There has been a lot of drama for the Toronto Raptors this offseason and head coach Nick Nurse has lost the locker room at times. He was officially calling the players to the media and it didn’t produce positive results. The Raptors are 18-23 this season and are eleventh in the Eastern Conference. But they are on a two-game winning streak and punter Chris Boucher has revealed how the media has played down his bench’s success.
Toronto’s rookies weren’t the team’s problem, as they were the only team in 2022 with all rookies averaging more than 15 points per game. Bench and rotation players whose roster has been criticized, but the team has improved from its current meager two-game winning streak.
Chris Butcher is the sixth man for Toronto and prides himself on keeping the second unit in tact when the starters are rested. NBA betting sites have the Raptors (+8000) to win the Finals this season.
Just get back to it
it is. @TangerineHoops Raptors game day pic.twitter.com/OrIAeepaqK
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 12, 2023
Chris Boucher explains why the media is the reason for the improved success of the Raptors’ bench.
Toronto’s bench has improved over the past few weeks and players like Butcher, Christian Koloko and Precious Achiwa have been the driving force behind it. Speaking to the media, Chris Butcher had this to say about his improved bench play in recent weeks.
“It’s good to see (the media) talking about us. We’re all tired of ‘the bench doesn’t do much’… Every time you hear it, where we’re losing because of the bench, we want to prove you wrong.” – Chris Butcher
Boucher brings defensive strength to Toronto off the bench and has benefited them greatly. Last week against Milwaukee, Bocher had a highlight reel when he climbed the ladder to block Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shot attempt off the backboard. Otto Porter, Jr. had an end-of-life period during the operation, and this led to Boucher being elevated to the role. He is playing more minutes per game (20.9) than any non-starter on the Raptors this season.
Chris Boucher treason against Giannis! 🙅 ♂️ pic.twitter.com/4gakV4zw9t
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 5, 2023
