Raptors: Winners and Losers from physical loss against Cavaliers

The Toronto Raptors were in for an interesting clash of styles against the Cleveland Cavaliers. While rookie stud Evan Mobley was leading a team built on size and strength, Scottie Barnes made his return to help Toronto’s high-intensity defense try to slow the Cavs on offense. Would Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby be enough offensively to help seal a win?

Unfortunately, for the first time in over a week, the Raptors have to chalk one up in the loss column. Despite nearly leading by double-digits at halftime and taking a six-point lead into the fourth quarter, Cleveland made shots when it counted. The 102-101 win sent the Raptors to 6-4 and 2-4 at home.

Toronto gave it everything they had, as a roster without any players taller than 6-9 were able to hold their own in the paint against Mobley and Jarrett Allen for large chunks of the game. However, Toronto just couldn’t lock them down in the fourth quarter, and that led to the defeat.

There are a handful of players and trends that were concerning in this loss, but plenty of Raptors players can take solace in the fact that they performed exceptionally well tonight.

Winners and Losers after the Toronto Raptors lost to the Cavaliers.

Winner: Gary Trent Jr.

We all knew that Trent could improve Toronto’s ability to rack up points from beyond the 3-point line, but his defensive turnaround into one of the premier steals artists in the game has been jaw-dropping. He may have had his best individual game against Cleveland’s young backcourt.

Gary Trent Jr. has provided the Toronto Raptors with amazing defense.

Trent scored 17 points on 7-14 shooting and stole the ball an incredible six times. Matching up against a quality guard rotation featuring names like Darius Garland and Collin Sexton is no easy task, but for a majority of the game, Trent and Fred VanVleet were able to keep them in check.

Winners: Dalano Banton and Malachi Flynn

These two are getting grouped together because both of them could stand to lose minutes in the rotation when everyone is back and healthy. With the energetic Banton uncorking his best offensive performance in the NBA thanks to 11 points on 5-7 shooting, Rexdale’s finest continued to impress.

Flynn was not given a ton of time, but did he ever make the most of it, scoring five points, dishing out two assists, and recording three steals in just seven minutes of work. If Flynn wanted to make a case for more playing time, impacting the game on both ends is certainly one way to get it done.

Loser: Chris Boucher

Boucher is pressing right now, as the two-way star that we witnessed last year is nowhere to be seen on this roster right now. While he drew a tough matchup against a very talented and deep frontcourt, Boucher’s play can be described as less than inspiring. That’s being very generous.

Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher is in a funk right now.

Boucher played just seven minutes and added just a single point to the tally. His defensive miscues are the biggest issue this year, as he looked out of place on several rotations that led to easy Cleveland baskets on the other end. The coaching staff needs to get him back in the swing of things, because what they’ve done so far is simply not working.

Loser: Toronto’s momentum

If you looked at the box score, it would be shocking that Toronto lost this game. With 19 offensive rebounds, seven blocked shots, and 18 forced turnovers, it’s surprising that the Raptors capitulated in the fourth quarter.

Toronto has three divisional opponents coming up in the Nets, 76ers, and Celtics. While this loss might be destabilizing for a team that lacks mental fortitude, these coaches and players are going to do everything possible to stay locked in.