Toronto Raptors: 5 Takeaways From Game 4 Loss To Heat

May 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts after fouling out of the game during the fourth quarter in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won in overtime 94-87. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts while walking back to the bench during the fourth quarter in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won in overtime 94-87. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Lowry and DeRozan disappoint, again.

The Raptors once again showed that they lack the mental toughness to perform in the playoffs at a level that resembles who they are in the regular season. Despite having a breakthrough game in Game 3, Kyle Lowry returned to his poor shooting ways with a 2-for-11 outing and turned the ball over four times. While he managed to get nine assists on the night, he fouled out in the fourth period and was a minus-2 for the game.

His partner in mediocrity, DeMar DeRozan, was even worse. He was 4-for-17 with three turnovers, no assists and finished with a minus-11 plus/minus. His benching for the bulk of the second half was warranted by his poor play on both ends of the floor and once inserted back into the lineup, his bad shots and carelessness with the ball helped clinch the game for Miami.

This postseason has been one that has validated a lot of the critics of Toronto and their ability to get it done in the playoffs. With the injuries incurred by both Miami and Toronto, there is still an opportunity for the Raptors to advance to the conference finals. But even if they do, how they got there and how their cornerstone players have performed has to be a cause for concern.

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