Raptors open road swing with NBA Cup game against Hawks in Atlanta on Friday night.

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

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

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

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