Even after last night’s second-half collapse, it’s been a pretty even stretch for the Raptors since the All-Star break, all things considered. Without Kyle Lowry, they’ve tightened up on defense to the tune of a 13-7 record.
This can mostly be ascribed to their two trade deadline acquisitions: Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker. Ibaka has shown himself to be a good option at centre for the team, providing some rim protection in small lineups.
Tucker, though, has shown a more demonstrable side. He’s lifted the team defense at the small forward position, ably guarding the other team’s best wing player in crunch time minutes — like he did with Paul George on Tuesday.