With a new starting lineup, many die-hard fans watching in the middle of July were hoping for a fresh performance from the Raptors. It started competitive — a chippy atmosphere that would remain throughout the game despite the disparaging score.
Opening up with fast-paced action and a flurry of baskets was refreshing enough, considering the duds Toronto put up in the first two games. Once the game slowed down, however, the Raptors’ offense cratered.
Toronto would stay with the now familiar three-wing lineup, and Coach Nurse even went so far as to give OG Anunoby, Malcolm Miller and Malachi Richardson ball-handling duties to see what they could do with the ball in their hands.