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.
Darko calls out the lack of urgency in the 1st half
Seems significant, esp for a player-friendly coach to publicly question the team (surely echoing private messaging in recent lackluster efforts)
Coaches don't have a lot of levers to pull to light a fire. This is one of them, will they respond?
Seems significant, esp for a player-friendly coach to publicly question the team (surely echoing private messaging in recent lackluster efforts)
Coaches don't have a lot of levers to pull to light a fire. This is one of them, will they respond?
Darko on 1st half vs. 2nd half "Energy was different. Urgency was different. ... In this league you cannot take any for granted. ... I'm demanding more urgency from the whole team, more scrappiness."
December 7, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Darko calls out the lack of urgency in the 1st half
Seems significant, esp for a player-friendly coach to publicly question the team (surely echoing private messaging in recent lackluster efforts)
Coaches don't have a lot of levers to pull to light a fire. This is one of them, will they respond?
Seems significant, esp for a player-friendly coach to publicly question the team (surely echoing private messaging in recent lackluster efforts)
Coaches don't have a lot of levers to pull to light a fire. This is one of them, will they respond?
Final Takeaways
Very frustrating game to watch. Raptors' play in the second half is the kind of passionate, relentless basketball we know they are capable of.
The first half was transparently disturbing, and makes me wonder if there isn't something unknown going on behind the scenes.
Very frustrating game to watch. Raptors' play in the second half is the kind of passionate, relentless basketball we know they are capable of.
The first half was transparently disturbing, and makes me wonder if there isn't something unknown going on behind the scenes.
December 7, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Final Takeaways
Very frustrating game to watch. Raptors' play in the second half is the kind of passionate, relentless basketball we know they are capable of.
The first half was transparently disturbing, and makes me wonder if there isn't something unknown going on behind the scenes.
Very frustrating game to watch. Raptors' play in the second half is the kind of passionate, relentless basketball we know they are capable of.
The first half was transparently disturbing, and makes me wonder if there isn't something unknown going on behind the scenes.
No call, sure!
December 7, 2025 at 10:31 PM
No call, sure!
Interesting choice here from Darko: Scottie with four hungry dudes
Celtics starters on floor vs Shead/Martin/Lawson/Barnes/Mamu
December 7, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Interesting choice here from Darko: Scottie with four hungry dudes
4th Quarter
Have LOVED the Lawson minutes tonight.
Sure looks like an NBA player, no?
Have LOVED the Lawson minutes tonight.
Sure looks like an NBA player, no?
December 7, 2025 at 10:25 PM
4th Quarter
Have LOVED the Lawson minutes tonight.
Sure looks like an NBA player, no?
Have LOVED the Lawson minutes tonight.
Sure looks like an NBA player, no?
3rd Quarter
Atrocious Raptors showing continues here in the 3Q.
What is IQ doing? No meaningful pressure on Brown, but wildly out of position on Pritchard. Plays RIGHT into what BOS wants to do
Atrocious Raptors showing continues here in the 3Q.
What is IQ doing? No meaningful pressure on Brown, but wildly out of position on Pritchard. Plays RIGHT into what BOS wants to do
December 7, 2025 at 10:02 PM
3rd Quarter
Atrocious Raptors showing continues here in the 3Q.
What is IQ doing? No meaningful pressure on Brown, but wildly out of position on Pritchard. Plays RIGHT into what BOS wants to do
Atrocious Raptors showing continues here in the 3Q.
What is IQ doing? No meaningful pressure on Brown, but wildly out of position on Pritchard. Plays RIGHT into what BOS wants to do
Halftime Takeaways
This Celtics team has but TWO solid offensive weapons: White+Brown have 33 points, shooting 63%. The Raps aren't bothering them.
Rest of the guys have scored 34 points on 54% shooting. So they aren't bothering them either.
On their home floor. An unacceptable effort.
This Celtics team has but TWO solid offensive weapons: White+Brown have 33 points, shooting 63%. The Raps aren't bothering them.
Rest of the guys have scored 34 points on 54% shooting. So they aren't bothering them either.
On their home floor. An unacceptable effort.
December 7, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Halftime Takeaways
This Celtics team has but TWO solid offensive weapons: White+Brown have 33 points, shooting 63%. The Raps aren't bothering them.
Rest of the guys have scored 34 points on 54% shooting. So they aren't bothering them either.
On their home floor. An unacceptable effort.
This Celtics team has but TWO solid offensive weapons: White+Brown have 33 points, shooting 63%. The Raps aren't bothering them.
Rest of the guys have scored 34 points on 54% shooting. So they aren't bothering them either.
On their home floor. An unacceptable effort.
2nd Quarter
Raptors have not threatened in the game, but Scottie has been amazing. He deserves some help on defense. These defensive possessions have been just disastrous, with dudes standing around, hands at their side
BOS are shooting 58% AND rebounding a third of their own misses. Ugly
Raptors have not threatened in the game, but Scottie has been amazing. He deserves some help on defense. These defensive possessions have been just disastrous, with dudes standing around, hands at their side
BOS are shooting 58% AND rebounding a third of their own misses. Ugly
December 7, 2025 at 9:25 PM
2nd Quarter
Raptors have not threatened in the game, but Scottie has been amazing. He deserves some help on defense. These defensive possessions have been just disastrous, with dudes standing around, hands at their side
BOS are shooting 58% AND rebounding a third of their own misses. Ugly
Raptors have not threatened in the game, but Scottie has been amazing. He deserves some help on defense. These defensive possessions have been just disastrous, with dudes standing around, hands at their side
BOS are shooting 58% AND rebounding a third of their own misses. Ugly
Celtics @ Raptors
Dec 7, 2025
Embarrassing effort over the first few minutes tonight. 5 turnovers in 4 minutes, not hustling for loose balls, jacking up lazy shots. Only a somewhat ineffective BOS offense has kept it close
Hopefully the bench lights a fire, or this will be a very long afternoon...
Dec 7, 2025
Embarrassing effort over the first few minutes tonight. 5 turnovers in 4 minutes, not hustling for loose balls, jacking up lazy shots. Only a somewhat ineffective BOS offense has kept it close
Hopefully the bench lights a fire, or this will be a very long afternoon...
December 7, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Celtics @ Raptors
Dec 7, 2025
Embarrassing effort over the first few minutes tonight. 5 turnovers in 4 minutes, not hustling for loose balls, jacking up lazy shots. Only a somewhat ineffective BOS offense has kept it close
Hopefully the bench lights a fire, or this will be a very long afternoon...
Dec 7, 2025
Embarrassing effort over the first few minutes tonight. 5 turnovers in 4 minutes, not hustling for loose balls, jacking up lazy shots. Only a somewhat ineffective BOS offense has kept it close
Hopefully the bench lights a fire, or this will be a very long afternoon...
My first comment on that game winning buzzer beater (to my wife)
What an unselfish play.
Chose a W on a Thursday night in November over the streak
What an unselfish play.
Chose a W on a Thursday night in November over the streak
December 5, 2025 at 3:14 AM
My first comment on that game winning buzzer beater (to my wife)
What an unselfish play.
Chose a W on a Thursday night in November over the streak
What an unselfish play.
Chose a W on a Thursday night in November over the streak
4th Quarter
This game has remained hard to watch.
SIX offensive rebounds allowed 2, a turnover, and still allowing wide open looks.
It is REALLY hard to shoot 51% and 47% from 3, take decent care of the ball, win the boards AND be on the losing end of the score. Raptors are threading that needle
This game has remained hard to watch.
SIX offensive rebounds allowed 2, a turnover, and still allowing wide open looks.
It is REALLY hard to shoot 51% and 47% from 3, take decent care of the ball, win the boards AND be on the losing end of the score. Raptors are threading that needle
December 5, 2025 at 2:36 AM
4th Quarter
This game has remained hard to watch.
SIX offensive rebounds allowed 2, a turnover, and still allowing wide open looks.
It is REALLY hard to shoot 51% and 47% from 3, take decent care of the ball, win the boards AND be on the losing end of the score. Raptors are threading that needle
This game has remained hard to watch.
SIX offensive rebounds allowed 2, a turnover, and still allowing wide open looks.
It is REALLY hard to shoot 51% and 47% from 3, take decent care of the ball, win the boards AND be on the losing end of the score. Raptors are threading that needle
Lakers @ Raptors
Dec 4, 2025
Been watching all along tonight, been a tough watch on the defensive end.
Not covering the shooters, not cutting off drives, not shutting down rim-runners...so what are they stopping?
Dec 4, 2025
Been watching all along tonight, been a tough watch on the defensive end.
Not covering the shooters, not cutting off drives, not shutting down rim-runners...so what are they stopping?
December 5, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Lakers @ Raptors
Dec 4, 2025
Been watching all along tonight, been a tough watch on the defensive end.
Not covering the shooters, not cutting off drives, not shutting down rim-runners...so what are they stopping?
Dec 4, 2025
Been watching all along tonight, been a tough watch on the defensive end.
Not covering the shooters, not cutting off drives, not shutting down rim-runners...so what are they stopping?
Thinking about Giannis, the Hawks are the OBVIOUS destination.
* The draft pick compensation they can offer gives MIL some control over their immediate draft future
* They have various young players to offer
* Their leftover roster would fit well with Giannis
* They are motivated to contend NOW
* The draft pick compensation they can offer gives MIL some control over their immediate draft future
* They have various young players to offer
* Their leftover roster would fit well with Giannis
* They are motivated to contend NOW
December 4, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Thinking about Giannis, the Hawks are the OBVIOUS destination.
* The draft pick compensation they can offer gives MIL some control over their immediate draft future
* They have various young players to offer
* Their leftover roster would fit well with Giannis
* They are motivated to contend NOW
* The draft pick compensation they can offer gives MIL some control over their immediate draft future
* They have various young players to offer
* Their leftover roster would fit well with Giannis
* They are motivated to contend NOW
Re: Giannis
I mean, this is the white whale the Raptors have saved their trade resources for.
However, I've done some trade machine work, it's tough to make anything that will tempt MIL and leave TOR in a good competitive space.
I mean, this is the white whale the Raptors have saved their trade resources for.
However, I've done some trade machine work, it's tough to make anything that will tempt MIL and leave TOR in a good competitive space.
December 3, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Re: Giannis
I mean, this is the white whale the Raptors have saved their trade resources for.
However, I've done some trade machine work, it's tough to make anything that will tempt MIL and leave TOR in a good competitive space.
I mean, this is the white whale the Raptors have saved their trade resources for.
However, I've done some trade machine work, it's tough to make anything that will tempt MIL and leave TOR in a good competitive space.
4th Quarter
Raptors up 14...POR hits a 3
IQ almost gets an 8 second violation walking up. Raptors walk through sequences, producing nothing, ending with a desperation 30-foot heave. POR hits another 3 to cut it to 8
Good timeout: Raptors have played well after a poor start...but game is NOT over
Raptors up 14...POR hits a 3
IQ almost gets an 8 second violation walking up. Raptors walk through sequences, producing nothing, ending with a desperation 30-foot heave. POR hits another 3 to cut it to 8
Good timeout: Raptors have played well after a poor start...but game is NOT over
December 3, 2025 at 2:41 AM
4th Quarter
Raptors up 14...POR hits a 3
IQ almost gets an 8 second violation walking up. Raptors walk through sequences, producing nothing, ending with a desperation 30-foot heave. POR hits another 3 to cut it to 8
Good timeout: Raptors have played well after a poor start...but game is NOT over
Raptors up 14...POR hits a 3
IQ almost gets an 8 second violation walking up. Raptors walk through sequences, producing nothing, ending with a desperation 30-foot heave. POR hits another 3 to cut it to 8
Good timeout: Raptors have played well after a poor start...but game is NOT over
Halftime Takeaways
After a disastrous start on defense, the Raptors have given up 27 points since the 4 minute mark of the 1Q, and only surrendered 3 offensive rebounds tonight. Turnovers are still an issue but that is progress
After a disastrous start on defense, the Raptors have given up 27 points since the 4 minute mark of the 1Q, and only surrendered 3 offensive rebounds tonight. Turnovers are still an issue but that is progress
December 3, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Halftime Takeaways
After a disastrous start on defense, the Raptors have given up 27 points since the 4 minute mark of the 1Q, and only surrendered 3 offensive rebounds tonight. Turnovers are still an issue but that is progress
After a disastrous start on defense, the Raptors have given up 27 points since the 4 minute mark of the 1Q, and only surrendered 3 offensive rebounds tonight. Turnovers are still an issue but that is progress
2nd Quarter
I used to tell my daughter that she would have A games sometimes and B games at others, one of a few strategies that helped her become more consistent over time.
Definitely an A game from Shead so far, after a couple of B games.
...and definitely more A games this year
I used to tell my daughter that she would have A games sometimes and B games at others, one of a few strategies that helped her become more consistent over time.
Definitely an A game from Shead so far, after a couple of B games.
...and definitely more A games this year
December 3, 2025 at 1:18 AM
2nd Quarter
I used to tell my daughter that she would have A games sometimes and B games at others, one of a few strategies that helped her become more consistent over time.
Definitely an A game from Shead so far, after a couple of B games.
...and definitely more A games this year
I used to tell my daughter that she would have A games sometimes and B games at others, one of a few strategies that helped her become more consistent over time.
Definitely an A game from Shead so far, after a couple of B games.
...and definitely more A games this year
Trail Blazers @ Raptors
Dec 2, 2025
Minutes played last time these teams met (POR wins 112-103 in TOR Apr 3)
Walter 30
Mogbo 28
Barnes, O.Robinson 27
Barrett 26
Shead 25
Battle 24
Agbaji 21
Lawson 18
Swider 14
An embarrassing tank-loss. Hoping the Raptors feel they have something to prove tonight
Dec 2, 2025
Minutes played last time these teams met (POR wins 112-103 in TOR Apr 3)
Walter 30
Mogbo 28
Barnes, O.Robinson 27
Barrett 26
Shead 25
Battle 24
Agbaji 21
Lawson 18
Swider 14
An embarrassing tank-loss. Hoping the Raptors feel they have something to prove tonight
December 3, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Trail Blazers @ Raptors
Dec 2, 2025
Minutes played last time these teams met (POR wins 112-103 in TOR Apr 3)
Walter 30
Mogbo 28
Barnes, O.Robinson 27
Barrett 26
Shead 25
Battle 24
Agbaji 21
Lawson 18
Swider 14
An embarrassing tank-loss. Hoping the Raptors feel they have something to prove tonight
Dec 2, 2025
Minutes played last time these teams met (POR wins 112-103 in TOR Apr 3)
Walter 30
Mogbo 28
Barnes, O.Robinson 27
Barrett 26
Shead 25
Battle 24
Agbaji 21
Lawson 18
Swider 14
An embarrassing tank-loss. Hoping the Raptors feel they have something to prove tonight
Final Takeaways
Looking ahead to the NBA Cup, some real lessons tonight.
** Hopefully get RJ healthy, duh
** No rebounds, No (NBA Cup) Rings...demolished on the boards tonight, 61-40
** BI-led lineups need more dynamic options and creativity beyond "get BI the ball and let him cook"
Looking ahead to the NBA Cup, some real lessons tonight.
** Hopefully get RJ healthy, duh
** No rebounds, No (NBA Cup) Rings...demolished on the boards tonight, 61-40
** BI-led lineups need more dynamic options and creativity beyond "get BI the ball and let him cook"
December 1, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Final Takeaways
Looking ahead to the NBA Cup, some real lessons tonight.
** Hopefully get RJ healthy, duh
** No rebounds, No (NBA Cup) Rings...demolished on the boards tonight, 61-40
** BI-led lineups need more dynamic options and creativity beyond "get BI the ball and let him cook"
Looking ahead to the NBA Cup, some real lessons tonight.
** Hopefully get RJ healthy, duh
** No rebounds, No (NBA Cup) Rings...demolished on the boards tonight, 61-40
** BI-led lineups need more dynamic options and creativity beyond "get BI the ball and let him cook"
Reposted by The Palaeontologist's Hammer
This was probably a scheduled loss anyway, hence the decision to rest Poeltl tonight rather than in the friendlier matchup yesterday. Splitting these 2 would’ve been a good outcome. Letting the Charlotte game (up 12 with 6 minutes left vs an inferior team) slip away really hurts.
December 1, 2025 at 1:08 AM
This was probably a scheduled loss anyway, hence the decision to rest Poeltl tonight rather than in the friendlier matchup yesterday. Splitting these 2 would’ve been a good outcome. Letting the Charlotte game (up 12 with 6 minutes left vs an inferior team) slip away really hurts.
4th Quarter
Shead is impactful, but his decision-making can come and go. On consecutive possessions at the end of 3Q, he throws an absolute Hail Mary 70-foot pass to Gradey that flies out of bounds, leads to NYK three. Then, he fouls Brunson 50 feet from the rim for two easy BONUS free throws
Shead is impactful, but his decision-making can come and go. On consecutive possessions at the end of 3Q, he throws an absolute Hail Mary 70-foot pass to Gradey that flies out of bounds, leads to NYK three. Then, he fouls Brunson 50 feet from the rim for two easy BONUS free throws
December 1, 2025 at 12:59 AM
4th Quarter
Shead is impactful, but his decision-making can come and go. On consecutive possessions at the end of 3Q, he throws an absolute Hail Mary 70-foot pass to Gradey that flies out of bounds, leads to NYK three. Then, he fouls Brunson 50 feet from the rim for two easy BONUS free throws
Shead is impactful, but his decision-making can come and go. On consecutive possessions at the end of 3Q, he throws an absolute Hail Mary 70-foot pass to Gradey that flies out of bounds, leads to NYK three. Then, he fouls Brunson 50 feet from the rim for two easy BONUS free throws
3rd Quarter
Maybe they are trying to get BI going, but this isn't working. That wasn't Battle's fault, but Darko responded by giving him the hook.
Kinda crappy that didn't get free throws on a strong drive with tons of contact, while KAT is getting rewarded for his aggression.
Maybe they are trying to get BI going, but this isn't working. That wasn't Battle's fault, but Darko responded by giving him the hook.
Kinda crappy that didn't get free throws on a strong drive with tons of contact, while KAT is getting rewarded for his aggression.
December 1, 2025 at 12:28 AM
3rd Quarter
Maybe they are trying to get BI going, but this isn't working. That wasn't Battle's fault, but Darko responded by giving him the hook.
Kinda crappy that didn't get free throws on a strong drive with tons of contact, while KAT is getting rewarded for his aggression.
Maybe they are trying to get BI going, but this isn't working. That wasn't Battle's fault, but Darko responded by giving him the hook.
Kinda crappy that didn't get free throws on a strong drive with tons of contact, while KAT is getting rewarded for his aggression.
Halftime Takeaways
Raptors win the 2nd quarter 30-18, hard to draw up a better quarter, end the quarter by cutting an 11 point lead down to 7
The formula is there for them to win. The crowd is on edge, the Knicks lost their shooting rhythm, going 6-23 (2-11 from 3) in the 2Q.
Things have changed
Raptors win the 2nd quarter 30-18, hard to draw up a better quarter, end the quarter by cutting an 11 point lead down to 7
The formula is there for them to win. The crowd is on edge, the Knicks lost their shooting rhythm, going 6-23 (2-11 from 3) in the 2Q.
Things have changed
December 1, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Halftime Takeaways
Raptors win the 2nd quarter 30-18, hard to draw up a better quarter, end the quarter by cutting an 11 point lead down to 7
The formula is there for them to win. The crowd is on edge, the Knicks lost their shooting rhythm, going 6-23 (2-11 from 3) in the 2Q.
Things have changed
Raptors win the 2nd quarter 30-18, hard to draw up a better quarter, end the quarter by cutting an 11 point lead down to 7
The formula is there for them to win. The crowd is on edge, the Knicks lost their shooting rhythm, going 6-23 (2-11 from 3) in the 2Q.
Things have changed
2nd Quarter
Need some hope for this game? Okay...
** Pressure is now all on a Knick team that has struggled
** TOR 3P 13% NYK 3P 64%, neither can continue, can they?
** Raptors have taken care of the ball and generated good shots.
There is room for a dramatic comeback here...
Need some hope for this game? Okay...
** Pressure is now all on a Knick team that has struggled
** TOR 3P 13% NYK 3P 64%, neither can continue, can they?
** Raptors have taken care of the ball and generated good shots.
There is room for a dramatic comeback here...
November 30, 2025 at 11:45 PM
2nd Quarter
Need some hope for this game? Okay...
** Pressure is now all on a Knick team that has struggled
** TOR 3P 13% NYK 3P 64%, neither can continue, can they?
** Raptors have taken care of the ball and generated good shots.
There is room for a dramatic comeback here...
Need some hope for this game? Okay...
** Pressure is now all on a Knick team that has struggled
** TOR 3P 13% NYK 3P 64%, neither can continue, can they?
** Raptors have taken care of the ball and generated good shots.
There is room for a dramatic comeback here...
Reposted by The Palaeontologist's Hammer
Four 3s for Deuce McBride in the first five minutes. If he keeps this up and scores 114 points on 38 3s it would be a record.
November 30, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Four 3s for Deuce McBride in the first five minutes. If he keeps this up and scores 114 points on 38 3s it would be a record.