Toronto Raptors: 5 Takeaways From Game 1 In Cleveland

Toronto Raptors: 5 Takeaways From Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

May 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) and forward Luis Scola (4) watch from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 115-84. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan McRae (12) during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kyle Lowry must play better

As the leader of the Toronto Raptors, it’s on Kyle Lowry to set the the tone and be a reliable floor general for him. Even if his shots aren’t falling, he needs to get the team into their sets and make sure others are getting good looks.

Coming into Game 1, the common narrative was that Lowry would be able to keep his recent hot streak going. While Kyrie Irving is an improved defender, Lowry looked like he had returned to form against the Miami Heat, scoring 25, 36 and 35 points respectively in his last three games.

But Lowry only managed eight points and five assists on 4-of-14 shooting in Game 1, while Irving tallied 27 points, five assists, two steals and two blocks on the evening.

If the Raptors are going to be competitive, Lowry needs to decidedly win the point guard match up. At the very minimum he needs to run the team and get them into the sets, but he has to be an effective scorer to prevent future blowouts.

He cannot be outscored by both Irving and Matthew Dellavedova if Toronto is going to stand a chance.

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