From JLew1050: Raptors’ Gasol neutralizing Magic all-star Vucevic. MORE:
In over 30 minutes per game, 12 more than he was playing in Toronto, Wright flashed his all-around skill set, even recording back-to-back triple-doubles. Meanwhile, finally unleashed and featured offensively, Valanciunas was looking like an all-star before an ankle injury cut his season short.
The 26-game sample size gave us – and the team – some interesting and useful data, an idea of how Gasol fit in with what they already had in place, but it’s mostly a moot point now. His impact in the postseason will ultimately determine whether or not the trade was worth it. In four meetings with Toronto, he averaged 20.0 points and 15.5 rebounds on 55 per cent shooting. Through two playoff games, he’s totalled just 17 points and 14 rebounds on 6-for-21 shooting.subbing in and Toronto sending frequent double teams at him in the post. Vucevic is typically an excellent passer – not quite at Gasol’s level, but he’s one of the league’s premier passing big men. However, Gasol’s positioning and physicality has literally forced him out of his comfort zone.
Winning the centre matchup is crucial for the Raptors early in this series. As great as the Magic’s defence has been through most of this season, and in their Game 1 win, they simply don’t have enough offensive fire power to remain competitive without their leading scorer contributing. “Marc is a really good defender,” Nurse said. “I think he's a combination of big, tough, smart and he's got some desire to want to stop you. All of those things are pretty good ingredients for a defensive center.”
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