The start of the NBA season is finally here.
It’s been a long five months but the Raptors finally returned to Scotiabank Arena Wednesday night. Their opponent— a very talented Cleveland Cavalier team led by Donovan Mitchell. Unfortunately, the Raptors could not walk away with a victory (falling 136-106).
It’s only game one of 82, but there are a few key takeaways the Toronto faithful can walk away with following opening night.
The Offensive Firepower
If the Raptors are to be successful this year, Gradey Dick had to make significant improvements this summer.
In the season opener, he showed he had done just that. Dick had 16 points on 38.5% shooting. The field-goal percentage is not up to standard for a bona-fide number two option. However, Dick looked like a much more confident player against the Cavaliers. He is no longer confined to the role of a catch-and-shoot wing. Dick no longer looked afraid to take defenders off the dribble and attack the rim.
OKAYYY @gradey_dick 👀 pic.twitter.com/6yGqfqcuQ1
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 24, 2024
While RJ Barrett is unavailable (nursing a shoulder injury), Dick’s contributions to this Raptors roster are warmly welcomed. When Barrett returns, this Raptors lineup will have the offensive firepower to compete with the best of them.
However, Scottie Barnes got off to a slow start. The All-Star small forward posted a sub-par nine points in almost 26 minutes of play. Despite this, Raptors fans should not worry as one poor shooting night does not determine a season.
At full strength, the Raptors can be a top offense in the league. The only thing that could slow them down is health and inconsistency.
The Deficient Defense
The Raptors defense looked inconsistent.
Defense is an issue that needed addressing, but it looked like more of the same in the season opener. After a highly competitive start, the game started to slip away when the Cavaliers went on a 19-5 run to end the first and start the second quarter.
Evan Mobley headlined the Cavalier effort, posting 25 points and nine rebounds. No disrespect to Mobley, but if the Raptors can’t stop a center of his caliber, how will they fare against top talent?
Evan Mobley recorded 25 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, all while looking like the best defender in the world last night pic.twitter.com/PrY211znzM
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) October 24, 2024
When Embiid or Jokic come to Toronto, what will stop them from dropping 50 every night? The Raptors need to find a way to step up their frontcourt defense if they are going to find success this year.
A Look Ahead
Barring a miracle, the Toronto faithful will not see the Larry O’Brien trophy return to the North in 2025. Nevertheless, the Raptors do have the potential to be an exciting upstart team when spring comes around.
In their season opener against the Cavaliers, there were flashes of what this team could become. A playoff berth is not impossible when you add that they are missing one of their top scorers and playmakers in RJ Barrett.
However, the Raptors must improve their defense to be in the play-in picture. If not, the North will again find themselves at the bottom of a talented Eastern Conference.
Toronto’s next game is Friday against a Philadelphia 76ers team that hopes to compete for a championship this year. However, the losses of stars Joel Embiid and Paul George cripple the Sixers for the first week of the season. Hopefully, the Raptors can turn it around and take advantage of a Sixers team that will struggle to find their rhythm early.
Best-case scenario: the Raptors get their first win and begin to establish their new identity.
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