1. Stand up to your bully
The Raptors’ struggles with the Cavaliers aren’t simply about talent anymore. For the first time in the LeBron James era, the Raptors undoubtedly hold the better roster.
The Cavs’ dominance over the Raptors has gotten so bad, there are some predicting a sweep. It’s impossible to ignore the mental hold Cleveland has.
But every bully eventually meets its match. Toronto just has to be ready and willing. It must play with confidence and erase previous outings.
This Cavs team isn’t the same one from previous playoff meetings. This one has flaws and can be beaten. Having the best player in the world, however, can forgive many of those flaws.
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Toronto will have to win the mental battle. That starts with a physical and confident bunch. The Raptors have checked all of those boxes so far. They have one more to claim in Cleveland, which may as big as any other hurdle the Raptors face the rest of the postseason.