Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

The Toronto Raptors once again came up short against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 Tuesday. Here are three takeaways from the loss.

The Toronto Raptors couldn’t have asked for a better opponent coming into the second round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

While no one should ever wish to play the NBA’s best player, the Raps finally had advantages. They finally had the better team, the better coach and home-court advantage.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were vulnerable.

That, unfortunately, didn’t last long. 

The block shown above is one of LeBron James’ signatures. It’s also a signature of the rejection the Raptors have faced when trying to beat James and his Cavs. 2018 marks the third time in a row these two have met in the playoffs, with Cleveland coming out victorious both times. 

The Cavaliers continued their winning ways against Toronto Tuesday night, winning 113-112 in overtime in Game 1. After starting out hot in the first quarter with a 33-19 lead, the Raptors allowed the Cavs to overcome several leads and creep back into the game in the fourth quarter. 

One reason for Toronto’s early success is big man Jonas Valanciunas’ monster 21-point, 21-rebound game. Assisting him was DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, who both ended with 22 and 18 points, respectively.

The bench also continued its masterful season, pouring in 35 points.

Toronto eventually hit a wall offensively, however, and by the fourth frame, it looked like the team had just played a Game 7. The greatness of LeBron James was once again on display, finishing with a 26-13-11 triple-double.

Unfortunately for the Raptors, James wasn’t alone in production. Sharpshooter Kyle Korver finished with 19 and the enigmatic J.R. Smith scored 20 of his own off the bench. Tristan Thompson had his second straight double-double and Jeff Green supplied 16 points too.

The Raptors, unfortunately, couldn’t get stops and missed shots they’ll be kicking themselves about for days. 

The Raptors lost home-court advantage and are probably feeling a case of deja-vu. Fortunately for the Six, a series isn’t started or ended in one game, no matter what Drake says to Kendrick Perkins.

Here are three takeaways from the Game 1 defeat.