Tip of the Tower
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Toronto Raptors need to find killer instinct against Cavaliers

By David Morassutti

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 22: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards during Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 22: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards during Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors will need to dig deep if they want to make a comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, including showing a killer instinct and no fear.

Forget about playing for pride or with a better effort. The Toronto Raptors will need much more than that, if they expect to get back in this series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In Game 1 their offence was nowhere to be seen in the fourth quarter, allowing Cleveland to make a comeback. Then in Game 2, the Cavaliers took charge with LeBron James and Kevin Love combining to bury Toronto.

The main difference between the first two games of this series is that when the opportunity presented itself for the Raptors to take control they weren’t able to, while Cleveland did.

That mentality has to change if the Raptors get ahead early in Game 3; they need to find their killer instinct, because the Cavaliers do not want this series to go back to Toronto. If there is the slightest opportunity for the Raptors to get ahead in a game, there cannot be any hesitation for them to pounce.

It was part of the reason why the Raptors were successful during the regular season, especially in their blowout win over the Cavs back in January.

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So how do they do that? It starts by implementing the changes that were supposed to make them a tougher matchup in the playoffs, with quick ball movement and improved shooting from beyond the arc.

On top of that, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have to step up and have a dominant performance. The likelihood of either one outplaying James is slim to none, but they’re not making it hard on the Cavaliers to shut them down.

If Serge Ibaka is able to play at a respectable level, it gives the Raptors another weapon that Cleveland is forced to defend against. If he struggles then the attention goes on Lowry and DeRozan and they have been more willing to pass it off, rather than try to take over the game themselves.

In Game 1 they found a lot of success by using Jonas Valanciunas, who was unguardable but somehow faded in the fourth quarter. If they force Cleveland to match up against him, it would go a long way in establishing a rhythm and consistency on offence.

Next: 6 Revelations from Game 2 loss to Cavaliers

Do you think the Raptors can bounce back and tie the series, or is it too late? Let us know in the comments below. 

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