The Palaeontologist's Hammer
@palaeohammer.bsky.social
Scientific Insight on your Toronto Raptors
by Mac Priebe
by Mac Priebe
Pinned
Using the tools of palaeontology research to analyze the Raptors of Toronto: Describing phenomena of the past; developing an understanding of its direct effect on the present; and applying those theories to future pathways.
A couple years ago, I was coaching my daughter's team at a tournament. We watched a player on another team fall and hit her head on the ground much, much harder than Gradey did. Her mother and coach came out on the floor, and they decided for her to continue playing.
Darko says they kept Gradey Dick out as a precaution. He's feeling OK. They'll continue to evaluate.
November 27, 2025 at 5:43 AM
A couple years ago, I was coaching my daughter's team at a tournament. We watched a player on another team fall and hit her head on the ground much, much harder than Gradey did. Her mother and coach came out on the floor, and they decided for her to continue playing.
Final Takeaways
Hard to complain about a W, so I'll try not to. They win a game they were supposed to win in a rock fight, setting up the most significant home game in Toronto since they lost game 6 at home to the 76ers in round 1 of the 2022 playoffs (having pushed the series from 3-0 to 3-2)
Hard to complain about a W, so I'll try not to. They win a game they were supposed to win in a rock fight, setting up the most significant home game in Toronto since they lost game 6 at home to the 76ers in round 1 of the 2022 playoffs (having pushed the series from 3-0 to 3-2)
November 27, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Final Takeaways
Hard to complain about a W, so I'll try not to. They win a game they were supposed to win in a rock fight, setting up the most significant home game in Toronto since they lost game 6 at home to the 76ers in round 1 of the 2022 playoffs (having pushed the series from 3-0 to 3-2)
Hard to complain about a W, so I'll try not to. They win a game they were supposed to win in a rock fight, setting up the most significant home game in Toronto since they lost game 6 at home to the 76ers in round 1 of the 2022 playoffs (having pushed the series from 3-0 to 3-2)
4th Quarter
What I'm looking for down the stretch:
Can TOR limit their turnovers?
Will they get Pascal into foul trouble?
Who will Darko prioritize in his closing lineup?
And most importantly, are we going to see a killer instinct here? Not an encouraging stretch as IND goes on a 13-2 run...
What I'm looking for down the stretch:
Can TOR limit their turnovers?
Will they get Pascal into foul trouble?
Who will Darko prioritize in his closing lineup?
And most importantly, are we going to see a killer instinct here? Not an encouraging stretch as IND goes on a 13-2 run...
November 27, 2025 at 2:34 AM
4th Quarter
What I'm looking for down the stretch:
Can TOR limit their turnovers?
Will they get Pascal into foul trouble?
Who will Darko prioritize in his closing lineup?
And most importantly, are we going to see a killer instinct here? Not an encouraging stretch as IND goes on a 13-2 run...
What I'm looking for down the stretch:
Can TOR limit their turnovers?
Will they get Pascal into foul trouble?
Who will Darko prioritize in his closing lineup?
And most importantly, are we going to see a killer instinct here? Not an encouraging stretch as IND goes on a 13-2 run...
3rd Quarter
Obviously a whole different game here. Siakam has been playing with four fouls for some time now; It would be great to see them aggressively target him, especially if this amazing run slows
Obviously a whole different game here. Siakam has been playing with four fouls for some time now; It would be great to see them aggressively target him, especially if this amazing run slows
November 27, 2025 at 2:17 AM
3rd Quarter
Obviously a whole different game here. Siakam has been playing with four fouls for some time now; It would be great to see them aggressively target him, especially if this amazing run slows
Obviously a whole different game here. Siakam has been playing with four fouls for some time now; It would be great to see them aggressively target him, especially if this amazing run slows
Re: Carlisle sticking with Pascal at the end of 2Q. As I think about it more, I am really surprised by this choice, particularly considering how crucial he is to their success
November 27, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Re: Carlisle sticking with Pascal at the end of 2Q. As I think about it more, I am really surprised by this choice, particularly considering how crucial he is to their success
Reposted by The Palaeontologist's Hammer
this team sure does know how to close the fuck out of a quarter
November 27, 2025 at 1:41 AM
this team sure does know how to close the fuck out of a quarter
2nd Quarter
It's weird seeing the Raptors play like this. Slooped shoulders, half-efforts, flailing and hoping for calls they don't deserve.
IND playing with energy and ferocity. Already in 2Q, layup and1, force Scottie into a prayer of of miss, get offensive rebound into Spicy P spin cycle.
It's weird seeing the Raptors play like this. Slooped shoulders, half-efforts, flailing and hoping for calls they don't deserve.
IND playing with energy and ferocity. Already in 2Q, layup and1, force Scottie into a prayer of of miss, get offensive rebound into Spicy P spin cycle.
November 27, 2025 at 1:18 AM
2nd Quarter
It's weird seeing the Raptors play like this. Slooped shoulders, half-efforts, flailing and hoping for calls they don't deserve.
IND playing with energy and ferocity. Already in 2Q, layup and1, force Scottie into a prayer of of miss, get offensive rebound into Spicy P spin cycle.
It's weird seeing the Raptors play like this. Slooped shoulders, half-efforts, flailing and hoping for calls they don't deserve.
IND playing with energy and ferocity. Already in 2Q, layup and1, force Scottie into a prayer of of miss, get offensive rebound into Spicy P spin cycle.
1st Quarter
Definitely a flat start for the Raptors here. IND is playing with better energy, which bears out in getting/making open shots, forcing two turnovers in 4+ minutes, and threatening the BONUS quickly. Good timeout from Darko to try to spark some urgency.
Definitely a flat start for the Raptors here. IND is playing with better energy, which bears out in getting/making open shots, forcing two turnovers in 4+ minutes, and threatening the BONUS quickly. Good timeout from Darko to try to spark some urgency.
November 27, 2025 at 12:53 AM
1st Quarter
Definitely a flat start for the Raptors here. IND is playing with better energy, which bears out in getting/making open shots, forcing two turnovers in 4+ minutes, and threatening the BONUS quickly. Good timeout from Darko to try to spark some urgency.
Definitely a flat start for the Raptors here. IND is playing with better energy, which bears out in getting/making open shots, forcing two turnovers in 4+ minutes, and threatening the BONUS quickly. Good timeout from Darko to try to spark some urgency.
It is remarkable that the Pistons are in this game considering the three point discrepancy
BOS with a +27 point advantage from three, shooting 47% (DET shooting 31%)
BOS with a +27 point advantage from three, shooting 47% (DET shooting 31%)
November 27, 2025 at 12:37 AM
It is remarkable that the Pistons are in this game considering the three point discrepancy
BOS with a +27 point advantage from three, shooting 47% (DET shooting 31%)
BOS with a +27 point advantage from three, shooting 47% (DET shooting 31%)
Pascal shot 14 free throws on Monday vs DET.
I would guess that CMB is getting the Pascal assignment (he may alternate with Scottie), but I could foresee Pascal taking advantage of that and getting to the charity stripe regularly.
I would guess that CMB is getting the Pascal assignment (he may alternate with Scottie), but I could foresee Pascal taking advantage of that and getting to the charity stripe regularly.
Murray-Boyles starts in the Barrett spot tonight vs Pacers
November 27, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Pascal shot 14 free throws on Monday vs DET.
I would guess that CMB is getting the Pascal assignment (he may alternate with Scottie), but I could foresee Pascal taking advantage of that and getting to the charity stripe regularly.
I would guess that CMB is getting the Pascal assignment (he may alternate with Scottie), but I could foresee Pascal taking advantage of that and getting to the charity stripe regularly.
Pacers @ Raptors
Nov 26, 2025
Some random thoughts I've been having today as we await tipoff
** Regarding this game, it's another potential trap game for the Raptors. The Pacers are a proud group who played in the Finals just months ago, and Rick Carlisle is a genius of a coach.
Nov 26, 2025
Some random thoughts I've been having today as we await tipoff
** Regarding this game, it's another potential trap game for the Raptors. The Pacers are a proud group who played in the Finals just months ago, and Rick Carlisle is a genius of a coach.
November 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Pacers @ Raptors
Nov 26, 2025
Some random thoughts I've been having today as we await tipoff
** Regarding this game, it's another potential trap game for the Raptors. The Pacers are a proud group who played in the Finals just months ago, and Rick Carlisle is a genius of a coach.
Nov 26, 2025
Some random thoughts I've been having today as we await tipoff
** Regarding this game, it's another potential trap game for the Raptors. The Pacers are a proud group who played in the Finals just months ago, and Rick Carlisle is a genius of a coach.
Final Takeaways
After Donovan Mitchell sank two threes in a row and forced a TOR timeout, the Cavs possessions:
TO, miss, miss, TO, miss, miss, miss
Raptors milked the shot clock a few times and locked in on both ends. Tidy work finishing the job.
After Donovan Mitchell sank two threes in a row and forced a TOR timeout, the Cavs possessions:
TO, miss, miss, TO, miss, miss, miss
Raptors milked the shot clock a few times and locked in on both ends. Tidy work finishing the job.
November 25, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Final Takeaways
After Donovan Mitchell sank two threes in a row and forced a TOR timeout, the Cavs possessions:
TO, miss, miss, TO, miss, miss, miss
Raptors milked the shot clock a few times and locked in on both ends. Tidy work finishing the job.
After Donovan Mitchell sank two threes in a row and forced a TOR timeout, the Cavs possessions:
TO, miss, miss, TO, miss, miss, miss
Raptors milked the shot clock a few times and locked in on both ends. Tidy work finishing the job.
4th Quarter
With Spida seeming like he is finding his stroke, they can't afford to bleed points with him on the bench.
A turnover, two missed jumpers and a 4-0 Cavs run since Spida hit the pine.
This timeout is meant to refocus the guys to go for the jugular urgently.
With Spida seeming like he is finding his stroke, they can't afford to bleed points with him on the bench.
A turnover, two missed jumpers and a 4-0 Cavs run since Spida hit the pine.
This timeout is meant to refocus the guys to go for the jugular urgently.
November 25, 2025 at 2:08 AM
4th Quarter
With Spida seeming like he is finding his stroke, they can't afford to bleed points with him on the bench.
A turnover, two missed jumpers and a 4-0 Cavs run since Spida hit the pine.
This timeout is meant to refocus the guys to go for the jugular urgently.
With Spida seeming like he is finding his stroke, they can't afford to bleed points with him on the bench.
A turnover, two missed jumpers and a 4-0 Cavs run since Spida hit the pine.
This timeout is meant to refocus the guys to go for the jugular urgently.
I'm an avowed believer that Gradey can be much more than he has shown, but one could very reasonably argue that this widespread perception makes him a trade candidate, perhaps as sweetener in a deal for a star.
Like, IF they wanted LaMelo, maybe RJ and Gradey gets them most of the way there?
Like, IF they wanted LaMelo, maybe RJ and Gradey gets them most of the way there?
At what point does the league stop treating Gradey Dick like a 40% shooter?
November 25, 2025 at 1:53 AM
I'm an avowed believer that Gradey can be much more than he has shown, but one could very reasonably argue that this widespread perception makes him a trade candidate, perhaps as sweetener in a deal for a star.
Like, IF they wanted LaMelo, maybe RJ and Gradey gets them most of the way there?
Like, IF they wanted LaMelo, maybe RJ and Gradey gets them most of the way there?
If this is a foul on Gradey, it is wildly generous to call it continuation
November 25, 2025 at 1:48 AM
If this is a foul on Gradey, it is wildly generous to call it continuation
Reposted by The Palaeontologist's Hammer
At what point does the league stop treating Gradey Dick like a 40% shooter?
November 25, 2025 at 1:45 AM
At what point does the league stop treating Gradey Dick like a 40% shooter?
Illustrating how backbreaking turnovers can be
Raptors are cruising, force a miss wurg a chance to push the lead to double digits. IQ tosses a risky pass, leads to a three the other way. Cavs are energized, strip BI and roll for an easy transition dunk and Raptors timeout
Totally different game
Raptors are cruising, force a miss wurg a chance to push the lead to double digits. IQ tosses a risky pass, leads to a three the other way. Cavs are energized, strip BI and roll for an easy transition dunk and Raptors timeout
Totally different game
November 25, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Illustrating how backbreaking turnovers can be
Raptors are cruising, force a miss wurg a chance to push the lead to double digits. IQ tosses a risky pass, leads to a three the other way. Cavs are energized, strip BI and roll for an easy transition dunk and Raptors timeout
Totally different game
Raptors are cruising, force a miss wurg a chance to push the lead to double digits. IQ tosses a risky pass, leads to a three the other way. Cavs are energized, strip BI and roll for an easy transition dunk and Raptors timeout
Totally different game
First Half Takeaways
Great finish on a 13-2 run to shift the first half narrative. Maybe this can boost their play after halftime.
Great finish on a 13-2 run to shift the first half narrative. Maybe this can boost their play after halftime.
November 25, 2025 at 1:15 AM
First Half Takeaways
Great finish on a 13-2 run to shift the first half narrative. Maybe this can boost their play after halftime.
Great finish on a 13-2 run to shift the first half narrative. Maybe this can boost their play after halftime.
Raptors needs to be doing better against this Cavs lineup (Ball Nance, Livingston, Tomlin, Proctor)
They are REALLY put of synch offensively. 15 points in 2Q. Defense has held the Cavs to 18, but they need to elevate their game.
Ball jogging in for a layup after the timeout is not it.
They are REALLY put of synch offensively. 15 points in 2Q. Defense has held the Cavs to 18, but they need to elevate their game.
Ball jogging in for a layup after the timeout is not it.
November 25, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Raptors needs to be doing better against this Cavs lineup (Ball Nance, Livingston, Tomlin, Proctor)
They are REALLY put of synch offensively. 15 points in 2Q. Defense has held the Cavs to 18, but they need to elevate their game.
Ball jogging in for a layup after the timeout is not it.
They are REALLY put of synch offensively. 15 points in 2Q. Defense has held the Cavs to 18, but they need to elevate their game.
Ball jogging in for a layup after the timeout is not it.
2nd Quarter
I always dwell on turnovers, but they're wildly important! Each possession is worth at least a point. But! The turnovers often lead to excellent scoring opportunities for the other team.
Right now, six Raptor turnovers and a six point deficit. Those turnovers lead to 11 Cavs points.
I always dwell on turnovers, but they're wildly important! Each possession is worth at least a point. But! The turnovers often lead to excellent scoring opportunities for the other team.
Right now, six Raptor turnovers and a six point deficit. Those turnovers lead to 11 Cavs points.
November 25, 2025 at 12:51 AM
2nd Quarter
I always dwell on turnovers, but they're wildly important! Each possession is worth at least a point. But! The turnovers often lead to excellent scoring opportunities for the other team.
Right now, six Raptor turnovers and a six point deficit. Those turnovers lead to 11 Cavs points.
I always dwell on turnovers, but they're wildly important! Each possession is worth at least a point. But! The turnovers often lead to excellent scoring opportunities for the other team.
Right now, six Raptor turnovers and a six point deficit. Those turnovers lead to 11 Cavs points.
Cavs @ Raptors
Nov 24, 2025
I was flying home during last night's game, good to be back!
Best news today was that RJ does not appear to be seriously injured. Watching the replay, I dreaded a 12 month injury, based on it being non-contact and his frustration in yelling as he went to the locker room
Nov 24, 2025
I was flying home during last night's game, good to be back!
Best news today was that RJ does not appear to be seriously injured. Watching the replay, I dreaded a 12 month injury, based on it being non-contact and his frustration in yelling as he went to the locker room
November 25, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Cavs @ Raptors
Nov 24, 2025
I was flying home during last night's game, good to be back!
Best news today was that RJ does not appear to be seriously injured. Watching the replay, I dreaded a 12 month injury, based on it being non-contact and his frustration in yelling as he went to the locker room
Nov 24, 2025
I was flying home during last night's game, good to be back!
Best news today was that RJ does not appear to be seriously injured. Watching the replay, I dreaded a 12 month injury, based on it being non-contact and his frustration in yelling as he went to the locker room
This the kind of killer instinct you were hoping for? They're at +12 in the third.
Hopefully the Raptors are going to make this game boring by taking care of business early.
November 22, 2025 at 2:17 AM
This the kind of killer instinct you were hoping for? They're at +12 in the third.
3rd Quarter
Once again, the Raptors are in the bonus early in the quarter. While they have been mid at the line this season, this is always a situation in which aggressiveness should pay off the rest of the way in the third
Oh, and Scottie has changed his game here in the 3rd; He's been awesome!
Once again, the Raptors are in the bonus early in the quarter. While they have been mid at the line this season, this is always a situation in which aggressiveness should pay off the rest of the way in the third
Oh, and Scottie has changed his game here in the 3rd; He's been awesome!
November 22, 2025 at 2:10 AM
3rd Quarter
Once again, the Raptors are in the bonus early in the quarter. While they have been mid at the line this season, this is always a situation in which aggressiveness should pay off the rest of the way in the third
Oh, and Scottie has changed his game here in the 3rd; He's been awesome!
Once again, the Raptors are in the bonus early in the quarter. While they have been mid at the line this season, this is always a situation in which aggressiveness should pay off the rest of the way in the third
Oh, and Scottie has changed his game here in the 3rd; He's been awesome!
2nd Quarter
Starting the quarter by forcing a 24 second violation is excellent work
Starting the quarter by forcing a 24 second violation is excellent work
November 22, 2025 at 1:17 AM
2nd Quarter
Starting the quarter by forcing a 24 second violation is excellent work
Starting the quarter by forcing a 24 second violation is excellent work
Combining some recent thoughts;
As the bench comes in and asserts themselves, there is ample room for the Raptors to make a consolidation trade for a significant upgrade
Maybe LaMelo isn't it, but this team could deal some rotation talent for star talent to raise their ceiling, both now and later
As the bench comes in and asserts themselves, there is ample room for the Raptors to make a consolidation trade for a significant upgrade
Maybe LaMelo isn't it, but this team could deal some rotation talent for star talent to raise their ceiling, both now and later
November 22, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Combining some recent thoughts;
As the bench comes in and asserts themselves, there is ample room for the Raptors to make a consolidation trade for a significant upgrade
Maybe LaMelo isn't it, but this team could deal some rotation talent for star talent to raise their ceiling, both now and later
As the bench comes in and asserts themselves, there is ample room for the Raptors to make a consolidation trade for a significant upgrade
Maybe LaMelo isn't it, but this team could deal some rotation talent for star talent to raise their ceiling, both now and later