The Toronto Raptors were dealt multiple crushing blows in their Game 5 loss to the Cavaliers. Toronto held a double-digit lead in the third quarter, but a 22-8 run to begin the final frame for Cleveland completely flipped the game. Still, the most disappointing development for Raptors fans was Brandon Ingram’s injury.
In the middle of the second quarter, Ingram was seen heading back to the Raptors’ locker room after being subbed off. Later in the quarter, it was reported that he had aggravated the heel injury he had been dealing with at the end of the regular season. He did not return.
This is frightening news for Raptors fans, as their team now needs to win two straight games to avoid elimination. Toronto is going to need Ingram’s shot-making ability to win the remaining games of the series.
Toronto needs Ingram to win this series
No one would argue that this postseason has been a struggle for Brandon Ingram. Entering Game 5, he was averaging 14.8 points and just 2.3 assists while shooting 33.9% from the field.
None of that changes who Ingram is: a multi-time All-Star and one of the best tough shot-makers in the league. That identity is why Toronto traded for him and why they committed to him long term. Ingram lived up to that reputation throughout the regular season.
There are legitimate questions about how well Ingram’s style fits within this team’s offensive system. But as this roster is currently constructed, Toronto needs him. They need his ability to knock down threes and create difficult shots over strong defenders. Losing that element of their offense would likely doom the Raptors against a deep and experienced Cavaliers team.
How will Toronto adjust if Ingram is unable to play?
As tough as it would be to lose Ingram, the Raptors cannot afford to fold. The most obvious player who would need to step up is Toronto’s other All-Star, Scottie Barnes.
It may be unfair to ask even more from Barnes. He is already taking on the challenge of guarding players like Donovan Mitchell while averaging 24 points per game and leading the team in assists. But Toronto may not have another option.
The next decision is how to replace Ingram’s minutes. AJ Lawson started the second half in his place, but head coach Darko Rajaković quickly pulled him and did not go back to him. Jamison Battle, on the other hand, took on a larger role in Game 5. That suggests Rajaković trusts his three-point shooting more right now.
Ingram’s injury makes Toronto’s comeback chances even more difficult. No one on this roster can replicate what an effective Brandon Ingram brings. If he is unable to return, any chance of getting back into this series will likely come down to Barnes taking on an even bigger role, along with real contributions from the rest of the bench.
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