Toronto Raptors: 5 Keys To Playing The Cleveland Cavaliers

May 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates his basket with point guard Cory Joseph (6) and point guard Kyle Lowry (7) against the Miami Heat in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Heat 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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2. The Raptors must apply pressure and get to the free throw line.

There’s no denying that the free-throw line has been one of the biggest weapons for the Toronto Raptors. Both DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry rely on getting to the line to get their games going and to help power them to efficient scoring outings.

In Game 7 against the Miami Heat, the Raptors shot 43 free throws to Miami’s 23. The Raptors will need to continue to attack the basket and try to initiate contact against the Cavaliers’ bigs.

By getting to the line it allows the Raptors to try and get the Cavs into foul trouble.

If Irving, James, Love or even Thompson are forced to the bench for an extended period of time, it will allow Toronto to keep the game competitive or build a bit of a lead that they can play with once the Cavs are back at full strength.

Of course a large part of the Raptors success in getting to the rim against Miami was due to the lack of interior defense after Hassan Whiteside went down.

Tristan Thompson typically does a good job of contesting without fouling and doesn’t gamble for blocks, opting to contest and box out to take away second-chance opportunities. The Raptors can’t be deterred by this and must consistently attack the rim.

Next: Win the rebounding battle

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