Sports fans—welcome to a new term and the third anniversary of the Benchwarmer Report! We want to hear from you! If there’s any sports-related content you want to see covered, or just to stir up a discussion in a published paper, feel free to send in your Letters to the Editor.
With that, let’s get into this issue’s content: How about those Raptors?! How about that backcourt?! DeRozan and Lowry have powered the Raptors to a seven-game winning streak, featuring an overtime thriller against the Orlando Magic in London, England. The Raptors sit second in the Eastern Conference, only behind the LeBron (Cleveland) Cavaliers.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, this would be a good position to be in to avoid the Cavs in the first and possibly second round. If the season ended today, the Raptors would face off against division rival Boston Celtics; a more than manageable opponent if Dwane Casey can convince his team to play proper defense for all 48 minutes.
Heading into the All-Star break, the Raptors play four more games at home and five away games. The Raptors need to stay hot, particularly through the home games, to put some distance between themselves and other strong teams in the East ; the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks.
Extra emphasis should be put on the Bulls, as they are team that Toronto has consistently struggled against the past: Though Toronto is superior in the backcourt, our Bigs don’t measure up to Joakim Noah and Co. Though Noah was injured when the two teams last met, count on him having an impact when he’s back. The teams’ next meeting on Feburary 19, following the All-Star break will be a true test of the Raptors’ defensive mettle. Bismack Biyombo, get ready to play a lot of minutes.
Despite the phenomenal play of DeRozan and Lowry, defense will be absolutely essential going forward. Nevertheless, it’s worth touching on the All-Star performances of our starting guards: DeMar DeRozan has scored a whopping 30 points or more in each of his past three games—combined with Lowry, DeRozan is the other half of what is the best starting backcourt in the NBA.
Lowry (point guard) has been voted in to the All-Star Game as a starter for the second straight year. It’s hardly any surprise: Averaging 20.7 points, 6 assists and 5 boards a game, he has helped lead the rest of his team to great performances night in, night out. Each offensive trip can feature a sweet dish to Terrence Ross for a three-pointer, pass in the lane to big fellas JV, or Biyombo for a flush, or a trey (three-pointer) of his own to name a few.
Most importantly, Kyle has contributed immensely to the development of DeMar DeRozan, who has been a stud for the Raptors in his contract year. Should he choose to return to Toronto, hand some credit to Lowry. Case in point: Bet on DeRozan being named (as a reserve) to the All-Star game by NBA coaches this week. Bet on him making Team USA and his Olympic debut this August in Rio.
All in all, the Raptors are in good shape for nine games before the All-Star break. After the break, there are two priorities. First and foremost, Casey will need to be on all of their cases about defense. 48 minutes, no less. Second, DeRozan and Lowry will need to continue to be excellent, as they are the core of the team. Given their performance so far… I doubt this will be a problem.
There is a long way to go yet, but hold on Toronto—there’s some great basketball to look forward to!
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