10 things from Raptors-Spurs
Welcome to the 10 things recap by theScore features writer William Lou. Below you'll find major takeaways from Thursday's clash between the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors.
- Shook: The Raptors folded under pressure, as always. They couldn't even initiate the most basic sets or hit wide-open shots as they instantly fell into a 38-19 deficit. Toronto made a slight push before halftime, but San Antonio started the third with a 12-0 run and it was a wrap.
Hostile: It didn't matter that he won Finals MVP, that he earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards, or that he led the team to the Western Conference finals as recently as 2017. Kawhi Leonard was booed voraciously each time he touched the ball in his highly anticipated return to San Antonio as chants of "TRAI-TOR" rained down when Leonard toed the line.
Classy: The Spurs organization took the high road by showing a tribute video for Leonard and Green, highlighting their contributions to the 2014 championship. Green soaked up the moment and appeared genuinely touched, while Leonard kept his head down, never once looking at the jumbotron - he remained completely emotionless.
Revenge: DeMar DeRozan was a man on a mission. He cooked everyone the Raptors put in front of him - Leonard being the exception - and got to the rim at will, while also commanding the defensive glass and setting the pace with his playmaking. DeRozan clearly took this game personally and delivered with the most well-rounded effort of his career.
Growth: DeRozan had the play of the night where he spun through Fred VanVleet and Delon Wright on the perimeter before eluding Serge Ibaka and finishing through contact from Pascal Siakam at the basket.
Wasted: Leonard responded to the boos with a driving and-one to start the game, but he just never saw the ball enough to make any of it matter. San Antonio doubled Leonard at every opportunity, but his teammates couldn't capitalize off open looks as they shot 6-for-30 from deep. Toronto's lack of reliable 3-point shooting is a glaring concern that needs addressing before the trade deadline.
Shaky: Green was downright abysmal in his return to San Antonio. He was off on both ends of the floor as he kept uncharacteristically forcing his offense. Green typically steadies the team, but perhaps the emotions of the evening got to him as he posted his worst game of the season.
Bullied: LaMarcus Aldridge continues to bully Ibaka each time they play. Ibaka just doesn't have the legs to hold up Aldridge in the post, and with DeRozan consistently getting downhill, Ibaka was often forced to help at the rim and leave Aldridge open for his signature pick-and-pop jumper.
Promising: Derrick White followed up his breakout game against the Celtics by putting on his best Manu Ginobili impersonation against the Raptors. White was pesky on defense and grew increasingly confident on offense as the game went on. He's a threat to shoot, is crafty going to the basket, and makes quick decisions on offense.
Vindication: It's worth noting that the Raptors have now lost to both DeRozan and Dwane Casey in embarrassing fashion this season. Both men hold grudges against the organization after being painted as the reasons for Toronto's playoff shortcomings, and they'll undoubtedly savor these small victories.