RAPTORS REPORT CARD: After defeating the Hawks, some of the best grades of the year
It’s difficult to determine which of these two Quickley games was superior. In any case, he finished first in both games. With ten points in a hurry, he quickly established the tone. He also gradually began to find teammates and was generally aggressive and effective. His relationship with Scottie Barnes is growing. Quickley has an all-star ceiling, and this week he has performed accordingly.
SCOTTIE BARNES A
Barnes frequently gives off the impression that he is an athlete on an entirely different level. We’ve previously witnessed it here with Kawhi Leonard. This person is simply enormous and incredibly athletic. Barnes will take action when he feels like grabbing a rebound, blocking a shot, or getting up above someone to take a shot. There were moments when it was boys vs men, with the Hawks unable to match Barnes. He made some of the better plays in this game as well. Barnes has ten assists, three of which were really impressive.
GRADEY DICK A
Among Dick’s best games to date. Over his last ten games, he has quietly averaged 10.7 points in 20.2 minutes, shooting 45.2% from three and 43% from beyond the arc. Dick fired off 13 shots—he has only ever tried more—and did so with assurance. At one point, he also had a beautiful look as he moved the ball up the floor and found Ochai Agbaji in the corner for a three-point shot. This might lead to Dick being an all-rookie team, which would be a surprising conclusion given his season’s opening stretch.
OCHAI AGBAJI A
Unquestionably the young swingman’s best performance to date after being acquired from Utah for one of the selections in the Pascal Siakam trade. You witnessed the prototype of Agbaji’s future potential, as envisioned by the Raptors. Agbaji appeared to be a younger Anunoby; you could call it Anunoby light, or a poor man’s original Anunoby. When assigned to guard him, he buried the outstanding Trae Young, who was cash money from the corner, making four of five three-pointers. Anunoby established a life as a fantastic defender who scored more than 40% of his goals from the corner, even though he was quite open for them. Agbaji didn’t hit a jump shot as a Raptor until he shot over 40% from there while in Utah this season.
KELLY OLYNYK A
Olynyk was even better the night before than he was against the Nets. Not too bad for his age. The big man from Canada played a significant role in the game’s conclusion. He provided a huge assistance to his younger teammates and finished with an amazing late-game tribute to Dirk Nowitzki. Olynyk received five fouls while attempting to slow down the explosive Hawks, but it wasn’t because he was acting improperly.
BRUCE BROWN B+
Brown appears to be settling in gradually but steadily. He has a high basketball IQ, as does Olynyk, Agbaji, Dick, and either Barnes or Quickley. They also appear to get along well. They are all able to anticipate, pass, and move off the ball. Brown played the part of the quintessential glue guy, doing a little bit of everything. We also like his whistle-blowing celebrations afterward, such as his finger-wagging imitation of Dikembe Mutombo following the decision to release a buzzer-beating three player too late.
JAKOB POELTL B+
greatly outperformed Clint Capela, and aside from missing a few easy shots against the behemoth, Poeltl had a good game. He finished plays with defensive rebounds and was all over the glass, grabbing offensive rebounds one after another. In addition, he had six standard assists and five screen assists that resulted in 14 points. How fortunate Rajakovic is to have the Poeltl/Olynyk combination at center. Poeltl can help you get there, but Olynyk can finish games because he can make shots and free throws.
GARY TRENT JR. C
Trent was unable to build on his successful performance against Brooklyn. This time, he shot poorly (2-for-9) but played a little more aggressively on defense. Additionally, he made his lone field goal of the second half at a crucial moment when the score was tied at 1:17. Trent did not nail the one he had to, but he missed a few open looks. It would be intriguing to see if Rajakovic wants to stick with his talented bench bunch or if Dick grabs the starting position this season.
JORDAN NWORA D+
Nwora, the lone Raptor who was left out of the offensive fun, struggled and missed all five of his shots. With RJ Barrett out, he was given the opportunity to start as a fill-in, but even up against a team he has historically performed well against, he was unable to capitalize. Although Nwora’s defense has been preventing him from playing in the rotation, his offense was subpar in this particular game. To be fair to Nwora, the contest for all but one of his efforts was rather close.
THREE STARS
1 Immanuel Quickley
2 Scottie Barnes
3 Gradey Dick