Toronto Raptors: 4 reasons they can still win the Cavaliers series

By Paul Taylor | May 7, 2018

TORONTO, ON - MAY 01: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as George Hill #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends in the first 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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2) Take advantage of JV

We’ve never hidden the fact we’re big fans of Jonas Valanciunas. However, he’s done more than enough to deserve the adulation.

There was never any denying the affable big man’s talent. However, there were times during previous seasons when you wondered if he would ever fulfill his potential, at least in Toronto.

Fortunately for everyone concerned, coach Casey finally figured out how to use Valanciunas more effectively. As a result, he had the best season of his six-year career.

The 25-year-old set career-bests for points, rebounds and assists per 36 minutes. He also had the second-best offensive and defensive rating among team regulars, i.e. players with more than 40 appearances during the regular season.

Valanciunas continued this form over into the playoffs, against the Wizards. He had three double-doubles, while averaging 13.5 points and 9.3 boards in six games.

Impressively, the 2011 fifth overall draft pick has been even better against the Cavaliers. However, there has still been a decline in his usage and production over the course of the first three games.

In this respect, it’s up to Casey to feature Valanciunas more and take advantage of what he offers. While the centre may have had his issues with Kevin Love defensively, Love and his teammates have had just as many problems with JV at the other end of the court.

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