Small ball has dominated the 2017 NBA playoffs so far as the insertion of Norman Powell continues to be huge for the Raptors. They dominated most of game five and again came out to a fast start.
Serge Ibaka specifically was blocking shots, dunking everything and keeping the energy in Air Canada Center alive in the first quarter. The Bucks also started out sloppy, Giannis Antetokounmpo did not have his same unabashed confidence and nearly every pass was as questionable as a customs pat down.
Powell ended up scoring 25 points and may now only be allowed to play in the playoffs. He seems to go super Saiyan while the Raptors’ normal stars dim like a dying sun. He’s a +62 in the playoffs, hasn’t missed a three yet, and has completely changed this series
It seems like every series has hinged on which team can do small ball first and best. The Raptors are 2-0 with Norman Powell in the starting lineup and the offense has looked much more fluid with him in the lineup. The Celtics, also 2-0 since inserting the athletic Gerald Green over the larger Amir Johnson, have looked much better. On Sunday, the Rockets went small and inserted Trevor Ariza at power forward late in the game and proceeded to go on a 12-0 run, helping them win the game.
The Raptors move to go small against the lengthy Bucks has proved prescient. Not only has it increased their spacing, causing the aggressive defense of the Bucks to have to travel farther distances but has somehow improved their passing.
In the regular season, the Raptors had the second fewest assists in the league. After a couple games of small ball, even DeMar DeRozan who is prone to hold the ball, is passing out of double teams with speed. This is the danger of the Bucks defensive system, accurate skip pass and the secondary passes can be deadly. Three point shooting can also be dangerous and the Raptors shot 44% from three tonight.
The playoffs are so intriguing not only because of their star power and pressure but because of their adjustments. Going small has been the move for most NBA teams in trouble in the playoffs. The Bucks may look to adjust as well, or they may just have to hope Khris Middleton finds his shot. Do not rule out Mirza Teletovic getting plugged into the lineup with Giannis at center, however. In an atmosphere as small ball heavy as these playoffs, this is not a crazy proposal.
The Bucks will look to even the series at home in Game six on Thursday.
