Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Raptors
By Ryan Piers
2. Cavs adjusted defensively
In the fourth quarter, with Cleveland yanking the game out of reach, DeMar DeRozan dribbled beneath the 3-point line. As he approached the paint, the Cavaliers defense sagged off.
James yelled “that’s all right, that’s all right” as the Raptors guard bobbed towards the bucket. Stopping maybe five feet outside the paint, DeRozan fired a runner, clanking it off the heel of the rim. The moment reflected how Cleveland adjusted to the Raptors offense from Game 1.
In Game 1, the Cavaliers let Toronto’s wings reach the rim. DeRozan, Lowry and Pascal Siakam all penetrated with ease. So Cleveland adjusted in game 2, daring Toronto to heave up mid-range jumpers.
Toronto responded by sinking 60 percent of its shots in the first half. But Cleveland didn’t change course, beckoning DeRozan, one of the game’s most lethal jump shooters, to fire mid-range jumpers. Doing the simple math, it’s worth less than a 3-pointer, but more challenging than a shot in the paint. Unless the opposing team is shooting well, that’s ideal for a defense. Cleveland was forcing Toronto to take low percentage shots.
Kyle Lowry, who is lethal from deep and quick to the rim, struggles in the mid-range. Apart from a brief stretch in the third quarter, Serge Ibaka’s usually reliable 15-foot jumper has been nonexistent. They played right into Cleveland’s strategy.
Raptors shot 54 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range. And lost by 18 points. #Cavs just demoralized them with their unstoppable offense.
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) May 4, 2018
All that being said, the Raptors still shot well and played efficient offense. The bigger problem was LeBron.