Opinion
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Raptors Ready to Claw Back Against Warriors at Scotiabank Showdown

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to host the Golden State Warriors at the Scotiabank Arena, fans are bracing for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Raptors, with a recent record that's been less than stellar, are looking to turn their fortunes around against a formidable opponent.


SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 7: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 7, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last meeting on February 15th, the Raptors narrowly lost to the Indiana Pacers with a score of 125-127. Despite this loss, there were positive takeaways for Toronto. They led for over 37 minutes and showcased an impressive offensive performance with 84 points in the paint and a fast break percentage of 62 percent. However, turnovers were their Achilles' heel as they gave up possession 15 times.


Comparing this performance with their February 13th game against the San Antonio Spurs where they suffered another defeat (99-122), it's evident that consistency is TOR's main issue. In that game, they failed to lead at any point and struggled defensively allowing San Antonio Spurs' field goal percentage of 53 percent.


SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 7: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 7, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

The most concerning aspect for Toronto has been their defensive frailties. Against both Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers on February 11th (95-119), TOR allowed high shooting percentages from inside and outside the paint which translated into losses despite scoring an average of over 100 points across these games.


However, it would be unwise to count out TOR just yet. Their resilience is notable; even when trailing by double digits against top teams like Cleveland Cavaliers who had led by as much as 25 points during their matchup, TOR managed to keep fighting until the final buzzer.


SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Pascal Siakam #43 and Jakob Poeltl #19 of the Toronto Raptors in the first quarter at Chase Center on January 07, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Looking ahead at Golden State Warriors' visit on March 1st at Scotiabank Arena presents an opportunity for redemption. The key will be tightening up defensively without compromising their offensive flow which has seen them dominate in fast breaks and points in paint.


Fans can expect players like Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet who have been instrumental in keeping games competitive despite adversities this season will step up once again when facing GSW's star-studded lineup including Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.


The upcoming game is scheduled for March 1st at Scotiabank Arena starting at sharp at half-past seven in the evening local time (7:30 PM). Fans can catch all action live internationally on SportsNet or locally away from home on NBCS-BA channel number six hundred ninety-six.

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