DURANT ... SINGLED POELTL OUT (FOR) HIS STELLAR WORK ON THE BOARDS.

boards, one off the franchise high set by Amir Johnson against the same Warriors, is a major accomplishment but the fact that someone of Durant’s status in the league is taking note of the young Raptor speaks volumes.

Poeltl surpassed the 25-minute mark in each of the two games and is averaging a double-double of 11 points and 13 boards. He’s been particularly busy on the offensive boards, pulling down a total of 15 over the two games.

Delon Wright, now in his third year but first with any regular playing time, has been a shade behind Poeltl in the wow department but equally impressive in how he has comported himself against more veteran opponents.

Wright was above the 25-minute mark in both games and is not backing down from anyone. His numbers don’t jump off the page but watching him take a Durant elbow that cut him open and returning only to take another vicious elbow from Draymond Green and then shake that off too was noteworthy.

Neither guy has looked overmatched or intimidated in either game in two of the most intimidating places you can play in the NBA.

Throw in a breakout career night for Pascal Siakam, another strong showing from rookie O.G. Anunoby and you get an idea why the Raptors vets themselves aren’t getting too worked up over some early season losses to opponents that quite frankly should be beating them handily.

“You’ve got to hand it to all of those guys. I mean it’s amazing,” DeRozan said after the loss in Oakland. “Them young guys going in there and competing in this hostile environment, it’s so gratifying to see. It’s a confidence booster from them guys and from us as well. Just to be able to see them young guys compete like that is definitely great.”

DeRozan’s backcourt mate and fellow team leader Kyle Lowry echoed those comments.

“Our young guys are unbelievable,” Lowry said. “This organization has a bright future with these guys. Jak, Delon and OG and Norm (Powell) — Norm didn’t play that many minutes tonight — but these guys are just talented kids. Pascal, he hasn’t played many minutes so far this season and he made a hell of an impact (Wednesday night).”

Sure, there are things to clean up, but you can say that about every team in the Association right now. But there are plenty of opponents that would give plenty to have the kind of young talent the Raptors boast right now.