Jack Armstrong TSN Basketball Analyst Archive

1. RAPTORS VS. BUCKS (Game 5): If I had to pick one key for the Raptors tonight it would be their offensive execution and conversion rate. The best overall game the Raptors played offensively was in Game 2 with 24 assists and only 12 turnovers while making 14 three-point shots. The offence was fluid, unselfish and sharp. After seeing the Bucks in person for eight games this season it's pretty obvious to me that they feast off of turnovers and poor shots and turn them into wonderful transition opportunities. When you play at a high level against their defence, the Bucks are forced to have to go back on offence against your set defence and they're a lot more guardable and scoutable. Look at the second half for Toronto in Game 4 -- they only committed two turnovers and the execution was better which limited the Bucks’ runouts. In order to win two more games against a very tough opponent this component is vital. By the way, it would also be nice for the Raptors’ crowd to get a lot crazier. Compared to Games 3 and 4 in Milwaukee the Raptors’ playoff crowd in Games 1 and 2 have been late arriving for the start of games and the third quarter. They’ve been underwhelming when naturally reacting to the game unless prompted to do so. Usually, the crowds are awesome but haven't been this postseason. That has to change.

2. JOE INGLES (Utah Jazz): I had a scout say to me last season about him, “Just really watch him -- he'll grow on you.” I couldn't agree more. Every time I watch him I admire how he just fits as that fifth guy on the floor for the Jazz -- he's sound. Last night Ingles was terrific against the Clippers with eight points, six rebounds and 11 assists. The 29-year-old makes all the smart and steady plays and he’s a really nice teammate to have, always looking to compliment and play off his teammates’ talents. Ingles is an undrafted player who has developed quite well.

3. MIKE CONLEY (Memphis Grizzlies): The Grizzlies’ point guard had an outstanding game in the team’s OT win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night with 35 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Kawhi Leonard was equally brilliant for the Spurs with 43 points. Conley was so difficult for the Spurs to guard at the point. He changes pace and gets to the rim with ease and can make all the different shots with great creativity. He's a tough matchup for the Spurs that must be solved in Game 5. In addition, head coach David Fizdale calls out the referees after Game 2 in San Antonio, takes the fine and no doubt gets a better whistle in the next two games. Sometimes -- most times -- you call them out and put them on notice and you get a more balanced view of the actual events on the floor rather than the anticipation calls based upon who the “better” team is supposed to be.

4. GERALD GREEN (Boston Celtics): Loved the move by head coach Brad Stevens to get more athletic, mobile and defensive inserting Green into his starting lineup. He was superb on Sunday with 18 points and seven rebounds versus the Chicago Bulls as the Celtics knotted the series up 2-2. I'm a huge Amir Johnson fan. With that being said, I feel the pace of play in this series has to be accelerated and the move makes complete sense. Just like Dwane Casey's move with Norman Powell in Game 4 for the Raptors to go one big and four smalls, this is adjusting to what needs to help you fix what ails you in a series.

Kevin Durant

I feel for him. Kerr is a class act and excellent coach. Hopefully he's able to return to the bench at some point during the playoffs as he's been through a lot physically of late. Obviously, gettingand co. healthy and on the court is paramount to their success, but Kerr has a nice feel for his roster that subtly keeps everyone connected properly. He's an impact coach and it’s not as easy as it looks to manage lots of talent and egos. Kerr gets everyone to buy in and keeps it real, yet in a nice way. Fingers crossed he gets well.