The Toronto Raptors showcased a revamped offensive approach in a 148-98 pre-season victory over the New York Knicks. The team is shifting toward a high-volume three-point strategy to modernize their scoring output ahead of the regular season.
The 148-98 blowout of the New York Knicks
In a commanding pre-season performance, the Toronto Raptors defeated the New York Knicks with a final score of 148-98. According to the report, this game served as a proof-of-concept for a new tactical direction, as nearly half of the Toronto Raptors' field-goal attempts came from beyond the arc. This aggressive approach resulted in 17 successful three-pointers, signaling a departure from more conservative offensive sets.
The sheer margin of victory suggests that the Toronto Raptors are finding a rhythm early, though pre-season results often vary. By emphasizing the long ball, the Toronto Raptors are attempting to stretch opposing defenses, a move that clearly overwhelmed the New York Knicks in this specific matchup.
Pushing for 35 three-point attempts per game
The Toronto Raptors have set a specific internal target to average 35 three-point attempts per game this season. As reported in the source, this represents a notable increase from the team's previous season average of 32.1 attempts. This shift is not happening in a vacuum ; it reflects a broader league-wide trend where NBA teams are prioritizing the mathematical advantage of the three-point shot over the mid-range game.
By increasing their volume, the Toronto Raptors are aligning themselves with the modern NBA's offensive evolution. The goal is to maximize scoring efficiency by increasing the number of high-value shots taken per possession,moving away from the interior-heavy styles that have characterized previous iterations of the Toronto franchise.
Kawhi Leonard as the offensive gravity center
The success of this high-volume strategy relies heavily on the presence of Kawhi Leonard. The Toronto Raptors intend to leverage Leonard's reputation as an elite scorer to draw multiple defenders, thereby creating open perimeter looks for teammates. This "gravity" effect is expected to benefit players like Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles, who are tasked with embracing this new perimeter-centric role.
When Kawhi Leonard commands the attention of the defense, the spacing for the Toronto Raptors improves significantly. This allows the team to transition from a structured set to a more fluid, opportunistic offense where shooters can find gaps in the defense created by Leonard's movements.
The October 21 opener against the Chicago Bulls
While the pre-sesaon win was convincing, the Toronto Raptors are still refining their decision-making and shooting accuracy before their regular season debut. The team is scheduled to face the Chicago Bulls on October 21 , which will serve as the first true test of whether this three-point volume is sustainable against a disciplined regular-season defense.
Several questions remain regarding the consistency of this approach. It is currently unclear if the Toronto Raptors can maintain a 35-attempt average if their shooting percentages dip , or how the team will adjust if the Chicago Bulls employ a defensive scheme specifically designed to neutralize Kawhi Leonard's gravity. Furthermore, the source focuses on the Raptors' perspective; it remains to be seen how opposing coaches will pivot to counter this increased volume of long-range shots.
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