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Toronto Raptors: Capabilities are Stronger than you Think

By Vanessa Serrao

Nov 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) comes away with a rebound against Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Cavaliers 103-99. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) comes away with a rebound against Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Cavaliers 103-99. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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While the Cavaliers are favoured to win, the Toronto Raptors have a few secret weapons and tricks up their sleeves for this second round playoff series.

When the Toronto Raptors have to face the predator team, which are the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, it is never something that fans look forward to. But do you think we should consider that maybe the Raptors can possibly beat the Cavaliers this year?

Inevitably, it’s a team they can’t avoid, so why not sooner than later? The Raptors picked up some key players in order to tighten their lineup, which could ultimately give them a greater chance to win and go all the way. 

Secret Weapons

So who are these players that have given the Raptors success? None other than Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker.

I’m sure their skill will be tested over the rest of the playoffs. The goal has ultimately been to beat the Cavaliers at their own game.

The Raptors know what this team is capable of. As mentioned, it’s not the first time they have faced them in the playoffs.

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The Raptors must play fearlessly, if they are to take down LeBron James. Beating the Bucks and previously playing the Cavaliers has given the Raptors confidence.

It has proven to be beneficial in order to move forward. Ibaka and Tucker will give the Raptors what they need, for a better likelihood of beating the Cavaliers.

Ibaka will be beneficial to cover Kevin Love, who has been highlighted for crushing the Raptors in the past, specifically last spring. Ibaka can be a dangerous player, offensively and defensively, and maintains the star quality of fearlessness.

Tucker is also great offensively and defensively, he can shoot the three, and he can guard Lebron along with DeMarre Carroll, who we all know is a veteran. The Raptors’ defence has been really strong this season, and this is something the team has lacked in the past.

A key thing about beating your opponent is knowing how they play, and the Raptors definitely know a lot about James. As per Bruce Arthur of The Toronto Star, many Raptor players commented on their opponent:

"“That’s LeBron,” says forward Tucker, who will likely get major minutes defending James. “He makes his whole team better. Every team he’s ever been on, he makes the whole team better. Just the way he passes the ball, the way he pushes the ball, the way he finds other people. That’s what makes him LeBron.”"

Relief

The Toronto Raptors did themselves a big favour with last Thursday’s win, especially because it has given them time to rest for the series against Cleveland. In truth, the Raptors need all the rest they can get, after an emotional victory against the Bucks. 

The Bucks trapped Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, which was a useful tactic for them. Defensively, the Raptors were physical without fouling, while getting stops and rebounds that led to their transition offense.

Next: Raptors' 2 Man Game - Raps vs. Cavs

Hopefully The Toronto Raptors can focus on the positives of the Bucks game and not the 25-point letdown. They can then bring this forward for the challenging series against Cleveland.

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