Game #30: Raptors (22-7) @ Warriors (19-9); Wednesday, Dec 12th at 10:30pm on TSN

[Nilanka]

Abbas told me he's playing tonight.

[consmap]

Abbas told me he's playing tonight.

That's a reliable source you got there

[KeonClark]

Abbas told me he's playing tonight.

Abbas has shown us his appearance on IG hes like 5'10 160 soaking wet..I dont think golden state is the right time to try the kid out

[Nilanka]

Abbas has shown us his appearance on IG hes like 5'10 160 soaking wet..I dont think golden state is the right time to try the kid out

Ya, but 1-handed push ups, bro.

[Demographic Shift]

If you ever wondered why the breathless banter between Leo and Matt on how Leos kid is doing in high school ball has gone to marcel marceau mode .....

St. Michael’s cancels basketball, football seasons amid sexual assault investigation https://t.co/HBwALI3lr5 @GlobeToronto pic.twitter.com/CNC3fg83UQ

— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) December 12, 2018

[planetmars]

Kawhi's family wearing Raptor gear:

[KeonClark]

Kawhi's family wearing Raptor gear:

[The Great One]

Kawhi's family wearing Raptor gear:

Where's Cris Carter at? i thought he's family? he knows everything that Kawhi is gonna do right?

[Mitch P]

All of you head coaches out there; can the Raptors play the way they did last night with Kawhi on the court? Does his presence stifle ball movement, affect shot selection or have some other influence which ends up being negative? I think he's an amazing player and am absolutely glad we've got him but after several games without him now, most of which were solid wins, it seems that in some ways the offence flows better when he isn't there. A good coach and/or willing players should be able to fix that; and if they can we could be looking at something sensational.

[can't teach wingspan]

Kawhi's family wearing Raptor gear:

Taking the phrase "head and shoulders above everyone else" quite literally here

[KeonClark]

Taking the phrase "head and shoulders above everyone else" quite literally here

You cant teach wingspan, cant teach wingspan

[DanH]

All of you head coaches out there; can the Raptors play the way they did last night with Kawhi on the court? Does his presence stifle ball movement, affect shot selection or have some other influence which ends up being negative? I think he's an amazing player and am absolutely glad we've got him but after several games without him now, most of which were solid wins, it seems that in some ways the offence flows better when he isn't there. A good coach and/or willing players should be able to fix that; and if they can we could be looking at something sensational.

They can, it will just take time to integrate him into the flow of the offence. Seems like Nurse is being patient with this. The rest of these guys have years of chemistry, or are largely off ball players (like Green) so fit in easier.

The other thing is that in the playoffs, the best defences will stifle that beautiful ball movement. So Kawhi needs to be comfortable acting as an offence creator, either in isolation or with a simple screen. Right now a lot of his offence is coming from that, while a small (but increasing) portion is coming off that natural ball movement. Developing both is important, but the offence creation stuff is something that doesn't require learning, so much as reps and learning your teammates. The system stuff will come with time, and has already shown positive signs.

[m!ck3y]

The closer it gets to game time without any word on Kawhi playing it feels like he won't play. Hope im wrong

[Beneperez]

All of you head coaches out there; can the Raptors play the way they did last night with Kawhi on the court? Does his presence stifle ball movement, affect shot selection or have some other influence which ends up being negative? I think he's an amazing player and am absolutely glad we've got him but after several games without him now, most of which were solid wins, it seems that in some ways the offence flows better when he isn't there. A good coach and/or willing players should be able to fix that; and if they can we could be looking at something sensational.

Glad someone is bringing this up. Last nights performance generated a lot of food for thought when it came to this topic, at least for me. Without getting too specific strategically and/or tactically, I believe this is Nick's biggest challenge before the playoffs. It's so difficult to watch last nights game and not recognize the enormous presence of established chemistry the Raptors seem to play with when Kawhi isn't there. It's almost as if we did a Danny-DeMar trade and things just left off from where they were last year.

IMO there's no need to worry at this junction. All things considered we've dealt with growing pains superbly. Kawhi's individual form has been MVP mention worthy, the team has the best record in the league and most of the guys on the team seem like they will eventually find form. The truth is that the potential of this team might take until very late into Winter to see a glimpse of what we can do in the playoff. In other words, it could take that long before we see a game like last night with Kawhi and it has the same effect. That's just the reality of pro sports chemistry.

[hotfuzz]

All of you head coaches out there; can the Raptors play the way they did last night with Kawhi on the court? Does his presence stifle ball movement, affect shot selection or have some other influence which ends up being negative? I think he's an amazing player and am absolutely glad we've got him but after several games without him now, most of which were solid wins, it seems that in some ways the offence flows better when he isn't there. A good coach and/or willing players should be able to fix that; and if they can we could be looking at something sensational.

All this beautiful ball movement by the role players will be stopped easily in the playoffs. We've seen it time and time again in the playoffs. Ball movement is good and all, but a true star who can get you buckets by himself will take you much farther in playoffs. That is what we got Kawhi for and that's when he will show his true value.