building tonight. Players showing respect, fans showing love, good vibes throughout. It’s beautiful to watch.
- This has nothing to do with the Raptors. I just wanted everyone reading this to understand that I’m 100 percent Chinese going back dozens of generations. This isn’t some CBC situation (which is totally fine). I lived there, I have WeChat, I literally go home and made dumplings with my family this weekend, ping pong — all that shit. Don’t ask why, it’s just important to me y’all know.
