NBA 2018-19: 4 Takeaways From Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets match up

#3 Defensive hustle kept Raptors in this game

Cleveland Cavaliers v Toronto Raptors

When nothing else works, the Raptors usually are strong defensively. It is that desire to stop the opponent that kept this matchup, for the Nuggets, close and potentially winnable. While the Raptors trailed 59-47 at the half, they only allowed Denver 47 second-half points. The Raptors recorded 56 second-half points. The turn around was defensive.

The Raptors recorded 11 steals and forced 20 Denver Nuggets turnovers. Toronto also blocked five Denver shots. The Raptors trailed for much of this game but did take a lead at 101-100 with 54 seconds left on Leonard jumper. Even with their offensive struggles tonight, this game was in reach.

While a defensive negative, like the Raptors poor offensive rebounding, was that the Raptors committed 21 fouls. This led to the Nuggets getting 24 free throws. However, the Nuggets did the Raptors a favor, by making just 15 free throws for 62.5%. The Raptors did show a lot of fight and intensity, in this game.