Tip of the Tower
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Podcast: Toronto Raptors need to rebound, what’s next for the Maple Leafs?

By David Morassutti

TORONTO, ON - MAY 01: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball as Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors defends in the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 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)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 01: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball as Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors defends in the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 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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The Toronto Raptors unravel in the fourth quarter of Game 1, while the Toronto Maple Leafs will look to take the next step with a new general manager.

David Morassutti and Austin Owens are back after a tough week for Toronto Sports fans, with the Toronto Maple Leafs first-round defeat to the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Raptors losing Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

(0:00-12:00) What happened to the Raptors? David and Austin look back on the fourth quarter and how different the narrative would have been if they held on.

The offence was nowhere to be found, especially from DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. One positive was the play of Jonas Valanciunas, who was dominant early in the game.

On the defensive side of the ball, J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver took advantage of the attention that LeBron James drew. This should hopefully force the Raptors to make changes to how they gameplan their matchups in Game 2.

(12:00-25:30) DeRozan’s postgame comments show that Toronto need to watch the mental games Cleveland try to play.

A good example of this was Drake and his exchange with Kendrick Perkins, because even though it wasn’t between players on the court, the emotions were high and got the better of the participants.

What do the Raptors need to do to turn things around? Will Tristan Thompson continue to get the attention of the crowd?

(25:30-39:55) David and Austin relive the Leafs’ loss in Game 7 to the Boston Bruins and why Jake Gardiner can’t be the only player to blame for the defeat.

More from Tip of the Tower

Is it time for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner to play together more? It should’ve probably happened in the playoffs, but maybe it will at some time next season.

They also discuss the report about the relationship between Mike Babcock and Matthews.

(39:55-end) Lou Lamoriello is gone, so what happens next? David and Austin believe it should be Kyle Dubas and not having it announced yet is all part of Brendan Shanahan‘s plan (yes the Shanaplan).

They also preview the offseason, looking at the big challenge of finding upgrades on the blue line and why it shouldn’t cost them William Nylander to get it done.

At the same time, there are some prospects worth keeping an eye on who will hopefully play a role with the Toronto Marlies sooner rather than later, while also reliving some painful draft moments.

Next: 6 Revelations for Game 1 loss to Cavaliers

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