Title: How Raptors are using post-up mismatches to fill offensive gaps
Date: November 15, 2023
Original Source: Sportsnet
Synopsis: In my latest at Sportsnet, I took a look at the Raptors success using post-ups and how they can fit within their new offensive identity.
TORONTO — In a season where the Toronto Raptors are emphasizing quick decisions and significant movement, their greatest success has come from a play generally considered the antithesis of those ideals: The post-up.
With the Raptors trailing the Washington Wizards and their shaky defence by 23 points on Monday, Pascal Siakam took it upon himself to leverage that play. Over the course of under three minutes, Siakam bullied Kyle Kuzma in the paint for a basket in the post, drew free throws against Deni Avdija attempting to establish a post-up attempt, and got early position against Bilal Coulibaly in semi-transition, opening a baseline spin he finished on a second attempt.
The sequence was part of a 22-point third quarter for Siakam and a run that cut the lead to 10 heading into the fourth quarter. The Raptors ultimately came back to win the game, and the threat of Siakam’s post-play was a big factor in eventually breaking an extremely happy-to-bend defence.
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 