Es Baraheni

The Raptors have a math problem.

They have an absolute math problem there near the bottom of the league when it comes to three-point attempts, near the bottom of the league when it comes to three-point percentage.

And so when you're facing a team like the Knicks that, one, likes to shoot a lot of threes and also makes a lot of threes, you end up being at a disadvantage already offensively.

And, you know, turnovers didn't allow for the Raptors to get into their transition game as often as they'd like, but...

Truthfully, this Raptors team definitely has a math problem, especially when it comes to playing teams that have very elite offenses like the Knicks do.

No, he likes to take pressure off of the guys so much.

And basically every time I've asked him or another member of the media has asked him whether he cares about these matchups against the top Eastern Conference teams.

And he's like, I don't even know where the Raptors are in the standings.

He said he's not checking the standings until the All-Star break.

Yeah, yeah, of course.

Yeah, you're right.

And I think a lot of the, you know, the physical defense that you guys mentioned, they love to live in rotation.

And so when you're in rotation, when you're switching a lot, you're not able to box out as often as you want to.

Right.

Those rebounds fly all over the place.

And I think the Knicks were on it a little bit more than the Raptors are to the point about how physical they can be.

If this Raptors team can't impose themselves physically on another team,

it's a big disadvantage for them offensively.

They just, much like the Rockets, right, that crash the offensive glass, that love to work in the mid-range area.

If the Raptors can't get off their game in the mid-range area with Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, and then also win the physicality advantage, they just can't win games.