TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors are signaling a fundamental shift in their offensive identity this season, prioritizing perimeter shooting as the cornerstone of their attack. Following a commanding 148-98 preseason victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday, it is clear that head coach Darko Rajakovic’s mandate to increase volume from beyond the arc is already taking hold.
In Tuesday’s rout, nearly half of the Raptors’ field-goal attempts originated from downtown. The team shot an efficient 17-for-44 from three-point range, a performance that reflects the organization’s aggressive goal to average at least 35 three-point attempts per game this season. That mark would be a significant jump from the 32.1 attempts per game Toronto averaged during the 2025-26 campaign, a figure that ranked as the fifth-worst in the NBA.
“We were running to the corner, sprinting to the corner, we got some corner threes and some were off the catch,” all-star forward Scottie Barnes said following Wednesday’s practice. “I think when we draw the defense in and get good kickouts, that’s the best shot we can take.”
The offensive scheme is being bolstered by the high-profile arrival of Kawhi Leonard. The star forward made an immediate impact, going 4-for-8 from deep against the Knicks. His presence is expected to be a force multiplier for the rest of the roster, as his ability to draw defenders into the paint creates natural openings on the perimeter.
“Every time he shoots the ball, it just looks like it’s going in every single time,” Barnes said of Leonard. “He’s going to draw so much attention.”
The shift in philosophy isn’t just for the veterans; it’s a requirement for the team’s youth as well. Sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles, who averaged less than one three-point attempt per game as a rookie, was a perfect 2-for-2 on Tuesday. Murray-Boyles noted that his off-season focus was strictly on developing the confidence to trigger the shot whenever the defense sags off him.
Coach Rajakovic emphasized that this tactical pivot is essential for modern NBA success. “If you’re making those three-point shots, it just relieves a lot of pressure,” Rajakovic explained. “It makes the defense more honest, less help, opens up the paint more.”
While the 50-point victory was a statement, Barnes cautioned against reading too much into the result, noting that the Knicks rested their starters. The team remains focused on the bigger picture as they prepare for the regular season.
The Raptors (2-1) will wrap up their preseason schedule on Friday in Detroit. They are set to host the Chicago Bulls for their highly anticipated home opener on Oct. 21.
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