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Toronto Raptors take down Cavaliers behind Pascal Siakam’s dominance

By Nickeem Khan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 24: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Amalie Arena on March 24, 2021 in Tampa, 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 24: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Amalie Arena on March 24, 2021 in Tampa, 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Any playoff hopes Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors have picked up a little more life, as they were able to pick up a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers by a score of 112-96. A game that was close for the majority of the running time saw the Raptors pull away towards the end of the contest.

Thanks to a well-balanced approach and a great second-half performance all around, the Raptors were able to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Raptors were on the receiving end of a great start by the Cavaliers. Isaac Okoro’s energy was a nice spark for Cleveland, putting them up ahead quickly.

Despite the initial slow start, Toronto bounced back and gained control over the game, which they would hold onto for the duration of the game. Each and every game is proving just how vital the addition of Khem Birch has been for this team.

The well-balanced offensive play from the starting lineup was enough to give the Toronto Raptors a 33-22 lead to end the opening quarter.

The Toronto Raptors woke up against the Cavaliers.

The lack of bench productivity carried through from Saturday’s game against the New York Knicks. Malachi Flynn and Yuta Watanabe were the only bench players to get on the scoreboard in the first half, combining for a mere six points.

It was clear that the bench was not able to maintain the high level of play the starters were able to bring, as the Cavaliers were able to come back into the game. Led by the stellar point guard play from Darius Garland, Cleveland was able to cut the lead from a 10 point first-quarter deficit, to down a single point going into halftime.

Coming into Monday night’s game, OG Anunoby was averaging 25 points per game, on 53 percent shooting from the field, and 52 percent from beyond-the-arc in his last three games. The amazing scoring production from Anunoby continued against the Cavaliers, as he finished with 20 points.

However, it was Siakam who led the way for the Raptors on offense. Siakam finished with 25 points including two 3-pointers, which was huge for a Toronto offense that was only 8-29 from deep.

After the initial struggles from the bench in the first half, the second-unit turned up the gears in the fourth quarter. Watanabe and Flynn combined for 18 points, while Yuta shot 100% from the field.

The great play from the bench helped the Raptors jump up to a double-digit lead that Toronto was able to hold onto for the closing stages of the game.

With this win, Toronto move up to just a half-game behind the Washington Wizards for the final spot for the play-in tournament. Toronto will now direct their attention towards their next game against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night.

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