This concern dealt a lethal blow to the Raptors' competitive spirit against Cavs

Toronto had much to prove in their November 24 showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In the Raptors' season opener against Cleveland, they looked absolutely horrendous on home soil, failing to find any answers for the formidable Cavs roster and suffering a blowout loss of 136-106.

Since then, the Raptors have encountered a myriad of injuries and challenges, yet they have consistently showcased their fighting spirit, even when they find themselves on the losing side of matchups.

Toronto appears to have a talent for keeping games close against other competitive NBA teams, relying on their toughness alone. However, a glaring weakness on November 24 extinguished any glimmer of hope the Raptors had in what was otherwise a back-and-forth game.

As the game unfolded, it became evident that the Raptors' Achilles’ heel lay in their inability to capitalize on free throw opportunities. This shortcoming is not a new phenomenon for the team; fans have seen it all too frequently, especially against the very same opponent. In crucial moments, when the stakes were high, the Raptors squandered several easy scoring chances from the charity stripe.

Free throw woes have plagued the Toronto Raptors

Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Davion Mitchell all had their share of struggles, collectively leaving 11 points on the board. Barnes converted 7 of his 12 attempts, Barrett made just 2 of 6, and Mitchell missed both of his attempts. These missed free throws proved to be a turning point in a game that ended with a 108-122 loss—an insurmountable gap that could have been a narrow defeat had the Raptors maintained composure under pressure.

While the loss against the Cavaliers stung, what was particularly disheartening was the familiarity of this narrative. The Raptors have a history of falling short in critical moments, particularly when it comes to executing simple plays that should be automatic. Each missed free throw serves as a stark reminder that all the grit and tenacity in the world can be undermined by avoidable errors.

In contrast to the Cavaliers, who found their rhythm at the free throw line by converting 10 of their 14 attempts, the Raptors’ inability to perform consistently in this fundamental aspect of the game raises significant concerns about their capacity to handle high-pressure situations. The Raptors were given an unexpected advantage with 20 more free throw opportunities than their opponents, yet they failed to capitalize on this easy advantage.

The road ahead remains long for the Raptors, but as they look to harness their competitive spirit and rectify past mistakes, they must remember that even the smallest details can make the difference between victory and defeat. By honing their focus and transforming their free throw performance, they can surely shift the tide in their favor, revitalizing not only their game but also their standing in a fiercely competitive league.