The Toronto Raptors have made a strong start to the new season, emphasizing their determination to play a game of basketball that is fast-paced, aggressive and relentless. However, nine games into the season, this approach seems to be both a blessing and a curse for the team.

Despite their 2-7 record, the Raptors have demonstrated their offensive prowess by leading the NBA with an average of 30.6 assists per game and ranking eighth in the league with 118 points per game. However, on the flip side, the team’s defensive tactics have been less successful, with the Raptors conceding a league-worst 124.7 points per game.

The Raptors’ transition defense, however, stands out with an NBA-best 19.5 turnover frequency percentage. Yet they fall short in the offense, ranking third worst in the league with 16.8 turnovers per game.

RJ Barrett, the talented swingman from Mississauga, Ontario, remains optimistic, encouraging the team to continue playing hard and figuring out their winning strategy. He reflects on the team’s recent games, highlighting their lead after three quarters in their 122-107 loss to Sacramento and leading by as much as 15 in a 121-119 loss to Denver.

Despite the current setbacks, the team is learning and evolving. They are on the right track, but need to figure out how to sustain their momentum throughout the full duration of a game. This is particularly crucial considering the team’s composition of many young, inexperienced players.

The Raptors have had to rely heavily on their new players and sophomores due to injuries of key players including Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. Despite these challenges, the team remains hopeful and committed to improving their game strategy.

A detailed look into the Raptors’ stats reveals a complex picture of their performance this season. They rank fourth in offensive rebounds with an average of 13.8 per game, but only 17th in total rebounds with an average of 44.2.

Interestingly, the Raptors have the second worst record in the league for fouls per game at 26.2, but are tied with the Washington Wizards for the 10th most drawn at 20.8. This discrepancy is a puzzle, especially considering the Raptors’ strong performance in scoring 60 points in the paint per game, the second most in the NBA.

Moving forward, the Raptors aim to reduce their fouls and work on playing defense without fouling. The team is set to continue their west-coast tour with back-to-back games in Los Angeles against the Clippers and the Lakers. Despite the current challenges, the Raptors remain committed to improving their game and delivering a strong performance in the upcoming games.

This report was originally published by The Canadian Press on November 7, 2024.