Raptors qualify for NBA Cup’s quarters following unbeaten group action

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The 6ix is ​​on a six-game winning streak and the Raptors, surprisingly, continue to be among the top teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

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How long this streak of success will last is anyone's guess, but winning is never taken for granted and the Raptors should never apologize for feasting on vulnerable opponents.

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Add the Washington Wizards to the list of defeated opponents after a 140-110 rout Friday night at Scotiabank Arena.

During that six-game series, the Raptors beat three opponents who entered the game with one win under their belt, including a woeful Wizards team that trailed by double digits early and offered little resistance.

When Washington made a rare mini-run, the Raptors called timeout to regroup before taking charge again. The energy around this group is positive and the team's performance, even against weaker opponents, has been stellar.

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What's particularly encouraging is that every player entering the game contributes on both ends of the floor most of the time.

Below are three takeaways from Toronto's 10th win in its last 11 games, which improved the Raptors' record to 11-5.

The Cup trail continues

Since the creation of the NBA Cup three years ago, reactions from fans and players have been mixed.

It does provide an extra level of competitiveness, and with this win, the Raptors advance to the next stage of the NBA's intraseason tournament for the first time.

Toronto entered Friday as the only undefeated team in the East's Group A division.
The night, which included a Cavs win over Indiana, saw the Raptors become the first team to make the playoffs.

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The Raptors are officially in the game. And above all, they're getting the attention of the entire league as they move deeper into the NBA Cup tournament.

What is known is that the NBA Cup quarterfinals will take place on December 9th and 10th. As of Friday evening, it had not yet been determined what day the Raptors would play or whether they would host the game or be on the road.

We reserve judgment.

One of the most unexpected developments in the Raptors' high-scoring game was the play of the team's reserves.
Among the secondary players, two players stood out the most: sophomore point guard Jamal Sheed and freshman backup center Sandro Mamukelashvili.

The chemistry on set is pretty obvious and it seems to get better the more they are on set.

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Head coach Darko Rajakovic makes free use of his bench and is not averse to using his reserves in the first quarter.

The high screen and throw by Sheed and Mamukelashvili were executed to perfection as the big man from Georgia finished at the rim.

Mamukelashvili scored 23 points on the night, one of four Raptors to score 20 points. Brandon Ingram and R.J. Barrett had 24 points in the games, and Scottie Barnes also scored 23 points.

Meanwhile, Sheed continued to defend the basketball and assist record, recording 10 assists in 16 minutes.

These two weren't just the best players off the bench, they were among the best in the game, if not the best on the night.

Poeltl needs touch

Let's start with the obvious: Jakob Poeltl won't be the best offensive player, knowing that the Raptors' starting group has more than enough players who need the ball in their hands.

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The problem with Poeltl is that he is often overlooked, which is quite shocking for someone who is seven feet tall. He is not used in high-screen action as he was in the past, and he is not shown on the block as often.

Keep in mind that Poeltl made one field goal in the first half against the Wizards.
This is not a typo. He played 13 minutes.

Of course, he is suffering from the lower back strain he experienced in the pre-season finale. But he also showed his effectiveness when involved in crime.

Poeltl's six rebounds in the first half led all Toronto starters. He finished with nine but only three points.
The appearance of Mamukelashvili influenced the role of Pöltl.

The two rarely take the court together, but both display a contrasting style that allows the Raptors to play fast when Mamukelashvili is on the court.

Next

The Raptors' home game resumes Sunday night against the Brooklyn Nets. On November 11 at Barclays Centre, Toronto beat the Nets 119–109, led by Brandon Ingram's 25 points.

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