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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May 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and forward Kevin Love (0) go for a rebound against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the first quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Raptors cannot be outrebounded if they want a chance to win.

The Raptors are facing one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA. Toronto native Tristan Thompson is particularly devastating on the offensive glass and given how potent the Cavs offense can be, you simply cannot afford to give them extra possessions by not boxing out.

Overall the Cavs were third in the NBA in total rebound rate.

But if the Cavs opt to use more Channing Frye or small ball against a Raptors team without Valanciunas, it could be an opportunity for the Raptors to get those extra possessions themselves and given them a much better shot at pushing the Cavs.

In order to win the rebounding battle the Raptors cannot just focus on Cleveland’s big men. While Thompson and Kevin Love both are incredible rebounders, James, Iman Shumpert and even Irving are strong rebounders for their respective positions.

While Toronto wants to get out and run off of stops, they may not want to send too many guys out on the fast break and focus on securing the defensive rebound.

Next: Win the point guard matchup

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