Raptors' Casey defends tactic of coaches distracting shooters
When it comes to defending the 3-point line, the Toronto Raptors could use all the help they can get. And when his players can't get it done, it's up to Dwane Casey to be the last line of defense.
Casey caught flack for harassing Kyrie Irving during a crucial shot during the finish to Game 4, but in truth, Casey has been using the trick all season long. With the Raptors allowing the second-highest opponent 3-point percentage in the league, Casey is often their most effective defender.
The 59-year-old defended the tactic following morning practice on Friday.
Casey says it's legal for him to clap, roam sidelines said he learned it from Jerry Sloan.
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) May 27, 2016
Plenty of coaches have borrowed elements from Jerry Sloan, but Casey might be one of the few who took pages out of his game, rather than his playbook. And when it comes to Casey, he has a habit of taking it a bit over the line.
Here's his shot contest from Game 4.
Here's another example from Game 4 where Casey and Bismack Biyombo effectively doubled J.R. Smith.
Casey isn't even the only distraction strolling the sidelines in Toronto. There's also the tricky matter of ducking Drake's antics.