"Who would've thought Akur would be so effective after joining the Starting Lineup?" Curry, commentating courtside, said.
"Dauding can play in a five-man defensive lineup too, but he's a little slow. Akur, on the other hand, can even keep up with the Trail Blazers' guards when he's running."
"And one thing Akur does better than Dauding on offense is shoot threes and spread the floor. If the Raptors use a five-man defensive lineup again, Akur could very well be their first choice."
After calling a Timeout, the Trail Blazers' head coach focused mainly on defending the Raptors' fast breaks.
When play resumed, Yang Hanson faced Akur. He spun left and right, then reached Mid-range and made a floater.
The Raptors launched a fast break. This time, the Trail Blazers were alert and retreated quickly, making it back to their half in no time.
But getting back on defense didn't mean they could match up with everyone.
Yang Hanson had somehow ended up guarding Wang Yi.
Wang Yi could handle a slow center with one hand tied behind his back.
He didn't even bother trying to drive. He just faked outside the three-point line, then took a side step and launched a three. Yang Hanson couldn't get close enough to contest it.
Swish!
Three-pointer!
On the Trail Blazers' next possession, Yang Hanson did sink a three.
But as soon as it went in, their players were still feeling a little excited when the Raptors launched another fast break.
This time, Yang Hanson matched up with Akur as he retreated, but Akur was incredibly fast. He circled through the paint and went straight to the baseline.
Yang Hanson had no choice but to follow him there.
That left Wang Yi free to drive below the free-throw line again.
The other Trail Blazers