Threes on top of threes: Toronto Raptors looking to add extra dimension to offence

The Toronto Raptors are focusing on expanding their offensive arsenal this season by increasing their three-point attempts. In a preseason game against the New York Knicks, nearly half of Toronto's field goal attempts were made from beyond the arc, with 17 of 44 attempts going in. Star player Scottie Barnes noted that the team was constantly running to the corner for corner threes and off-the-catch threes, all considered good looks.

Recent additions like Kawhi Leonard, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Tyreke Key have been instrumental in this strategy. Leonard, who averaged 6.8 three-point attempts for the Clippers last season, drew significant attention from defenders and is expected to continue to do so. Murray-Boyles, a rookie, aimed to build confidence in his three-point shooting and emphasized reading the defense to capitalize on open looks.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic highlighted the importance of being a three-point threat in the modern NBA, as it relieves pressure on the defense and opens up paint touches. The Raptors aim to shoot around 35 three-point attempts per game this season, a target that should become easier with the addition of Leonard to the roster. Despite an easy victory against the Knicks, Barnes cautioned that future games, especially at home against the Chicago Bulls, will be more challenging.