OKC Thunder: Lu Dort headlines Canadian content in battle vs. Raptors

OKC Thunder vs. Raptors key No. 2: Canadian Content:

Following up on Birch’s addition, he’s a Canadian who grew up in Montreal, Canada. In fact, tonight’s match will feature three Canadian players all likely to be in the mix for the National team that Nurse will coach this offseason in an effort to claim a spot in the Olympics.

La Belle Province is well represented as Birch, Chris Boucher, and Dort all hail from Quebec.

No doubt, this match is the one SGA will be most annoyed to miss. Recalling last season, one of his best efforts occurred in Scotiabank Arena. Although this match will take place in Tampa Bay, another oddity of the Raptors season. His 32 point effort was the most scored by a Canadian on the Raptors in franchise history.

OKC Thunder vs. Raptors key No. 3:  Paint and glass:

It’s a small sample size but since adding Gillespie and Birch the Raptors center issues seem resolved. Case in point, prior to their addition Toronto was averaging 42.7 points in the paint, 5.5 blocks, 31.9 defensive rebounds, and 41.3 total rebounds. The latter two ranking 30th in the NBA.

With Gillespie and Birch, those statistics have improved to 47.2 points in the paint, 7.4 blocks (2nd), 36.0 defensive rebounds (7th), and 43.4 total rebounds (17th).

The resulting effect is Aron Baynes hasn’t touched the court in four games and consequently, the Raptors won the rebounding battle in three of those four outings despite playing without most of their starting lineup.