Not only did the Raptors survive the Heat in earning a split with Miami, but they also could have swept their home-and-home set had Toronto protected the basketball better in South Beach and had it not been so vulnerable when defending the three-point line.
With a home date against Indiana on tap Tuesday night, the Raptors seem well-positioned to take full advantage of playing at Scotiabank Arena, where Toronto has fashioned a winning record (5-4).
On the road, it has been a different story with the Raptors managing one win, which came against woeful New Orleans.
A total of 21 games have been played amid plenty of impressions made from a young team that continues to learn and post wins when late-execution at both ends of the floor is achieved.
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1. IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
Think how solid the Raptors were in Sunday’s opening quarter when zero turnovers were committed and think how they almost allowed the game to get away down the stretch.
Toronto caught a break when Jimmy Butler hurt his knee, but never found a way to keep Bam Adebayo off the glass on a night he would record 20 rebounds, two nights after he recorded a triple-double in Miami’s 121-111 win.
A total of 16 turnovers were committed by the Raptors in the final three quarters.
Scottie Barnes, who flirted with his second triple-double, and RJ Barrett rightfully had the ball in their hands in the fourth quarter.
The problem, at times, was neither exercised assertiveness. On one possession, no one took ownership of the offence. That needs to be addressed moving forward.
Until Immanuel Quickley returns, the Raptors do have the luxury of having two players in Barnes and Barrett who have clearly shown an ability to get off their own shots.
The worrisome aspect to Toronto’s 119-116 win was its inability to close out the game.
Toronto held its collective breath when Tyler Hero missed a potential three-pointer that would have tied the game on a look he normally buries.
Given the handful of late-game sequences that have gone against the Raptors, perhaps it was fitting they would benefit from a missed shot. The averages, as they say, do even out.
Barnes showed no hesitation in heaving an open look from distance that he buried.
Once again, late-game free throws would be missed, which allowed the Heat to remain in contention.
On the night, the Raptors went to the line 20 times and made 15.
A head-scratching moment arrived when Jakob Poeltl attempted a jump shot outside of his comfort level, which encompasses the two-foot area near the rim and perhaps even closer.
His form isn’t exactly clinical and there was no need to even attempt the jumper on an open look because opponents would live with the outcome.
A win is a win and Sunday did allow both Barnes and Barrett to impose their will.
Big picture, a ball handler capable of making the right decisions in big moments must emerge.
No one is suggesting Barnes and Barrett can’t be trusted in clutch situations. At the same time, the duo combined for eight of the team’s turnovers.
In the end, the Raptors were a plus-four in turnover scoring, a far cry from the minus-13 Friday night when Toronto committed 19 turnovers.
2. MOGBO MANIA
A very strong and compelling case can be made to give Jonathan Mogbo extended playing time and an extended role.
The kid, while raw, shows too much promise.
Unless something completely goes off the rails, Toronto has uncovered a draft-day gem in Mogbo, who was selected with the first pick in the NBA’s second round.
When he’s square to the basket and his feet are settled, Mogbo has a nice form on his jumper from three-point range.
He’s not ready to start, though he did make his starting debut in Charlotte out of necessity, but Mogbo is poised to handle more responsibility.
He attempted two shots Sunday with one make, a three-pointer. Mogbo had six assists and hauled down seven rebounds while playing a grand total of 13 minutes and 32 seconds.
When the Raptors injured players are cleared, there will be a potential problem in managing minutes and egos.
Mogbo isn’t about to rock the boat, but the Raptors need to find ways to get him more involved.
This season, after all, is about development and internal growth and the rookie embodies that approach.
Ja’Kobe Walter, Toronto’s first-round pick, made his starting debut last week in New Orleans and was in the starting unit for both games against the Heat, looking good in both outings.
It’s way too early, but it does raise the question when it comes to which player, Mogbo or Walter, will turn into the better find for the Raptors, who may have hit the jackpot in this year’s draft.
3. DON’T FORGET GRADEY
The buzz around Gradey Dick has somewhat subsided in the wake of a calf injury he suffered in Cleveland when Toronto tipped off its four-game road trip.
Injuries meant Dick was able to get off as many shots as possible. With each make, his profile increased.
Until his setback against the Cavs, Dick was having the kind of break-out seasons every team gladly welcomes.
At Monday’s gathering, Dick was able to participate in what was described by head coach Darko Rajakovic as a light, non-contact setting.
At some point during Toronto’s home-friendly portion of the schedule, Dick will return to the lineup.
There’s no reason to believe the flair and freedom Dick was able to play with will disappear, but there is some question as to the amount of attempts he’ll get.
The sophomore moves so well off the ball and has shown a fearlessness when attacking the basket and scoring in a variety of ways.
The way Barrett is seeing the floor and distributing, the way Barnes is passing the ball, Dick should be in a position to pick up where he left off prior to his injury in Cleveland.
Three times Dick has scored at least 30 points in a game this season.
His finest stretch came in a loss to the host Milwaukee Bucks when Dick was the game’s top player in the opening half. For the game, he attempted 16 free throws and converted 14 times en route to a career-high 32 points.
A healthy Dick turned the Raptors into a fun team that entertained and provided all-important glimpses of the future.
Once he’s back, under no circumstance should Dick take a back seat.