RAPTORS BLOG: VanVleet and Anunoby thriving defensively expected, but Trent opening eyes

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So, it’s not time to send the Raptors back to Tampa then?

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By finally notching a real home win Wednesday, the team not only reminded fans what they’ve been missing – and what they might be able to look forward to down the line – but also looked like a group that’s rounding more into form, ahead of Pascal Siakam’s return.

— Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby have shaken off slow shooting starts and are looking like two-way beasts. Once Siakam is back and settled in (it could take until December, given how long it’s been since the all-star big man has played in a number of real games), expect them to be even better.

VanVleet now leads the NBA in deflections per game (4.8), and is 20 ^th in steals (but expect that to rise). Anunoby’s 12 ^th in steals and 49 ^th in blocks while guarding just about every position and increasing his offensive load substantially.

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— The eye-opener is Gary Trent Jr.’s stellar defensive start, even as his normally sturdy shooting has been way off from every area (another surprise in this age of fewer fouls being called, is Trent’s free throw rate is way above what it’s every been). But back on topic, Nurse called Trent’s defence one of the biggest surprises since training camp started. Trent has 14 steals in five games after picking up 19 total in his 17 games with the Raptors last season. Trent’s also averaging 4.6 deflections, which ranks him right around the league’s leaders.

Trent’s rep in Portland was as a pesky defender who played hard, but the results weren’t really there if you looked up the advanced stats. He has said in Toronto the coaching staff has given him a new approach, which asks him to be more aggressive.

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— Was interesting to see Nick Nurse sit down Goran Dragic in favour of Dalano Banton. Nurse explained later it was partly an attempt to try to get Chris Boucher going (with a much quicker and explosive point guard), as well as a reward for the rookie Banton’s excellent play.

— Awesome moment to see five Canadians on the court at one time (Khem Birch, Boucher, Banton and Oshae Brissett and Chris Duarte for the Pacers). There will likely come a day when one team has five Canadians on the floor and even this year there’s a chance for six at a time when Detroit takes on Toronto (Kelly Olynyk, Cory Joseph and Trey Lyles).

THREE STARS

1- Fred VanVleet

2- OG Anunoby

3- Scottie Barnes

THREE STARS VS. BULLS

1- DeMar DeRozan

2- Fred VanVleet

3- Zach LaVine