Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 3 vs. Cavaliers
By Chris Conner
3. Dwayne Casey tried everything he could
For those of you who feel Dwayne Casey is the vanilla ice cream is NBA head coaches, he did his best to prove you wrong in Game 3. Before the contest even started, Casey was making big adjustments. The struggling Serge Ibaka was sent to the bench, as key reserve Fred VanVleet got his first start of the postseason.
Fred VanVleet starts, Serge Ibaka to the bench. Did NOT expect them to bench Ibaka.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) May 6, 2018
The switch in the lineup was a surprise to most, but a shake-up coming into Game 3 for the Raptors was needed.
VanVleet has been one of the NBA’s best stories all season due to his all-around stellar play, but his biggest contribution to the starting lineup was a stubborn, gritty attitude that the Raptors struggle to maintain against the Cavaliers.
VanVleet was very expressive about the lack of fear he has going against LeBron James and Cleveland.
He showed it off the floor.
No holding back from Fred VanVleet. 👀 🔥 https://t.co/Z2kbsM830s pic.twitter.com/lDtuNREQQ7
— theScore (@theScore) May 4, 2018
Then did his best to show it on the floor.
https://twitter.com/defpenhoops/status/991481841520607233?s=21
The move also payed off for Serge Ibaka, who had arguably his best game Saturday, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. While the starting lineup switch was huge, Dwayne Casey wasn’t done shocking his audience.