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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MIAMI, FL – MAY 09: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2016 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Arena on May 9, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. Miami’s coaching won the game

The Raptors were not able to capitalize on the Heat’s five-wing lineup. With the Raptors up seven in the fourth quarter, the Heat subbed Joe Johnson in for Udonis Haslem and outscored Toronto 22-8 for the rest of the game without a single power forward or center on the floor.

The lineup of Goran Dragic, Dwyane Wade, Justise Winslow, Luol Deng and Johnson was tremendously effective and without a consistent post threat, the Raptors fell apart against them. With Hassan Whiteside out once again for Game 5, it’ll be interesting to see if Erik Spoelstra uses this lineup again and when he decides to go with it.

The Raptors in theory should have enough wings to counter this lineup; with Lowry, Joseph, DeRozan, Norman Powell, Ross and Carroll all as viable options. But their inability to attack the rim and take advantage of no rim protection when Miami went to this lineup is concerning. It may be that they just weren’t ready for this look, but they’re inability to adjust to it in time cost them the game.

Next: This Series Is Destined To Go The Distance

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