The Toronto Raptors set a season-high in points in a business-like 133-113 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. What did we take away from the game?
The Toronto Raptors came into Monday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers looking to build positive momentum in the form of a second-straight win and they did just that in a 133-113 victory. Following a three-game slide, the Raptors are now winners of three of their last four games heading into Wednesday night’s game at the Detroit Pistons.
Toronto took care of business out of the game in this one, racing out to an 8-point first quarter lead that featured lots of disjointed play from the young Cavs, and a clinic on 3-point shooting and transition offense from the reigning champion Toronto Raptors.
Nick Nurse is still dealing with starting guard Fred VanVleet being out with a sore knee but the Raptors did not miss a beat with Norman Powell filling in his place, as he has the past three games. Powell lacks in terms of VanVleet’s level of playmaking, he makes up with his ability to go on explosive scoring sprees that include finishes high above the rim.
Powell has been on a tear as of late and appears to be coming into his own as a player. Toronto’s player development continues to look amazing and Nurse continues to have more options at his disposal in terms of crafting the perfect rotation.
The lottery-bound Cavaliers are, of course, a team the reigning NBA Champion Toronto Raptors should be able to take care of no problem and again, they did just that and deserve credit for it. They put up a season-high 133 points and gave the Cavs little-to-no hope throughout. It has to feel good for Nurse and co. to pick up a 20-point win after their single-digit win over the Nets on Saturday. Monday’s win brings the Raptors to a tody 11-3 at home as they continue to fight for homecourt advantage in the Eastern Conference postseason.