NBA 2018-19: 3 Takeaways from the Toronto Raptors Vs Memphis Grizzlies

#2 Defensive intensity of the Raptors

The Raptors really need to avoid turning on and off their defensive aggression or picking and choosing when to employ it. In an era where the rules favor offensive production it is still not wise to give any team 71 points, in the first half, even a low scoring team like Memphis.

As mentioned earlier, the Raptors used a 20-8 run mid third quarter to pull away. Trailing, by as much as 17, in the Third Quarter and giving a team like Golden State 71 first half points and a 12 point halftime lead, as the Raptors did with Memphis, is a blueprint to losing.

Never mind the Raptors were shooting 58% from the field or 50% from 3 point range and had 10 fast break points, by the half, their offensive production has to be matched by the defensive intensity. The Raptors upped that intensity in the second half, but NBA Basketball is 48 minutes and a team has to play well at both ends of the court.