Category Archives: Analysis

Raptors need to prove flexibility is more than just a preseason talking point after Game 2 loss to 76ers

Title: Raptors need to prove flexibility is more than just a preseason talking point after Game 2 loss to 76ers
Date: April 29, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about the Raptors failing to live up to their self-proclaimed identity of flexibility so far in the playoffs, as rotation rigidity cost them in Game 2 against the 76ers. Read an excerpt!

Raptor Recalibration, Game 1: Matching the Embiid minutes, Green as a screener and more

Title: Raptor Recalibration, Game 1: Matching the Embiid minutes, Green as a screener and more
Date: April 28, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, my playoff day-after playoff column looked at a dominant Game 1 victory for the Raptors against the 76ers. Read an excerpt!

‘That was pretty cool to watch tonight’: Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points, helps secure Game 1 win for Raptors

Title: ‘That was pretty cool to watch tonight’: Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points, helps secure Game 1 win for Raptors
Date: April 27, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about the Raptors actually taking care of a Game 1, because everything is a little different now. Read an excerpt!

Murphy Mailbag: Ideal 76ers matchups, rotation tweaks, El Hijo de Guerrero and more

Title: Murphy Mailbag: Ideal 76ers matchups, rotation tweaks, El Hijo de Guerrero and more
Date: April 26, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I brought back the mailbag for the second round of the playoffs to talk Raptors-76ers matchups, rotation tweaks, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and more Read an excerpt!

Deep Dive Series Preview: How do the Raptors and 76ers matchup? A study of playing styles, rotations and more

Title: Deep Dive Series Preview: How do the Raptors and 76ers matchup? A study of playing styles, rotations and more
Date: April 25, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I performed a deep dive into the lineups, rotations, key matchups, playing styles and more for the second-round playoff series between the Raptors and 76ers.
Read an excerpt!

Raptor Recalibration, Game 5: Raptors set franchise record for playoff assists in best playoff showing yet

Title: Raptor Recalibration, Game 5: Raptors set franchise record for playoff assists in best playoff showing yet
Date: April 24, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, my new playoff day-after playoff column looked at a close-out Game 5 victory for the Raptors over the Magic, improved ball movement, what may carry over to the next round, and more. Read an excerpt!

Raptors look ready for 76ers test with decisive close-out of Magic

Title: Raptors look ready for 76ers test with decisive close-out of Magic
Date: April 23, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about the Raptors’ closing out the Magic in decisive fashion, showing they’re not the Raptors of old, and making it clear they’re ready for a bigger test in round two. Read an excerpt!

Raptor Recalibration, Game 4: Ball movement, Lowry’s impact, Ross traps and more

Title: Raptor Recalibration, Game 4: Ball movement, Lowry’s impact, Ross traps and more
Date: April 22, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, my new playoff day-after playoff column looked at a runaway Game 4 victory for the Raptors over the Magic, Kyle Lowry’s impact, how the Raptors have slowed Terrence Ross, and more. Read an excerpt!

Raptors looking every bit the contender they hoped to be as defence wins third in a row against Magic

Title: Raptors looking every bit the contender they hoped to be as defence wins third in a row against Magic
Date: April 21, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, I wrote about the Raptors’ starters dominating in Game 3 but the Magic finding some weaknesses to poke at in the second unit. Read an excerpt!

Raptor Recalibration, Game 3: Late-game process, Magic risk-seeking and more

Title: Raptor Recalibration, Game 3: Late-game process, Magic risk-seeking and more
Date: April 20, 2019
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic, my new playoff day-after playoff column looked at a narrow Game 3 victory for the Raptors over the Magic, some adjustments the Raptors had to play through, and what the Magic might try from here. Read an excerpt!