“Poster dunk,” counter-authoritarian… Brandon Ingram’s Grand Final

« When he shows this level of explosiveness, when he plays above the rim, he is a scary player for all opponents. » The Hornets – and especially Ryan Kalkbrenner – will be able to confirm this observation by Darko Rajaković o Brandon Ingram.

Less than seven minutes from a a hotly contested meeting between Toronto and Charlottethe Raptors winger went to climb the post opposite to finish with authority. A “placard dunk” that brought the entire local bench to its feet and rocked the Scotiabank Arena.

« It’s been a while since I’ve been able to jump that high. Since I’ve been gone since December, I’m trying to get my feelings back. So yeah, that definitely gave me confidence, to go round and be able to finish on top. I hope I can continue like this », shows Brandon Ingram, whose ankle injury kept him off the floor for months.

More patience with two people

In this match, the winger did not only assure of his physical condition. He also shone with his game intelligence. With 30 seconds left, with the two teams tied, he was served low and with his back to the basket against Colin Sexton, before being caught at two. There, instead of forcing his baseline reversal, he feinted to better find RJ Barrett who was cutting into the circle.

« He was obviously in the right place at the right time. » explains Brandon Ingram about his teammate, who saw him “flash” earlier in the meeting in similar sequences on the message that also involved Scotty Barnes. This loose ball feels natural, although it hasn’t always been that way for the 28-year-old.

« I was not able to be so patient in such moments at the beginning of my career, even two years ago. And as I experienced it again and again, I breathed deeply. I knew I had to be patient, they were going to send another defender and I knew I didn’t want to lose the ball. If they didn’t come, I was going to turn Colin over because he’s too small. Or maybe I’d still pull the plug on two “, he laughs.

« They know how dangerous he is. He made them suffer all game with his post attacks and isolations, so we have to send help. RJ made a great cut in the game. (Ingram) it attracts so much attention. He is so talented. Once it hits the right spots, it’s unstoppable », referee Scotty Barnes, the author of the decisive counter on Colin Sexton’s buzzer-beater that called for the equalizer.

Training while waiting for the playoffs

Seconds earlier, the inevitable Brandon Ingram scored an even more spectacular counterattack on his favorite target of the night, Ryan Kalkbrenner. The kind of action that has his coach saying he was “ very good » defensive in this game « with his pressure on the ball, his hand activity and his circle protection ».

His big time money capped off one of his most complete games with Toronto: 27 points (9/21 shooting), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals. And above all, the 4th win in a row for the Raptors, 3rd in the East. Well integrated into his new formation, Brandon Ingram sees this type of indecisive matchup very favorably.

« It’s training for our long-term goal. Executing in difficult situations, trying to figure out the best shot on the court. But also in defense, covering each other. We know that will help us when we get into the playoffs », already projects a winger who has very little experience in the final stages (10 career matches).

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.