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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May 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 96-92. Mandlatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Contain Goran Dragic

Miami overcame a 3-2 hole in their first-round series against the Charlotte Hornets, and Dragic’s performance in Game 7 had a lot do with it. After averaging 12.3 points through the first six contests, Dragic posted 25 points in the finale, including 18 inside the paint.

Through the first two games of this series, Dragic’s solid play has continued. Not only is he averaging 23 points, five rebounds and three assists per outing; he is shooting 56 percent from the floor and a blistering 83 percent (5-for-6) from beyond the arc.

The Raptors have come to expect clutch shots from Dwyane Wade, because well, that’s what he does. The Raptors are also aware of the fact that Hassan Whiteside is a force in the paint when he’s not getting into foul trouble.

Taking the aforementioned factors into consideration, one of the things the Raptors have to do is limit Dragic’s production. No matter how well or poorly Lowry is playing, they cannot continue to let Dragic get the better of this matchup. If that continues to happen, it will be very difficult for them to win this series.

Next: Carroll Can Be A Difference-Maker

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