The Raptors must exploit the Cavaliers defensive woes
By Mustafa Noor
It’s a rematch of the 2016 eastern conference finals as the Raptors are matched up against the Cleveland cavaliers. Will the Raptors reverse the outcome this time or lose again to Lebron James?
Despite the Milwaukee Bucks best attempt the Toronto Raptors have advanced to the second round of the eastern conference finals where Cleveland awaits them. It’s not a stretch to believe that Toronto has a legitimate chance to beat the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers will come into the series with fresh legs as they swept the Pacers and enjoyed several days of rest. This is crucial as Cleveland has the oldest roster in the NBA and those creaky joints need some rest.
Apr 12, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith (5) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Raptors won 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Defence Wins championships
What ruined Toronto last season was Cleveland’s small ball line up which caused issues for the Raptors on both ends of the floor. With the addition of Ibaka and Tucker the Raptors can go super small which will give them more shooting and flexibility with defensive assignments. The Raptors struggled at time offensively against the Bucks and reverted to iso-ball down the stretch. The Raptors best game in the playoffs this season was game 5 in Toronto where the Raptors moved the ball around and looked for the open man. DeMar DeRozan was actively making the right passes when required but not afraid to come up with clutch baskets when called upon.
Offense is Key
What ruined Toronto last season was Cleveland’s small ball line up which caused issues for the Raptors on both ends of the floor. With the addition of Ibaka and Tucker the Raps can go super small which will give them more shooting and flexibility with defensive assignments. Toronto struggled at time offensively against the Bucks and reverted to iso-ball down the stretch. The Raps’ best game in the playoffs this season was game 5 in Toronto where the Raps moved the ball around and looked for the open man. DeMar DeRozan was actively making the right passes when required but not afraid to come up with clutch baskets when called upon.
If Toronto wants to advance to the conference finals then we need more out of our hurt Point guard Kyle Lowry. It was clear that Lowry’s back was causing him issues and pain against the Bucks but he soldiered on and wasn’t afraid to hit the deck if needed to. Nevertheless, averaging 13.4 points per game against the Cavaliers will lead to an early vacation for the Raptors as they will have no chance against the Cavs.
Raptors in seven
The Raps come into this series as underdogs against a championship team but Masai Ujiri constructed this roster to beat the Cavaliers. With Tucker, we have a player who can rough up Lebron and play outstanding defence, Ibaka is a 3 and D player and Norman Powell is the energy bunny who has impressed during the final games against the Bucks. This will be a long series and if the Cavaliers come out poor defensively the Raptors must capitalise on this and punish them. We just need to believe, play great defence, move the ball and if we do this then we will be playing in a second straight conference finals