Norman Powell changed the series by being able to dribble
It took much longer than expected but the Raptors are finally in command. After a 118-93 thrashing of the Bucks in Game 5, Toronto looks likely to close out the Eastern Conference first round matchup in Game 6 thanks in large part to one adjustment: Playing Norman Powell more.
Why it took Dwane Casey this long remains a mystery, but it is clear Powell has changed the series. While he is making life harder on Khris Middleton on defense, Powell has really made the difference on the offensive end of the floor thanks to one simple skill that has opened up so much for the Raptors.
The ability — and willingness — to dribble.
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Early in the series, the Raptors’ starting lineup made life easy on the Bucks. With Jonas Valanciunas and DeMarre Carroll on the floor, the Bucks were able to easily hide Middleton on Carroll. That matchup allowed the Bucks to do a few things. First, Middleton was able to rest a bit — Milwaukee hasn’t really been too concerned about Carroll (or P.J. Tucker). It is clear that Milwaukee has decided any possession that ends in Carroll or Tucker’s hands is a win for them. What made it easier is Carroll and Tucker are mostly unable to beat the Bucks when they did close out. While Carroll had a few moments in Game 1, he was perfectly willing to just catch and shoot 3s for the most part. But Powell has changed everything.
Instead of just catching and shooting like Carroll and Tucker, Powell has been more than willing to attack a scrambling Bucks defense. And it has worked.
Giannis Antetokounmpo closes out too hard on Powell and he makes him pay by putting the ball on the floor without any hesitation. Of course, the 7-for-7 shooting from 3 in the series has helped because the Bucks have no choice but to respect his ability to space the work. That means a hard closeout that puts Powell and his strength and athleticism in a place to succeed.
And Powell isn’t driving only looking to score for himself. On one of Serge Ibaka’s two first quarter dunks, it was Powell that opened things up. Powell again beat Antetokounmpo’s closeout and attacked. The two dribbles he took did just enough to hold Thon Maker in the paint, causing him to have to fly out at Ibaka beyond the arc. Ibaka was then able to take advantage of the rookie and drive for a dunk.
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Based on the last two games, it is hard to fathom why Powell wasn’t playing before Game 4. His athleticism and strength give the Raptors a perfect counter to the Bucks on both ends of the floor. And while Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have gotten plenty of credit for turning around the Raptors offense, Powell deserves just as much. All thanks to being able and willing to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim.
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