Game #72: Toronto Raptors 129 - Cleveland Cavaliers 132

[DanH]

Siakam and OG have both shown the ability to stay in front of LeBron at times. OG has been a little off in his mental game since his missed time, but he can straighten that out with some practice time and film review. OG did fine physically with LeBron, his issue was making the wrong reads. Full playoff prep scouting reports will help with that, and a more tailored defensive gameplan. Siakam was great for the most part on LeBron, with a few hiccups. The issue was more the off-ball defence on his teammates, which was garbage for most of the night. Helping on LeBron is necessary, but not all 5 guys need to do it. Too often guys on the weak side were falling asleep and leaving shooters open even when not really providing help, and too often we struggled with simple off-ball actions where guys were caught staring at LBJ instead of their man. All stuff I'd expect cleaned up in a playoff series with in-depth scouting and prep.

[slaw]

Hard to get to very worked up about this game - 3rd in 4 nights, Cavs shoot unsustainable %s - but we did see that this roster matches up badly against the Cavs. And this is compounded by the fact that we haven't been giving any reps (like, literally zero minutes) to the lineups that would theoretically be the best matchups against the Cavs - KL/DD/CJ/PS/SI and KL/DD/CJ/OG/PS.

Not sure that second lineup is feasible with how unproductive OG has been.

I was thinking along these line watching last night but in retrospect I don't know that it was so much matchups that hurt Toronto as the close of the third. Raps were firmly in command by 15 when JV checked out and were still fine when Lowry left with about 2 minutes left having answered all of the Cavs' runs. Then Calderon and Smith went wild from three, Raps couldn't score, and that turned the game. The game was right there until Love made that late three - again off Lebron's dribble drive.

[MixxAOR]

I would try OG on Love and Siakam on Lebron next time with JV or Poeltl manning the paint.

[planetmars]

The issue was and remains that they are unable to slow down Lebrons dribble penetration. I don't know the answer to that but if they can't do at least a decent job of containing him nothing else matters.

He's a bulldozer but has finesse. So hard to contain him. I guess I'd rather give up the lay up/dunk then have him kick out to a guy for a clean open 3. Not sure what else we can do. OG and Siakam are not strong enough yet to stay in front of him. Serge/JV are both too clumsy/big.

I guess that's where Biyombo helped two years ago, because he was quick and strong enough to challenge Lebron.

[KeonClark]

I'm choosing not to read too many press clippings today. Our squad is exhausted. Bring on playoffs. We'll be on even footing then, and they'll have to deal with a raucous ACC 4 times out of 7. I know we're the better team.

1-1 This year with a +30 point differential. Rubber match in less than 2 weeks. Will be a big one for both teams psyche as we head into the tournament.

[KeonClark]

More low IQ than low effort.

Luckily Powell won't be playing much at all when the games really matter again.

[3inthekeon]

The most infuriating part of that game was Powell's play. I mean, you know what JR Smith is going to do, he's going to shoot the ball. Why are you leaving him wide open? there's no excuse for Powell's effort tonight.

More low IQ than low effort.

[slaw]

Hard to get to very worked up about this game - 3rd in 4 nights, Cavs shoot unsustainable %s - but we did see that this roster matches up badly against the Cavs. And this is compounded by the fact that we haven't been giving any reps (like, literally zero minutes) to the lineups that would theoretically be the best matchups against the Cavs - KL/DD/CJ/PS/SI and KL/DD/CJ/OG/PS.

It's hard to argue with the success we've had so far this year. But the Cavs are actually vulnerable now, and I think we should have sacrificed some regular season success to be figuring out exactly how to beat them. FVV has been great closing out games this year...but you cannot close with him and Lowry against this Cavs team. It's too small of a lineup.

The issue was and remains that they are unable to slow down Lebrons dribble penetration. I don't know the answer to that but if they can't do at least a decent job of containing him nothing else matters.

[JimiCliff]

Hard to get to very worked up about this game - 3rd in 4 nights, Cavs shoot unsustainable %s - but we did see that this roster matches up badly against the Cavs. And this is compounded by the fact that we haven't been giving any reps (like, literally zero minutes) to the lineups that would theoretically be the best matchups against the Cavs - KL/DD/CJ/PS/SI and KL/DD/CJ/OG/PS.

It's hard to argue with the success we've had so far this year. But the Cavs are actually vulnerable now, and I think we should have sacrificed some regular season success to be figuring out exactly how to beat them. FVV has been great closing out games this year...but you cannot close with him and Lowry against this Cavs team. It's too small of a lineup.

[JawsGT]

the positive is we can score against them easily enough, which shouldn't surprise. The negative is we can't defend well enough, and it's going to be even harder when they are at full strength. Gotta find a way to slow down the role players and avoid star watching LBJ.

[gk17]

I want nothing from the Playoffs than the Raptors whip Lebrons ass. Please, Raptors, make him shut up!

[MixxAOR]

The most infuriating part of that game was Powell's play. I mean, you know what JR Smith is going to do, he's going to shoot the ball. Why are you leaving him wide open? there's no excuse for Powell's effort tonight.

man...I think we're past that now. I'm not expecting Powell to play well.

[Sonny]

The most infuriating part of that game was Powell's play. I mean, you know what JR Smith is going to do, he's going to shoot the ball. Why are you leaving him wide open? there's no excuse for Powell's effort tonight.

[Cody73]

I was just about to post the Lebron high 5 to Freddy.

[GOLDBLUM]

Different styles of play obviously...
Wanted to know what the most assists Jordan ever had in a game was... 17.
Lebron had 19 in their first game back after the trade deadline.
I really hope Lebron's not able to go full Jesus on us this postseason...
He may have to to continue his reign.
Off with his head.
(figuratively)