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

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May 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) reacts after making a basket against Miami Heat in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 96-92. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

DeMarre Carroll Can Be A Difference-Maker

After posting career highs in scoring (12.6 PPG), field goal percentage (49 percent) and three-point percentage (40 percent) as a member of the Atlanta Hawks last season, Carroll signed with the Raptors during the offseason. The Raptors added Carroll to the mix largely because of his defense and the ability to stretch the floor.

While Carroll averaged just 8.6 points against the Indiana Pacers in the first round, he was a huge difference-maker in Game 2 against Miami. He scored a game-high 21 points to go along with five rebounds and four steals, an effort that wasn’t lost on head coach Dwane Casey.

"“[Carroll] was our savior tonight offensively – his play was huge,” Casey said, via GlobeAndMail.com. “Norm doesn’t have his sea legs offensively yet, and he’s got an all-pro in Dwyane Wade guarding him, so that’s taking him out a bit. So having DeMarre was huge – some of those shots in transition and attacking the basket. He was huge for us.”"

On a night when the Raptors’ offense sputtered in various stretches (41.9 percent shooting), Carroll was a huge plus, connecting on seven of his 13 attempts, which included a 3-for-6 effort from deep.

Whether or not Carroll can continue to be a threat at both ends of the floor remains to be seen. However, as long as Lowry and DeRozan fail to produce at an efficient level, the Raptors will need to find different ways to score and Carroll could very well be an option.

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