Toronto Raptors dominate in first Summer League matchup

The sophomores Shead, Mogbo, Battle, and Walter all stepped up to help create an insurmountable lead in the Raptors’ first game in Las Vegas

Stepping onto the court in Las Vegas for the first time in this year’s Summer League, the Raptors came to dominate. By the time the buzzer sounded, their advantage was 116-72. They put the Bulls away easily, showing aggression, energy and a sense of togetherness that will be fun to watch over the next week, and undoubtedly into next season.

Often the fact that some of the youngest players in the league are setting foot on the court means mistakes, throwaways, and airballs. The Raptors showed poise tonight despite their youth, largely due to the play of their sophomores. Both teams had a strong presence of prior NBA experience that helped right the ship, but it was Toronto’s who had a bigger impact.

For Chicago, their first round pick from last year, Matas Buzelis found ways to score and steady some of the play on the court. Two-way player Yuki Kawamura also played substantial minutes, playing tough defence and helping facilitate. Their strongest performer was former Raptor Javon Freeman-Liberty, who finished with 21 points to lead the bulls in scoring.

For the Raptors, last year’s rookies played phenomenally. Each one played to their strengths and showed off-season growth that is promising for next year. AJ Lawson, a player with almost 60 games of NBA experience is one of the most mature players here in Summer League, but seems to have no issue. His energy was tone-setting for the team, and allowed him to rack up 22 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in only 20 minutes.

While this game highlighted some of the sophomore players, the rookies weren’t on display as much. Chicago’s draft picks Noa Essengue and Lachlan Olbrich both struggled, scoring a combined 7 points. For Raptors fans, the disappointing scratch of Collin Murray-Boyles just before the game meant a delay in watching his debut, but second-rounder Alijah Martin played solid defence and scored 16 points. The highlight of the night for him was this poster that left an excellent first impression:

Overall, it was a dominant game by the Raptors from start to finish and by virtually every measure. More rebounds, steals, assists, 3-pointers, and so on. About halfway through the final quarter, it was bench-clearing time, and the Raptors were able to find minutes for everyone available tonight. So, other than the fact that owned the Bulls tonight, we have three main takeaways from this game:

• Defence first. The aggression and effort on that end of the floor was stifling. The Bulls undoubtedly felt it from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Shead, Martin, Lawson, and Hepburn all stood out, but everyone who checked into the game matched that energy. The defensive plays seemed to draw almost more applause from the bench and crowd, with a charge drawn, a steal, or an 8-second call generating a ton of noise from the crowd. This is going to be a big part of their identity moving forward, and if they can get this level of buy-in night in and night out, it will certainly elevate the Raptors’ season.

• Last years’ rookies have all made massive leaps. Jamal Shead’s passing and defensive edge haven’t gone anywhere, now paired with his confidence and improved decision making that come with another year. Jonathan Mogbo demonstrated some genuinely remarkable court vision, showing potential for more triple-doubles in his future. Battle’s shooting continues, but he also made some excellent plays around the rim and has seemingly improved defensively as well. Ja’Kobe’s physical growth allowed him to improve finishing, and he made it evident early on, scoring from all over the floor.

• Alijah Martin is probably already a fan favourite. For the first few moments of the game, it was mostly a defensive effort, but his dunk elicited even more energy from him. It’s hard not to put too much into a single Summer League game, but he stuffed the stat sheet, adding 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals alongside his 16 points. He also boasted the highest plus/minus of the game at +36. His age and maturity increase the probability that this isn’t a one-off performance. He’s going to be one to watch for the rest of Summer League for sure.

The next challenge the Raptors will face will be on Sunday, July 13 at 6:00 PM where they matchup against the Orlando Magic.