NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors have been an offense-driven team in the last few years, as Nick Nurse’s philosophy hinges on efficient shooting from beyond the 3-point line and tons of movement without the ball. The style of basketball pioneered by Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets, which emphasizes 3-pointers and easy shots at the rim, has made its way to Toronto.
Normally, this style has helped Nurse compete for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, due to injuries, COVID-19, and general underperformance, Toronto is outside of the postseason, and it might be due to an offense that is living and dying (and dying more often than not this season) by the 3-point shot.