"There is proof of concept for this team, a blueprint for winning. But over the course of the exceptional month of November, the team has slowly been starting to cut the corners when it comes to those guidelines. If anything, back-to-back losses is a reminder that Toronto knows how to win, but it isn't good enough to skirt around what matters."
"These have been important games to show that the Raptors offense is an ecosystem with many different things motivating it. Since Barrett's gone down, Ingram has taken 79 shots across 3 games. The field goal percentage has dropped continuously across these games. It's too large a burden to carry. And it's a sluggish, pained process. Even when Barnes plays great, the Raptors still find themselves looking for more. I'm looking forward to Barrett's return."
The Raptors produced strong individual performances from Barnes, Quickley, and Murray-Boyles that demonstrated a viable blueprint for success. Over November the team began to cut corners on those principles, leading to back-to-back losses that underline the need to recommit to fundamentals. This season presents a second major test after an early 1-4 start and requires renewed effort to sustain success across a long NBA season. With Barrett sidelined, Ingram has absorbed a massive shot volume and the team's field-goal percentage has declined, exposing an offensive burden that the current rotation struggles to carry.
Read at Raptors Republic
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