Is that this a rivalry but? I nonetheless have a bitter style in my mouth from that playoff sequence within the bubble so I’m going to go together with ‘sure’.

Boston is likely one of the most celebrated and embellished franchises in league historical past however the Raptors have dominated the Atlantic and even introduced a championship to the division for the primary time since, you guessed it… 2008, when the Celtics final received the NBA world title. I’m nonetheless in disbelief that we’re only a yr faraway from that chaotic sequence but it surely was gruelling and ugly. Boston overcame Toronto, however similar to their neighbours up north, the C’s have taken a substantial step again from the years they have been believed to be contenders. The Raptors descent from chasing a championship has been effectively documented and final season was a main instance of why roster stability is so completely vital. Now, you could be asking your self “why is Manny speaking about video games that meant one thing, whereas this preseason recreation means nothing?” You’d be proper to assume that, too.

But when nothing else, this recreation carries momentum into the common season and is a battle of delight. Though not fairly straight, Toronto and Boston have been foes for a while now. Each have been atop the japanese convention all through the 2010s and at the moment are leaning on youthful stars to take them again to the oh, so coveted promised land. I’d argue that the C’s aren’t as far again of their timeline and haven’t taken the sized-step backward that the Raptors have. However, in addition they have a model new coach, a brand new basic supervisor, and a brand new start line guard to combine. Primarily, Boston skilled a tradition reset this summer season. Toronto’s philosophy modified in 2019 and it’s remained the identical, even for brand spanking new gamers.

In different phrases, I don’t care that it’s preseason as a result of the Celtics are nonetheless the Celtics and whereas I like Jayson Tatum, that’s the one constructive factor you’ll get out of me because it pertains to Boston.

OG Anunoby: “Ball”

Who knew that in 2010 when Hedo Turkoglu responded to a query from Jack Armstrong with simply the phrase “ball”, that he was prophesying what OG Anunoby needs to be getting on 100% of the Raps possessions. Wow, effectively that’s a attain. On a critical observe, OG has been sizing dudes up and if I didn’t know any higher, I’d say he’s primed for one more substantial uptick in all-around productiveness. That is the right alternative to get the ball to him and let him go to work, proper earlier than the true season begins. The one factor I needed to see from OG this season was a faster first step. Not solely has he proven his enchancment in that space, however his confidence in commanding the ball has clearly grow to be a key for Toronto’s success. There was a possession within the recreation on Thursday when he bought the ball on the high of the three, executed a few dribble strikes, hesitated, and shot the ball over his opponent from the identical spot. Shot creation. I’m going to cease earlier than I get too wild but it surely was a fantastic sight to see.

Smother Tatum

Guys like Scottie Barnes, Dalano Banton, and Ish Wainright ought to see loads of time guarding the Celtics two stars. It’ll be a great take a look at for the youthful guys, contemplating that Tatum is due for an MVP-like season and may lastly have the correct mix of younger guys and veterans round him to make that leap. However, with Jaylen Brown out due to quarantine, it’s unlikely that the Celtics will play their franchise cornerstone heavy minutes. Nevertheless, when he’s on the courtroom, Toronto shouldn’t draw back from utilizing the size at their disposal. Gamers like Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant are the rationale why Toronto determined to assemble the roster this fashion. So, it solely is sensible to take full benefit the place they will.