It’s that time of the year again, the NBA Playoffs. Last campaign, the playoffs sparked an immense amount of emotions, game-winners, and unlikely success stories. Highlighted by Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals. However, this season, there are new teams in the mix, including the Toronto Raptors. If you’d ask anyone throughout the beginning of this season whether Toronto was a playoff contender, opinions would clash. Some would say yes, mainly because of the return of Brandon Ingram, and others might say no, due to the lack of depth or veteran experience to outlast the East’s best. Either way, the standings are nearly solidified, and a Toronto Raptors clash against the New York Knicks looks bound to happen. Here is a preview of this potential match. Let’s compare the two teams and their stylistic differences.
Raptors vs Knicks: A Look at the Potential 1st Round Playoff Match
Team Comparison
Both the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors heavily differ in overall team comp. For Toronto, they usually start players with longer wingspans, like Scottie Barnes (7’3” wingspan) and Jakob Poeltl (7’0”). In contrast, New York focuses on overall height when facing opponents. Former Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns is listed at 7’0” as well as center Mitchell Robinson, who is also 7’0”.
Toronto pivots on quickness and recovery. While their length disrupts passing lanes to contest shots and force turnovers, they’ve failed to contain the Knicks’ frontcourt, which dominated the glass in their last outing. Ultimately, exposing Toronto’s 24th-ranked paint scoring.
Coaching Duel: Darko Rajaković Vs Mike Brown
With a win over the Brooklyn Nets today, head coach Darko Rajaković will find himself in the playoffs for the first time as a Toronto head coach. Knicks’ head coach Mike Brown would also make his first appearance in the playoffs as New York’s coach, after being cut by Sacramento last season. Rajaković’s philosophy is built on European-style ball movement and quick decision-making. His “0.5-Second Rule” means a player must pass or shoot within half a second of catching the “rock.” As for Brown, he coaches with extreme energy and focuses on highly efficient points.
In order for Toronto to overwhelm New York, they must do so with volume. That means more possessions, shots, and a faster pace.
Scottie Barnes’ Clash Against Jalen Brunson
Barnes and Jalen Brunson. Two individuals with storied basketball careers who lead their respective teams. This year, Toronto would have to utilize Barnes to his maximum potential, due to Ingram’s command of the opposing defense’s attention. For Barnes, this would be his second career appearance in an NBA playoff series, in contrast to Brunson, who would be making his sixth.
Throughout his playoff career, Barnes has averaged 12.8 points, nine rebounds (REB), and four assists (AST). Across 67 career playoff games, Brunson has averaged 25 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. Fans of the game already know that Brunson shines most in playoff games. With a limited sample size of Barnes in the playoffs, his overall growth as a player from 2022 to the present day suggests he is ready to face Brunson.
We’re hours away from a finalized outlook of the NBA playoffs and play-in. Whatever circumstances play out today for the Raptors, it was a great season.
Featured Image: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
