The Raptors are undefeated – here’s what’s happening

From Samson’s piece on the Wizards game:

“This whole game the Raptors were trying to navigate Murray-Boyles’ foul trouble. He got a tough whistle while helming his teams best defensive stretches and they couldn’t wait to get him back out there. Shortly after checking in he got to the line for two points and forced an air ball from Davis in isolation. He was making short work of everything! All night!

We got to see some late game, somewhat close game, offense in this one. The Raptors went to one thing right away: the empty side Kawhi Leonard post up. He scored once and missed another. Inbetween all that, the All-NBA wing nabbed a pick-6 for a layup (he had to attempt it 3 times) and Barnes rebounded one of Leonard’s misses for a putback. It was enough offense to easily push the Raptors through to the end as they were piling up stops on the opposite side of the floor. A win, at the end of things.

As mentioned earlier, Barnes’ pursuit of volume was necessary for the Raptors as he led them — by a decent chunk — in shot volume on his way to a 28 point performance on 26 shots. What was really impressive though, was his pursuit on the glass where he collected 14 rebounds with 5 on the offensive end. He had 8 turnovers. He was part of what made the Raptors so sloppy tonight, but he was equally as important to their power and force. He was complemented greatly by the touch of class Barrett provided on offense, and the punch of elite defense Murray-Boyles brought in his 17 minutes. The Raptors continue to win. The Wolves should be a great test on Sunday.”