Raptors Highlight of the Night: DeMar DeRozan in the post
The Toronto Raptors battled the Orlando Magic tooth and nail for three quarters Saturday night, before pulling away in the fourth quarter to capture the 108-95 win. The Raptors are now 2-0 on the season.
Their victory was powered in large part by DeMar DeRozan, who finished with 26 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the floor. DeRozan put on a show, especially in the third when he caught fire and dropped 13 points in the quarter.
DeRozan did most of his damage in the post. He flashed inklings of a developing post game last season, but he abandoned the strategy as the season progressed, opting instead to attack through the pick-and-roll and on spot-ups.
Early on this season, the Raptors have made a concerted effort to hit DeRozan in the post, especially when matched up with smaller defenders, like the Magic's Evan Fournier. DeRozan spent the summer refining his post game with the help of Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.
Take the play below, for example. DeRozan starts off the possession nicely by establishing good position in the mid-post. He uses his strength advantage to seize prime real estate on the block.
Once DeRozan receives the ball, the Raptors do a good job of spacing the floor. Notice how Kyle Lowry and Terrence Ross are both aligned on the perimeter. If the Magic send help from the perimeter, DeRozan has an easy outlet for an open shot.
The Raptors' spacing sets up a one-on-one between Fournier and DeRozan. From there, DeRozan patiently works his way into deep post position, before using a fancy drop step and spin move to shed Fournier. The quickness of his move catches the Magic off guard, and Nikola Vucevic is late to challenge the shot, giving DeRozan two easy points on the layup.
The play in its entirety can be seen below, with a hat tip to The Dream.
(Courtesy: NBA.com)