Quick Reaction: Nets 101, Raptors 136

I looked at the box score and it truthfully shocked me that Poeltl finished a +16. The Nets tore him apart for what felt like 20 minutes straight throughout the second quarter. They went small and just beat him off the dribble over and over again. Ben Saraf made him touch earth on one such occasion and it wasn’t until 32 seconds remained in the half that Darko decided to match the small lineup. Poeltl played only 3 minutes in the second half and the Raptors really blew things open when he sat. He will be critical in a matchup with the Cavaliers and Jarrett Allen but tonight wasn’t his night.

Barnes is the definition of a swiss army knife, and the Raptors needed all of his tools tonight. His passing shined early, whether it was elite tanking or a strong fear of Barnes as a scorer, the Nets continuously double teamed him and he just made them pay over and over again. When they stopped double-teaming him and Ingram sat? He took over the scoring load, hammering 12 of his 18 in the second quarter with dunks and layups. After the Raptors gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the first half he shifted his focus to rebounding, grabbing 6 of his 12 boards in the third. Throughout the game Barnes did exactly what the Raptors needed him to do, and it resulted in one of the biggest wins of the season and the first playoff appearance since his rookie season.

Had some really nice passes and eventually got some looks off the dribble to fall but left at halftime with right hamstring tightness. Hopefully just precautionary as he will be desperately needed for the Raptors to have any hope in the playoffs.

Playing in his 77th game of the season Ingram showed zero signs of fatigue. He scored 12 first quarter points to kick off his 25 point night but more than that he brought the fire. He was using his extendo arms to snag rebounds, block a dunk and threw down a two hander of his own. He’s been using pump fakes more effectively to get to the free throw line which will be crucial in the slowed context of the playoffs. Despite only having two assists I thought he had some solid reads as well even if they didn’t culminate directly into buckets.

The ultimate release valve. Barrett showcased his value as an off-ball player hitting multiple threes from the top of the arc after trailing the play. When guys were double teamed or out of options he executed timely cuts to provide an outlet and finished strong. He kept the Nets at bay in the fourth and was an integral part to the Raptors winning this one especially after IQ went down.

Had some good drives off pump fakes for some tough finishes and showcased some nice playmaking chops with a pass to Walter and lil interior dish to Barnes in the dunker’s spot. He was called for a tech after he had some choice words when a charge he took was called a block. He was then proved correct when the Raptors challenged the call and it was a charge, and yet the tech still stands. I maintain that if the call you complained about (and received a tech for) is overturned, the tech should also be reversed.

Now eligible for the playoffs Lawson got a couple of short stints and in his limited minutes he did his part to push the Raptors over the finish line. He drilled two threes, one of which was heavily contested and could have been an and-one and drew a charge on the other end. There may come a time in the playoffs where his shooting could be very valuable.

Garbage time, took a bad fall but seemed to be okay afterwards.

Solid Shead game, had some nice assists and a couple of plays where he made an excellent pass to a roller who then had an assist. His touch was solid on a crossover middy pullup and later a floater and he showed some driving ability to get to the rim. The Raptors need those shots to keep falling if he wants to stay on the floor in the playoffs.

Garbage time.

It’s really impressive how well Walter has performed down the final stretch of the season. He had yet another multi-three game tonight and it kicked off almost instantly after checking in and drilling off a cross court pass from Mamukelashvili. He has become an extremely reliable corner three point shooter and the confidence is starting to leak into the other parts of his game. He had a massive block on a drive and is starting to show some confidence off the bounce as well.

Garbage time.

Part of the reason Poeltl was fed to the sharks in the first half was because Murray-Boyles had three first quarter fouls which forced him to the bench. Need to hope that the increased physicality of the playoffs means that he won’t be in foul trouble as much as his defense is much needed when teams go small.

Garbage time.

Garbage time but he drilled a three for what could be the final points of his career. Usually when Temple is in it means things are going well (or really badly) but still his leadership this season helped the Raptors through an up-and-down year.

They got it done in the end but the process was ugly for a while, I really can’t believe how long he left Poeltl on the court to just get attacked over and over again. Even with Murray-Boyles in foul trouble you need to change things up somehow. With 32 seconds left in the second he finally put Walter in who immediately hit a three. After a slow start the team eventually adjusted and put things away but I feel like we are far too often talking about slow starts with this squad, maybe it’s not Darko’s fault but that can’t happen as we head to the playoffs.