2. The DeMar DeRozan benching
If the Raptors were to finally beat LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan was going to have to be the reason, as he is the most talented and the closest reach to a superstar they have. DeRozan has unfortunately failed to do so, and continued his rough series Saturday. DeRozan has notably struggled against the Cavaliers in his career.
His first half was the start of what soon would be his last minutes on the floor in Game 3.
DeMar DeRozan finished with 3 points in the 1st half...
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 6, 2018
DeRozan has 6 playoff halves with 3 points or fewer in his career. 4 have come against the Cavaliers. pic.twitter.com/yVms6T0v2b
After a five-point third quarter, head coach Dwayne Casey made a move that will be remembered for ages in Toronto. After playing 28 minutes, Casey benched DeRozan for the entire fourth quarter.
https://twitter.com/thescore/status/992972379319144448?s=21
With DeRozan surprisingly gone, the Raptors played their best basketball of the game, outscoring Cleveland 38-26 in the period. Kyle Lowry became the catalyst behind a huge Raptors comeback.
Kyle Lowry goes coast to coast!
— NBA (@NBA) May 6, 2018
17-6 @Raptors burst puts them within 5 in the 4th.#WeTheNorth 80 | #WhateverItTakes 85
📺: #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/rbC1ixJ0SN
DeRozan’s departure allowed the Raptors to space the floor better, as his struggles with his outshot shot have controlled their offense at times in the series. Something about Cleveland and DeRozan just doesn’t mesh well, as he is in the middle of a historic drought when facing the Cavs.
DeMar DeRozan (benched in 4Q of Game 3 loss) has failed to make a three-pointer in 13 straight playoff games vs. Cavs since 2016.
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 6, 2018
-- 0-16 from three combined in 480 mins.
-- Raptors 2-11 record in those games.
-- 16 different players have hit at least one 3P in 2018 Cavs/Raps. pic.twitter.com/3Nf8EWK52Q
After Game 2’s loss, DeRozan mentioned how important adversity was to the Raptors and their season. After Game 3, it’s him who will have to respond the most.