Statistically speaking, the Toronto Raptors took a step back offensively last season. The team posted a lower offensive rating in both the regular season and during the playoffs. Of course, they were still towards the top of the league offensively. But the team did regress.
So how did they transform from second-round flame-outs to NBA Champions? Well, significant improvements on the defensive end of course. Toronto ranked 4th in defensive rating during the 2019 playoffs after finishing dead last the year before.
It’s easy to see why the Raptors improved defensively last season.