, ,

‘A fire when you get your ass kicked,’ and other practice notes

Sent reeling in Game 1, the Raptors look for a way to regroup.

by

Sent reeling from the largest victory in Cleveland Cavaliers postseason history, the Toronto Raptors have but a day to regroup and adjust ahead of Game 2 on Thursday. They can’t be feeling great following a 31-point drubbing, but it’s important to keep spirits high, because there are still at least three more games to go. And hey, there are small things they can try to do different on offense and defense. Those deck chairs aren’t going to shuffle themselves.

Here are some notes and quotes from Wednesday’s practice. Apologies that they’re coming late, but the blog life occasionally requires you to pick your moms up from the airport in exchange for all that free basement blog space (I kid, but I had a family obligation).

Nobody heard no bell

The Raptors may have been shellacked in Game 1 and may be a major underdog in the series, but they didn’t get here just to bow down and kiss the (runner up) ring.


And you know what, as much as that’s all the necessary lip service, it’s also true. When was the last time you can remember the Raptors turning in two bad outings in a row? They’ll be better Thursday.

Cavs not getting big heads

The Cavs are now 9-0 in the postseason, and LeBron James hasn’t lost an East playoff games in forever. They’re understandably confident, but James isn’t going to let complacency set in with this squad.


The Raptors are tough, the series is long, and a lot can still happen. Plus, the last team to start the playoffs 10-0 lost their next four games.

Jonas Valanciunas

The team still isn’t saying anything firm on the timeline for injured center Jonas Valanciunas, but it doesn’t sound like anyone should expect him anytime soon.


The loss is pretty enormous, and as much as Valanciunas may have struggled against Kevin Love and Channing Frye on defense, the Cavs don’t possess an option they’re comfortable playing who can also check the Lithuanian.

Assorted

*The Toronto Raptors’ media relations staff were finalists for the PBWA Brian McIntyre Media Relations Award. The Golden State Warriors’ staff got the nod for the second time in three years and the third time overall, while the Pistons, Hornets, and Suns were also finalists. The Raptors’ staff won the award last season and in 2007-08. Not only have they always been helpful and easy to deal with for me personally, but every visiting media member I’ve spoke with raves about Jim LaBumbard and company. Congratulations to them on another year well done.
*In terms of offensive changes, Lowry and DeRozan are once again trumpeting the need for aggression. Considering the Raptors shot extremely well at the rim but just couldn’t get there enough, that’s probably a smart adjustment.


Semi-related, Casey lamented the officials keeping DeRozan and Lowry both off the line, but uhh, maybe don’t throw shade at the officials after a 31-point loss.

Important life message from Bismack Biyombo


It’s a new day, yes it is!

Previous: There are no easy answers defending the Cavs
Next: Morning Coffee – Thu, May 19