Hardwood Highlight of the Night: Raptors run pick-and-roll to perfection
Despite their 10-2 record on the season, the Toronto Raptors' hot start has been questioned due to their unorthodox - yet effective - offense.
Heading into Friday's contest, the Raptors ranked dead-last in assists per game, but they've managed to get by with repeated trips to the free-throw line (fourth in the NBA in free-throw attempts), but have failed to generate much action off passes and cuts.
Against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, the Raptors easily picked apart the Bucks' aggressive trapping defense with precise and timely passing.
Take the play below, for example. It starts with Chuck Hayes setting a down screen to free up Lou Williams for a pass from Greivis Vasquez.
Once Williams catches the ball, Hayes follows him to set the screen. However, Milwaukee's trapping defense is designed around shutting down the ball handler, so they pay Hayes no mind.
To be fair, Hayes is far from an offensive threat, but the crafty veteran knows where to move on the floor. As the Bucks converge on trapping Williams's drive, Hayes rolls down the middle of the lane unchecked.
From there, Hayes simply puts in the short push shot to give the Raptors an easy basket, courtesy of a nice assist from Williams.
The play, in its entirety, can be seen below.
(courtesy: NBA.com)