The reason the Raptors defense became elite

[YogurtProducer]

Over the first 39 games of the season, the Raptors defense was tied for second last in the NBA. They were unparalleled in how often they sent opposing teams to the free throw line, allowed countless drives to the bucket, and failed to rebound the ball to closeout possessions. They were, on average, terrible. They surrendered new records in points allowed and biggest margin of defeat. Then, all of the sudden, they broke off a 10 game stretch where they were the #1 defense in the NBA, and they did it without any trades, and without a major change in scheme. So, what happened?

https://www.raptorsrepublic.com/2025/02/04/the-reason-the-raptors-defense-became-elite/

Interesting enough development.

[LoveMyRaps]

RJ has looked real good defensively as of late. He's steadily improving. He's a smart player and possesses the physical tools needed to be a solid defender - if he can continue to grow on that end, we got a keeper.

[LoveMyRaps]

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[Son Goku 25]

One of the reasons why id love to keep Mitchell on this team. He's getting really underrated.

[Yeezus_]

RJ and Barnes man to man defense has been so much better.

For RJ specifically, it raises his ceiling if he can be a competent defensive player.

[Yeezus_]

Oh and Ochai too. He's been a menace on defensive these days. That trade is looking real good for the Raptors.

[Kingsway_fan]

Let's see how this stat plays out over the next 10 games ...

[CoinTossRoss31]

One of the reasons why id love to keep Mitchell on this team. He's getting really underrated.

We've been begging for a backup PG for years and we finally have one

[LoveMyRaps]

One of the reasons why id love to keep Mitchell on this team. He's getting really underrated.

Yeah, I'd be open to re-signing Davion. His 3pt shooting has improved a ton as well. Darko really does know how to help his players become better 3pt shooters. He did it for Ochai and now seems to be doing it for Shead and Davion.

Davion in his last 19 games is shooting 57% from deep!!!! (on 2 attempts per game)

Another benefit of having him on the team is that he can be a menace in practice and it'll help others grow.

[mrdressup]

Why? We've been playing rookies less minutes (starting and bench) for the last month. More vets are back in the rotation with games under their belts. Less turnovers. Better back up C play. The injury bug has been biting our opponents just as badly, or more, than it did us. Effort is undeniable too. On offense alone we were competing with no one. We're getting better shots lately. More dives to the rim, more cutting, more passing. Forces teams to work harder and gives less live ball turnovers. Schedule has worked in our favor, and that has given us momentum to build on. I've seen more leadership in the effort department by our best players. Poeltl is back to blocking and giving rim protection.

[causal_fan]

Another factor is that it's been the easier part of our schedule

[ItsDanger]

Playing vets on your bench units instead of rookies helps. Who knew? If we want a higher pick, play the kids and trade the vets.

[C_Money]

Another factor is that it's been the easier part of our schedule

And we’ve been playing injured teams or teams that are in a bad run of form.

[tdotrep2]

facing lesser teams, starting davion & scottie turning super sayan is why we've improved.

[RaptorLakerJay]

One of the reasons why id love to keep Mitchell on this team. He's getting really underrated.

BIG FACTS! We need to keep him and I love him on the starting lineup. His pressure, as talked about in the article as well, is very helpful. He's such a dog, and we need that!

[tsherkin]

Would love to see this against a stretch of teams which didn't absolutely suck. Still, it highlights Davion Mitchell, Agbaji and Scottie, some improvement from RJ, and the utility of Poeltl when he doesn't get constantly dragged out into space. There's some potential there.

[YogurtProducer]

Playing vets on your bench units instead of rookies helps. Who knew? If we want a higher pick, play the kids and trade the vets.

Isn't there a thread for tanking? Why does every thread need the same talking points.

Let's see how this stat plays out over the next 10 games ...

Yep 10 games is nothing. If we maintain a solid defensive pace over 20? That would be something to build on in 2025/26.

Why? We've been playing rookies less minutes (starting and bench) for the last month. More vets are back in the rotation with games under their belts. Less turnovers. Better back up C play. The injury bug has been biting our opponents just as badly, or more, than it did us. Effort is undeniable too. On offense alone we were competing with no one. We're getting better shots lately. More dives to the rim, more cutting, more passing. Forces teams to work harder and gives less live ball turnovers. Schedule has worked in our favor, and that has given us momentum to build on. I've seen more leadership in the effort department by our best players. Poeltl is back to blocking and giving rim protection.

We still are giving young guys big mins in the last 10

Dick - 26mpg (30mpg on season)
Shead - 20mpg (17mpg on season)
Walter - 17mpg (19mpg on season)

The only vets really are Poeltl (his minutes are down actually in last 10, 31mpg to 29mpg), Brown (21mpg. Only 6 games prior to that), Boucher (17mpg and 1 DNP, 17mpg on season), and Olynyk (17mpg and 15mpg on the season).

So honestly we still are playing a TON of youth. I don't think Mogbo and Battle not playing is the reason we went from #30 to #1 in a matter of weeks.

[YogurtProducer]

facing lesser teams, starting davion & scottie turning super sayan is why we've improved.

Mitchell has started 22 games this year. IDK if that really is the needle mover considering he also was starting when we let up 150.

[tsherkin]

facing lesser teams, starting davion & scottie turning super sayan is why we've improved.

Mitchell has started 22 games this year. IDK if that really is the needle mover considering he also was starting when we let up 150.

I think this really reinforces the nature of the competition over the quality of our play, to be fair.

[arbsn]

RJ Barrett is one of the most underrated players in the league.

People consider him empty buckets but in reality he gets to the line well, rebounds, passes, good defender, good enough/average 3pt shooter

I honestly think he has a real shot at becoming an All-star. He's only 24!!! He's been improving basically every year (he has his highest career VORP this year)

His defense is really the most underrated part. Because of his size, he can't be bullied and moves his feet really well. He's no Kawhi but he's really good.

We also have many other plus defenders: Jak, Barnes, Ochai, Mogbo, Davion, Brown.... Dick is also not a bad defender as he has size and athleticism to not get cooked.

Quickley is the Raptors only real weak link... because of his size he will always be a weak defender. He is better as a 6th man. I can't seem him closing playoff games in round 2, 3, 4 etc... He would be my top trade candidate as he is also overpaid.