Pascal Siakam, Darko Rajakovic, and the Toronto Raptors were expected to come in and rip the Detroit Pistons apart at home. Detroit’s 2-11 record was the worst in the NBA coming into Sunday’s game, and Monty Williams has overseen an improbable 10-game losing streak after a promising 2-1 start.
The Raptors needed this welcome reprieve, as they had just finished one of the most brutal beginnings to a season in franchise history. The Raptors played Eastern Conference contenders like the Bucks, 76ers, and Celtics twice each (1-5 record those games) while also playing elite Western foes like the Timberwolves and Mavericks through 12 games.
Rajakovic’s offense has been the subject of some criticism due to their poor half-court numbers and inability to get going from 3-point range. It turns out that playing potential NBA champions every other night can weigh down the averages, while playing tanking teams like the Pistons and Washington Wizards give them a boost.
Siakam led the charge with 23 points in 29 minutes as the Raptors demolished Detroit 142-113 in one of the most embarrassing results you’ll see all season long. The Raptors set a new franchise record for assists in a game (44).
When Rajakovic’s offense can get into a rhythm against a vulnerable team, it can sometimes look genuinely spectacular.