Raptors Ignite NBA Landscape with Impressive Streak
As the NBA steps into its second month, the Toronto Raptors have emerged as one of the league’s most formidable teams, boasting an impressive 11 wins in their last 12 games. Yet, despite this remarkable performance, they find themselves ranked only ninth in the latest power rankings by NBA.com writer John Schuhmann.
Unexpected Power Rankings Position
The Raptors currently hold a spot in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals and sit second in the Eastern Conference, riding the momentum of a seven-game winning streak. Schuhmann noted, “The Raptors are the only team to have clinched a spot in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals, and they’re now in second place in the Eastern Conference.” Their success includes a 2-0 record against the Cleveland Cavaliers, although it’s worth mentioning that the Cavaliers were without three key starters, including Donovan Mitchell, during their initial matchup. Both teams will face off again in Toronto on Monday, adding another layer of intrigue to this budding rivalry.
Debate Over Rankings
In the current power rankings, the Raptors trail behind several teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, and the Houston Rockets. Even with superior records compared to teams like the Spurs and Suns, along with two victories over the Cavaliers, the Raptors remain at the ninth spot. This raises questions about the criteria used for these rankings, as the Raptors continue to defy expectations.
While the Raptors have showcased their potential, their status as a surprise team plays a significant role in their perceived ranking. Schuhmann emphasized that, “There’s not much more the Raptors can do to move up in the power rankings because they are still viewed as a surprise team at this point in the season.” To improve their standing, the Raptors will need to maintain their winning streak and prove their worth against tough competition.
Significant Improvements from Last Season
The Raptors’ current success can be attributed to their significant growth compared to last season. Winning 11 of their last 12 games—while avenging their lone loss in Philadelphia—has brought them to the forefront of the Eastern Conference. They possess the best record (5-1) against the ten Eastern Conference teams currently holding winning records, allowing just 110.2 points per 100 possessions in those matchups. In contrast, last season, they struggled, with a dismal 3-19 record against teams that finished over .500.
One area of noteworthy improvement is their three-point shooting. While they still rank as a low-volume shooting team, with only 36.6% of their attempts coming from beyond the arc (the league’s fourth-lowest rate), they have recently excelled. Over their last four games, the Raptors have hit 44.6% of their three-point attempts and experienced the third-largest jump in three-point shooting percentage compared to last season. Scottie Barnes, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in efficiency, raising his three-point percentage from 30% in his first four years to an impressive 41.4%.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Raptors continue their quest for respect in the power rankings, they will face the Cavaliers again before taking on the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, and New York Knicks later in the week. Each game presents an opportunity to bolster their standing and solidify their reputation as one of the NBA’s elite teams. As they navigate this crucial stretch, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Raptors can elevate their game and, in turn, their ranking in the eyes of the league.
