WASHINGTON – No one thought defending NBA champions the Toronto
Raptors would be better without Kawhi Leonard. But they are.
After holding on for Saturday's home win over Brooklyn, the Raptors
(39-14) have won a team-record 14 straight games and are off to the
best start in franchise history. They have also won 10 consecutive
road games.
"None of them has been easy," guard Fred VanVleet said. "But we
continue to go out there and work and grind away and find ways to get
wins in different ways."
The Raptors haven't lost anywhere since January 12 against San
Antonio or on the road since January 2 at Miami. During their streak,
they are first in points per 100 possessions (118.3), second in
overall shooting (.499) and three-point shooting (.399) and third in
assists (26.8). They are also first in points allowed (107.9) and
steals (10.3) and fourth in opponents' shooting (.444).
"We play 48 minutes," All-Star guard Kyle Lowry said. "That's how we
play."
Even more astounding is how the Raptors have kept winning despite
numerous injuries. Spanish centre Marc Gasol (hamstring) has sat the
last six games. Guard Norman Powell (broken finger) has missed the
last four contests. And Lowry (neck) sat out Saturday.
Toronto's top five scorers have all missed at least 10 games this
season.
"At this point, I think we're experienced enough in that realm,
unfortunately," VanVleet said. "We've had a ton of guys out this
year. We don't really think about it."
"Incredible depth," Brooklyn coach Kenny Atkinson said. "Not only a
good basketball team but a good programme. They have young guys deep
in their roster that have helped them. They are deep. They're playing
great basketball."
After leading the Raptors to their first championship last June,
Leonard left via free agency, signing with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Starting guard Danny Green signed with the Lakers.
The Raptors signed career reserves Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and
Stanley Johnson to fortify their bench while elevating VanVleet and
Britain native OG Anunoby to starting roles. But they have also
relied on player development.
Powell is averaging a career-high 15.3 points, reprising VanVleet's
supersub role. Anunoby is averaging career highs of 10.1 points and
5.3 rebounds.
Rookies Terence Davis and Matt Thomas are contributing as well. Over
his last four games, Davis is averaging nearly 20 points while
shooting 61 per cent from the arc. Thomas has seen limited action but
scored a season-high 15 points in Saturday's win.
"Our assistant coaches do a great job of keeping those guys ready,"
Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. "I think the mindset of 'you never
know' and 'stay ready' maybe helps a little bit once in a while."
It hasn't been the bench entirely driving Toronto's success. Lowry is
an All-Star for the sixth time. Cameroon's Pascal Siakam, the 2019
Most Improved Player, has made another quantum leap and is an
All-Star as well. Veteran Serge Ibaka is averaging 21.2 points in
Gasol's recent absence.
Powell is out indefinitely, but Gasol and Lowry are expected to
return soon.
In the meantime, the Raptors will just keep plugging in players to
fill the holes.
"That's how you go on a long streak in this league," Atkinson said.
"You just can't do it with your top five or your top six. You've got
to be deep, and they are deep."