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NBA Power Rankings: Highs and lows for the Toronto Raptors

By Ian Levy

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 6: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors looks on with Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 6, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 6: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors looks on with Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 6, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 5: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz speaks to the media following the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 5, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 5: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz speaks to the media following the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 5, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

118. . 20-21. Previous: 18th. Utah Jazz. 10. team

The Utah Jazz posted a winning record over the last three weeks, outscoring opponents by a hefty average margin of 8.1 points per 100 possessions. That number was inflated by 20+ wins over the Knicks and Cavaliers, but also a pair of 20+ wins over the Portland Trail Blazers. Most importantly for Utah, the offense that has been struggling to find a rhythm all season is averaging a healthy 111.5 points per 100 possessions in their last 10 games.

Donovan Mitchell is obviously the engine for Utah’s offense and his ability to create positive offensive opportunities off the dribble is obviously what sets the ceiling. In this three-week stretch, he’s been making 37.8 percent of his 3.7 pull-up 3-point attempts per game, up from 32.3 percent on the season, and passing much more frequently off of drives. All that has created a healthier offensive ecosystem for Utah, which they’ll need if they want to repeat a playoff series win.

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