The Toronto Raptors, led by Pascal Siakam and Darko Rajakovic, were expected to annihilate the Detroit Pistons at home. Detroit’s 2-11 record entered Sunday’s game as the worst in the NBA, and Monty Williams has presided over an incredible 10-game losing streak after a promising 2-1 start.
The Raptors needed this respite after suffering through one of the most harrowing starts to a season in franchise history. Through 12 games, the Raptors faced Eastern Conference contenders like the Bucks, 76ers, and Celtics twice each (1-5 record), while also facing elite Western foes like the Timberwolves and Mavericks.
Rajakovic’s offense has been chastised for its poor half-court numbers and inability to get going from 3-point range. It turns out that playing potential NBA champions every other night can drag down the averages, whereas playing tanking teams like the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards can help them.
Siakam led the way with 23 points in 29 minutes as the Raptors defeated Detroit 142-113 in one of the season’s most embarrassing results. The Raptors set a new franchise high with 44 assists in a game.
When Rajakovic’s offense gets into a rhythm against a vulnerable opponent, it can look truly spectacular.
Against the Detroit Pistons, the Toronto Raptors’ offense was flawless.
In this game, almost everyone had something to smile about. Scottie Barnes was +37 with 17 points, Jakob Poeltl had another double-double with three blocks, and Dennis Schroder was the primary spark plug early in the game. The bench scored 53 points, led by Gary Trent Jr. and Precious Achiuwa.
The Raptors assisted on 44 of their 55 made shots, demonstrating that Rajakovic’s emphasis on ball movement and making the extra pass would eventually pay off. The bench’s performance was perhaps as important as the starters’ collective dominance.
The Pistons are fielding a group of players who may need to sweat out wins in the G League at this point, but the Raptors’ offensive process was flawless in this game. With some games against lesser-known teams coming up, Toronto was able to wash the bad taste from the Boston game away.
The fact that Toronto has largely handled business against inferior opponents demonstrates that this offense can consistently put their stars in positions to succeed when they aren’t up against the best of the best. If they can play half as well every night, Siakam and Rajakovic may find themselves in the postseason.
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