Toronto Raptors: Keys To Taking Control Of Series vs. Heat

May 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Terrence Ross (31) prepares to take a shot against Miami Heat as center Jonas Valanciunas (17) looks on in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

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Here are keys for the Toronto Raptors that could help them take control of their second-round series against the Miami Heat.

Staring at a potential 0-2 deficit for the second straight time in these playoffs, the Toronto Raptors responded with a 96-92 overtime victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night to even their second round series at one game apiece. The fact that they won that game was remarkable on several fronts.

For example, their starting backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan has yet to find to find its shooting in touch through nine playoff games (more on that in a bit). Furthermore, the Raptors converted just 14 of their 26 attempts from the charity stripe. With the offense bogging down at times, giving away freebies in a tight game is the last thing a team needs in a playoff game.

If not for Miami’s 21 turnovers that the Raptors turned into 24 points, they would be heading back to Miami having to win both games. Fortunately for the second-seeded Raptors, they are not faced with that unenviable task.

Although they did manage to come away with a win in Game 2, the Raptors’ offense has been painful to watch at times. That being said, here are a few key points that could help them take control of series.

Next: All-Star Duo Has To Shake Off Slump

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