Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from bounce-back Game 2 vs. Magic

The Toronto Raptors responded in Game 2 against the Orlando Magic, winning by a definitive 111-82 margin — their largest ever in the postseason.

After a shocking Game 1 loss to the Orlando Magic at home, the Toronto Raptors responded in a big way in Game 2, winning by their largest margin of victory in a playoff game in franchise history, 29 points.

As perviously mentioned in the takeaways from Game 1, the Raptors, more specifically Kyle Lowry, would have to respond in a big way to silence the critics and prove they were still one of top contenders to compete for the championship in June.

From the get-go Tuesday night, the Raptors were fearless, relentlessly attacking the rim and getting Kawhi Leonard cooking early. They started the game on a 16-2 run. Lowry got his first point of the series via free throw, which prompted fans to give a standing ovation in support.

He followed it up by way on the next possession with a backbreaking triple from beyond the arc. KLOE finished the game with a full stat sheet: 22 points, a team-high seven assists, four rebounds, two steals, a block and +30 plus/minus.

As great as Lowry was, it was Leonard who was the best player on the court, from beginning to end, especially in the third quarter when he dropped 17 points. Leonard finished the game with game-high 37 points on 15-of-22 shooting, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and game-high +37 on both ends of the court.

Toronto traded away arguably the best player the franchise has ever known for this version of Kawhi Leonard, who raises the ceiling of a very good Raptors team to championship contender. Pascal Siakam posted his first ever double-double in a playoff game with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Orlando Magic, unlike the first game in the series, didn’t have an answer for Toronto’s defense. Aaron Gordon led the team with 20 points to go along with five rebounds and two assists. Unsung hero D.J. Augustin was held in check this time, posting a poor shooting effort (1-for-6) for nine points. The Magic did their best to rally in the second quarter to cut the lead into single digits after trailing by as many as 16, but to no avail.

The Raptors came out scorching hot with Leonard leading the way as the main catalyst, consistently going on runs, extending the lead and they never looking back.  Here are the main takeaways from Game 2 vs the Magic.