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Film Session: Fred VanVleet, spacing & defensive chemistry overwhelm Bucks

The Toronto Raptors showed off some improved spacing on offence, improved cohesion on defence and got an incredible performance from Fred VanVleet against the Milwaukee Bucks, who were without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Video Transcript

- Fred scoop shot, 25 for Rockford's finest.

AMIT MANN: The Raptors defeated the Bucks 97-93 and held them to 37% shooting. And yeah, they were on a back-to-back, and Giannis didn't play. But as Kyle Lowry used to say, a win is a win is a win. Let's discuss.

All right, so like I said, no Giannis, so that's a huge factor for the Milwaukee Bucks. But with the Toronto Raptors, I think we're at a point now where we really just want to see their defensive chemistry improve. And in this game, there was a few indications that it actually has.

On one of the first possessions, you got Portis in the corner. He begins his drive. And look what happens. Fred cuts off the lane. Scotty stunts and recovers. Gary is sinking down to watch Pat Connaughton. That's a great possession.

Or this one, you got Jrue Holiday, who had a great game. He blows by Banton. Nobody overplays the situation, which has been a huge problem. Barnes stayed close to Porter. Stevie is prepared to get out to Allen. Gary helps and is willing to live with a contested 3 from our boy Sandro over here if Holiday wants to make the pass. Barnes contests at the right time. Benton gets on the boards. And the Raptors win the possession.

Also shows the Scotty Barnes for taking on that Middleton challenge. Middleton shot eight of 20 from the field. Once Giannis was announced that he was not playing in this game, Barnes said, I want Middleton. I'm going to make him work. And he absolutely did. He also gave him the work a little bit too.

- Here's Barnes backing in, backing in, fading. That is sweet.

AMIT MANN: Also shouts to Pascal Siakam. He's having some foul issues right now. That is attributed to probably him being a little bit late on some reads and some possessions. But his processing speed is getting faster and faster. He had some great contests. You've got to be patient with him. But he is getting there. Be patient.

And for Precious Achua, he had two monster blocks tonight. He is a sophomore after all, so there are still lots of mistakes happening on the defensive end. But you got to love the potential. This is all valuable experience for him that's going to help him this season.

- --in a 2-possession game. Holiday denied by Achua!

AMIT MANN: On offense, the Raptors' spacing was so much better. And that has centered around Scotty Barnes being a threat from the line and some teams not even realizing it. Actually, some gambling sites aren't realizing it either. And I've been-- well, it's been very profitable for me. I'll put it that way.

This is the impact of Scotty being at the 3-point line. The Raptors were able to do a lot more four out and one in offense. Look at all the options Fred has here. He can go to Gary in the corner, Scotty over here, or find a rolling Precious. He goes with option three.

Another example, Bucks double Fred here. And he's got a two on one to his left, Scotty at the free throw line extended, and Precious rim running. A three ensues.

And not to harp on Precious Achua, because I think, like I said, he's got loads of potential. But he's got to make sure he's not in the way on offense. He's either got to be screening or rolling or chilling at the 3-point line or chilling in the dunker spot. It's one of those options. And if he's not doing one of those things, he's likely in the way. And if he's in the way, then the Raptors' spacing just goes to, well, poop. Let's give Pascal this kind of space all the time.

- Pascal.

AMIT MANN: And finally, Nick did a great job of getting Freddy open in the second half. He ran him off some stagger screens. He made the Bucks really work. They had to go through multiple screens at times just to get to him. And from there, I mean, Freddy just handled it.

- And here's VanVleet. And Fred connects.

AMIT MANN: And then down the stretch, he was absolutely sensational. Get this man to the All-Star game. 26 points in the second half. As great as he was, this was probably his best play. A leader leading.

[MUSIC PLAYING]