One often goes with the other. THE Raptorsin addition to posting the worst record in the league (2 wins – 10 losses), also have one of the most permeable defenses in the NBA. This was already the case last season and it is confirmed with the 28th defense in the league in terms of efficiency (118.4 points conceded over 100 possessions). Very narrowly, the Canadians are surpassed by the Pelicans and the Wizards (118.7 and 118.9).
As Darko Rajakovic's men have the 20th attack, a little improvement in defense could help win a few more matches.
“We have to raise our own standards. We shouldn't make so many mistakes. We have communications problems where we don’t really know what to do on the floor,” admits Jakob Poeltl after seeing the Raptors concede 70 points in the second half against the Lakers. “We should know how to defend these actions. It's not like we're facing new things. We should know the defensive coverages to make in these situations and that was not the case. »
Make fewer mistakes, lose fewer balls
Are these flaws explained by limitations in the workforce? By a lack of concentration? Want to?
“We have the right state of mind. We simply need to better apply the instructions,” analyzes the interior. “The basics are there, we're trying to be aggressive, to do things well, we're just not good enough yet. Especially against more experienced teams. They find the flaws, the ways to break us and we are not good enough to adapt in the moment. »
The good intentions stated by Jakob Poeltl are weighed down by errors. Of two kinds precisely. First there are the fouls, 24.4 per game, the worst average in the league, which, in the long run, therefore offers free points on the free throw line. Then, there are the lost balls: 16.8 per match, which is as much ammunition given to the opponent, especially for running.
Latest example: in the match against the Bucks, the Raptors lost 22 balls. Giannis Antetokounmpo and his teammates scored 28 units thanks to that. “We tried to move the ball and we lost balls in situations where we weren't supposed to”regrets Darko Rajakovic, who announces that his players must “be more careful with the ball”.
