Following their win over the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, the Raptors improved to 10-31 on the season.
In the process, they made amends for the most lopsided loss in franchise history when the host Celtics took the Raptors to the woodshed on New Year’s Eve.
Toronto has now played half of its 82 regular-season games. Next up is a game on Friday in Milwaukee against the Bucks. The Raptors have produced only one road win this season.
Here are three takeaways:
AU REVOIR, BOUCHER?
Buried on the bench or known for the dreaded DNP CD designation for most of the first half of the season, Chris Boucher, who recently turned 32, has turned heads.
He entered the Boston tip on a heater.
In fairness, he was not getting many minutes and even fewer touches.
In the five games leading up to Wednesday, Boucher went a combined 15-for-21 from three-point distance.
In the games prior to his surging sequence, Boucher was shooting 31% from beyond the three-point arc.
The Celtics are known for their penchant for launching three-pointers.
Toronto tried to counter the Celtics by having Jamison Battle start the second quarter, a rookie who hadn’t seen an NBA court since the Raptors’ epic 54-point debacle in Boston on New Year’s Eve.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic went to his bench freely, using 11 players in the opening half.
As for Boucher, he played only seven minutes, making both of his shots, including one from three-point range.
He scored five points and had a plus-six rating.
Considering Boucher stole the show in the fourth quarter Monday when the Raptors beat the visiting Golden State Warriors, he should have been given more minutes against the Celtics.
His energy is infectious and his instant offence is ideally suited in a reserve role.
His fearless approach when heaving shots seems like a perfect fit for Boston, which is very reliant on the three-point shot.
There have been no rumoured connections with any club, but it’s inevitable Boucher’s name will be mentioned in the ensuing weeks.
He’s the type of player any contending team could use when an injection of life is needed.
Given his age and the direction the Raptors have plotted, his time in Toronto does appear to be numbered.
He did struggle with his offence in the win over the Celtics, but Toronto didn’t need his offence.
Boucher went 2-for-7, including 1-for-4 from distance.
He did record nine rebounds in 17 minutes.
POINT TAKEN
Immanuel Quickley hits the half-way point injured.
Sadly, injuries are not new for the player the Raptors believed and continue to believe will be the answer at point guard.
Three injuries does not bode well.
In the very small sample size playing along the team’s anointed core, Quickley has looked to score more often than he has looked to serve as a facilitator.
When he returned from an extended elbow injury, Quickley played the ultimate game at the point in helping Toronto end its 11-game losing streak against Brooklyn on New Year’s Day. He had 15 assists and only one turnover.
He has yet to reach that elite level, even though it’s impossible to duplicate such a masterpiece.
He does have to be better.
When Quickley is setting up his teammates, players such as Gradey Dick are able to spot up and heave shots.
The way RJ Barrett cuts to the basket, Quickley is very proficient when getting out in transition and finding players such as Barrett.
Quickley has shown an ability to drain three-pointers, but he has settled.
In Detroit on Saturday, when the Raptors wrapped up an 0-3 road trip, Quickley was not efficient.
On Wednesday, the Raptors started Davion Mitchell at point guard for the second game in a row. Coming off the bench was Jamal Shead, and there were times where Scottie Barnes was asked to orchestrate the offence.
Mitchell and Shead aren’t as good as Quickley, offensively that is, but each is more of a traditional floor general in that both look to pass first before looking to shoot the ball.
Say what you want about Quickley, but he’s not a good defender.
Mitchell and Shead have become more inclined to attempt three-pointers when open looks are presented.
Mitchell had a nice overall game in helping lead the Raptors to their win, netting 10 points, dishing off five assists and recording five rebounds.
BOOK ON BARNES
A fractured orbital bone, followed by an ankle sprain, marred Barnes’ first half, but he has rebounded from each setback and he has been playing well.
In an ugly stretch, Barnes settled for perimeter shots.
In recent games, he has worked either in the low post or mid post and on occasion step into three-point shots.
When the Celtics put a small defender on Barnes, he crushed them on the block.
At times, he would used his turnaround in the mid-range to score.
Perhaps the Raptors have unlocked an element to Barnes’ game he has to continue to rely on because he’s not a good shooter, especially from distance.
When he is in rhythm, Barnes is capable of making shots.
His unique size and skill combo allows Barnes to control the boards on the defensive end and ignite a fast-break opportunity.
His shot selection is much improved, as is his ability to protect the basketball.
As well as Barnes has played, there’s much more to summon, which is why the second half of the season looms large for the anointed franchise face.
He’s by far the team’s best player, but Barnes has not reached his best level.