Toronto Raptors: Top 5 Jonas Valanciunas highlights

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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 1: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors shoots over Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 1, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Just missing the cut

(i) It might not sound particularly “sexy”, but Valanciunas was at his most efficient shooting the rock in 2014-15. He finished the season second in the NBA for both field goal percentage and back-to-the-basket shot percentage.

(ii) Talking of efficiency, this season was proving to be Valanciunas’ most productive yet, prior to dislocating his thumb in December. He was averaging career bests per 36 minutes, for points, defensive rebounds, steals and assists.

More generally speaking, Valanciunas was doing more with less, after losing his spot as a regular start and averaging a career low for minutes played. This was best displayed by being on course for career-bests in field goal percentage, effective field goal percentage and free throw percentage.

(iii) There was little to cheer about for the Raptors, when they were swept out of the playoffs last season by the Cleveland Cavaliers. On a personal level though, Valanciunas recorded the best double-double performance in franchise history during Game 1, when he scored 21 points and grabbed 21 boards.

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