The Raptors needed their best game of the series against Cleveland in Game 4. They almost got it, but the Cavaliers proved once again they have too many weapons.
The Toronto Raptors were in a do-or-die situation. If they wanted a return trip to Cleveland for Game 5 of their second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a win was the only way to punch a ticket. Despite a stirring second-half comeback, during which they pushed in front for a few brief seconds, the Raptors couldn’t hold off the defending champions.
The main cause of Toronto’s pain was, as always, LeBron James. He destroyed our hopes last post-season, and was even more dominant this time around. He racked up his fourth straight 30+ point game, pouring in 35, which included 5 3-balls. The Raptors were again outgunned from beyond the arc, losing the 3-ball battle 16-10.
Playing Robin to LeBron’s Batman was point guard Kyrie Irving. He broke fans’ hearts late in Q4 by scoring 11 straight points just as Toronto’s shooting went cold (or, in fairness, Cleveland’s defense got more robust. I waited all series for their supposed defensive issues to reveal themselves; I’m still waiting). Irving ended with 27, meaning Cleveland’s best players were indeed their best when needed.
Tucker finally gets a start
If NBA coaching consists of adjustments, Raptors coach Dwane Casey made an effort. He started P.J. Tucker at the small forward spot, an overdue move which paid dividends. Why he didn’t do it sooner is a mystery. Tucker played a second less than 46 minutes, defended King James as well as could be (that guy is ridiculous this post-season), and contributed a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Serge Ibaka enjoyed his strongest outing, with 23 points. DeMar DeRozan was dishing out assists, and hitting his jumpers, but overdribbled into trouble too many times. The man is not a point guard, and had his pocket picked by the larcenous Irving 4 times.
Cory Joseph played perhaps his best playoff game ever. Pickering’s finest poured in 22, and handed out 12 dimes. However, no one can replace Kyle Lowry’s distance shooting, passing and passion.
Patrick Patterson once again was shut out, but at least got 2 shots off. DeMarre Carroll was subbed in to slow down Kyle Korver, but couldn’t get the job done. The Cavaliers’ shooting specialist scored 16 points in Q2, which included 4 of 6 from deep.
The Cavaliers had better shooting and ball movement than the Raptors when our team had a healthy Lowry. Without him, their superior shotmaking proved unstoppable. Toronto had no advantages of its own to exploit, and got beat.
The players will be cleaning out their lockers and holding exit interviews with management. For those of us here at the Rapture, we’ve got a ton of things to analyze as the Raptors enter what promises to be a hugely challenging off-season.