During a four-game losing slide, the Raptors’ much-maligned defence yielded an average of 130 points.

Then came a three-game winning streak when the Raptors held their opponents to an average of 102 points.

The disparity in numbers is quite shocking until you zoom in and take a closer look at Toronto’s opposition.

When the Raptors were looking so defensively deficient, they went up against four of the most elite players in the NBA in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Victor Wembanyama and Kevin Durant.

When the Raptors looked defensively proficient, one opponent — the Cleveland Cavaliers — was missing four starters, another — Memphis Grizzlies — was minus its franchise player, while the third in the Milwaukee Bucks was playing the back end of a back-to-back set.

Antetokounmpo

See Full Page