Toronto Raptors: 6 Revelations From Game 5 Win Over Wizards
By Demar Grant
3. JV’s Jumpshot must be respected
Man, when culture changes, it really changes. When Casey and Nick Nurse redesigned the offence, it meant more 3-point shots and by more 3-point shots, it meant from everybody.
Even Valanciunas has been known to hoist 3-pointers this year, making 40 percent of them on one attempt per game. During the regular season, he was given that shot by pretty much every centre that guarded him.
JV’s clip size has changed, down to .8 a game, but he’s super accurate when he actually shoots them. At 67 percent from deep over the past five games, Valanciunas’ jumpshot is keeping people honest.
I don’t know whether to admonish or admire. At 40 percent from deep, JV is one of the Raptors’ best shooters but, dude only puts them up if he’s wide open.
You’d think Gortat would’ve been advised in the film room, in practice or on the bench that JV isn’t really looking to shoot this. Alas, if he wasn’t to contest he can contest, the Toronto Raptors will take the easy deuce.