The Raptors took on the Cavaliers in Game 82. Neither team took this game seriously, employing mostly bench-warmers after Q1.
The final game of the regular season for both the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers looked much more like an exhibition than a playoff tuneup. Both teams employed third-stringers and even D-League callups, and the result was a meaningless Raptors win. The Cavs ended up second in the Eastern Conference, while the Raptors closed in third.
The list of those Raptors who didn’t play was more interesting than what transpired on the floor. Serge Ibaka was rested, and DeMar DeRozan remained at the hotel with “flu-like symptoms”. Whether our All-Star shooting guard is truly ill or wanted to watch a movie is beyond me, but let’s hope it’s the latter.
Norman steps up
Cory Joseph and P.J. Tucker made cameo appearances for the Raps, while Jonas Valanciunas and DeMarre Carroll played less than 17 minutes. Norman Powell got the start in DeRozan’s absence and enjoyed a terrific game against the Cavs’ scrubs, pouring in a game-high 25 points. His efficiency was particularly impressive; he missed a mere 3 shots, and finished well on his takes to the hoop (a worrisome problem of late).
Dwane Casey saw fit to dust off Bruno Caboclo, who’s been toiling for the 905 minor-leaguers. Our all-but-forgotten Brazilian power forward enjoyed his best game as a Raptor, scoring 11 points. Another obscure Brazilian, Lucas Nogueira, got some burn. While he didn’t score, he didn’t hurt the cause either. Whether he’ll receive any time when the games matter remains to be seen. Jakob Poeltl, solid but unspectacular again, looks like he’ll be JV’s backup.
Cavaliers as strangers
Cleveland fans should have received a refund. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving dressed but didn’t play, while LeBron James was dressed – in street clothes. Spectators were treated to James Jones trying 12 3-balls and making one. I suppose there’s some excitement in seeing Edy Tavares for the first time. Another graduate (Axel Toupane has been signed by the Pelicans) of the Jerry Stackhouse-coached Raptors 905 team, Tavares, a huge center, wasn’t outclassed. The Cavs have no rim protection, and Tavares certainly filled that void, blocking 6 shots. Whether that skill and rebounding will outweigh his limited offensive game and penchant for fouls won’t be known for some time.
Under different circumstances (like the Cavaliers truly wanting the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference), this game might have been dramatic. As it was, we enjoyed seeing the kids get some much needed floor time, no one got hurt, and Jonas Valanciunas hit a 3-ball. There are worse results.
The Raps open their playoff series with the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday afternoon at the Air Canada Centre. Rapture Nation, we’re all over it.
More from Raptors Rapture
- Scottie Barnes talks Raptors expectations after bumpy 2022-23
- Raptors’ Dennis Schroder completes Cinderella story, wins FIBA World Cup with Germany
- 3 players Raptors could replace OG Anunoby with at trade deadline
- NBA insider praises Raptors’ hiring of “star” Darko Rajakovic
- Raptors fans will love Markquis Nowell’s insane confidence on Instagram