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Takeaways: Toronto Raptors collect massive Game 1 win over Brooklyn Nets

By Michael Walton

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 17: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors defends Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half in game one of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 17, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 17: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors defends Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half in game one of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 17, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 17: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #4 of the Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Perhaps no team is as prepared for Caris LeVert as the Toronto Raptors

The main reason the Brooklyn Nets have been so competitive inside in the bubble is the play of 25-year old Caris LeVert. He has been the driving force for the team even more in the absence of Dinwiddie and to a lesser extent, the 12.1 PPG and defense provided by Taurean Prince.

Over the eight games in the bubble, LeVert averaged 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists with a low turnover rate (considering his usage). He had also performed well against the Raptors in the regular season but nonetheless Nick Nurse was likely confident knowing that the Raptors have a bevy of options for guarding him. Over the course of the game, no less than five different Raptors took on the LeVert assignment and generally held their own.

In the first quarter, LeVert went 1-for-4, with VanVleet, Lowry, Norm Powell, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson taking turns wearing him down. He went on to have more success against Hollis-Jefferson specifically but overall the message was sent that the Nets were going to need much more than Caris LeVert to beat the Raptors in a seven-game series.

Players like Lowry and VanVleet have the agility to stick with LeVert laterally and force him to give the ball up or pick up his dribble. While Hollis-Jefferson and Powell are more capable of handling him in the low-post or closing out on him.

With the Toronto Raptors locked-in on slowing down LeVert, he did an excellent job of setting up his teammates, finishing with a staggering 15 assists in 35 minutes of playing time. But he could not get into a great rhythm and will remain unable to do so as long as Toronto keeps the same attention to detail on the defensive end of the floor.

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