The Toronto Raptors used to get their toughness from their undersized leader, Kyle Lowry. Now the team is emulating Lowry in his absence.
If there is one consistent criticism surrounding the Toronto Raptors, it is the perceived lack of mental toughness. There has been a tendency to lose composure when a call doesn't go their way or to get frustrated in the face of adversity.
Without Kyle Lowry, the player who has been the embodiment of whatever toughness the team had, you would expect things to be tough for the Raptors. However, the team isn't just learning how to win without Lowry, they are developing toughness along the way.
With Lowry out of the lineup, P.J. Tucker has emerged as the team's emotional leader. While Tucker's fit with the team was obvious from the moment they acquired him, the extent of his impact has exceeded all expectations.
Whether it be a crucial stop, rebound, loose ball or any other play the Raptors are in need of, Tucker always seems to be the guy making that play.
If there was one team that always seemed to find a way to expose the flaws of the Raptors, it's the Chicago Bulls. Heading into Tuesday's game, the Raptors had lost 11 straight games to Chicago.
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The Bulls have always seemed to have the tools to make the Raptors squirm. The defensive presence of Jimmy Butler has always caused issues for Toronto's ball handlers.
In addition to that, the Bulls pick and roll attack and dedication to attacking the rim has exposed the weak interior defense the team has had over the past few years.
Tuesday's game started off the same as previous matchups. The Bulls' relentless pick and roll attack gave the Raptors fits, while Jimmy Butler once again had his way with the team.
The frustration boiled over as Serge Ibaka and Robin Lopez exchanged punches and were ejected from the game.
While the momentum didn't shift immediately after the fight, it was clear that the Raptors started to play with an edge.
The run that ended up deciding the game came with the Raptors going to a small-ball lineup. With Cory Joseph, Fred VanVleet, DeMar DeRozan, Tucker and Patrick Patterson, the Raptors had a versatile lineup with lots of playmaking and the ability to switch on defense.
Overall, Butler had a fantastic game on Tuesday. He finished with 37 points on 11-of-21 shooting and was 12-for-14 at the free throw line. But with Tucker on the court, Butler's effectiveness was minimized.
When Tucker was on the court, Butler shot 40 percent from the floor and the Bulls were outscored by 14 points. With Tucker off, Butler shot 58.3 percent and the Bulls outscored Toronto by nine points.
Great players are going to make tough shots regardless of who is on them. But with Tucker, Toronto finally has somebody that can make star perimeter players work for their points.
While Butler still scored efficiently early on against Tucker, it was clear that he was worn down as the game progressed.
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The energy Tucker has provided on defense has become infectious. Since the All-Star break, the Raptors are fifth in defensive efficiency. This defensive improvement isn't just a result of Ibaka and Tucker joining the team.
The Raptors are showing internal improvement and growth throughout the roster. While his defensive play is still uneven, DeRozan has had stretches of the best defense of his career. Joseph has also returned to his defensive form of past seasons.
While their offensive efficiency has dropped to 15th over that stretch, recently the team is embracing a more balanced offensive approach. Without their offensive catalyst, the team has found a way to do what's necessary on defense, while playing a more selfless offensive style.
The Raptors have always been a team that relied heavily on isolation plays. Even their outside shots are usually created by Lowry or DeRozan isolating, then kicking the ball out on the drive. But without Lowry's play-making, the team is evolving out of necessity.
DeRozan has shown some of the best play-making of his career. While other players are showing an increased willingness to rotate the ball to generate quality looks.
When Lowry returns, the Raptors should be in a better position than ever. Not only will he improve the existing defense, but he should help return the offense to it's normal effectiveness. With the experience the team is gaining in his absence, this should be a much tougher team come playoffs.
