Spacing forces the defense into difficult choices. This year, the Raptors have greatly improved their outside shooting (36.8% in 2013-14, 12th in N.B.A., compared to 34.3% in 2012-13, 26th in N.B.A.). Spreading out the shooters, with all players engaged in the play, provides Greivis Vasquez with several options when he is double-teamed after a high screen (Dwane Casey substituted Steve Novak into the game for Chuck Hayes immediately before this play).
The Grizzlies want to blitz the high rub as time runs down without conceding a high percentage look. Two outside defenders still attached to Novak and Kyle Lowry. At the last moment, Tayshaun Prince slides to the corner in order to cover DeMar DeRozan – something that would not have occurred last year – so Jonas Valančiūnas has the entire paint to himself. The centre receives a pass and finishes the half with a dunk at the buzzer.