Toronto Raptors: 6 Revelations from Game 1 loss to Cavaliers

TORONTO, ON - MAY 01: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors falls to his knees after missing a basket in the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 1, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – MAY 27: J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives against the Toronto Raptors in the first quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 27, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

4. Defence needs to lockdown on Korver and Smith

Two players who have made their living from beyond the arc earned their pay cheque in Game 1. Kyle Korver and J.R. Smith shot a combined 10-for-18 from three, which allowed the Cavaliers to keep the game close and ultimately win in overtime.

There were no other players that were a threat from the perimeter and yet the Raptors’ defence didn’t make the adjustment to stop them. Usually Love mixes in as well, but that didn’t seem to matter.

The Raptors did a commendable job to neutralize LeBron James from scoring, but he made sure to get others involved. This has been the case in the past against Toronto and the lesson hasn’t sunk in just yet.

Can they make the proper adjustments? Hopefully the Raptors see how Korver and Smith didn’t have as many contested looks as they should, and the perimeter defence improves.

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