Shooting woes continue as Raptors lose crucial game to Cavs

Toronto's chances to escape the play-in tournament has taken a massive dent.

Courtesy: Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports

Toronto’s chances to escape the play-in tournament has taken a massive dent.

The Cavs win on Sunday gave them the season series over the Raptors (3-0 with one left to play) and moved Cleveland three games ahead with 18 left on the schedule. Things were pretty even in the first half until Kevin Love, Cedi Osman and Lauri Markkanen’s shooting gave the Cavs some separation. The Raptors converted on turnovers in the third quarter on a 13-1 run to cut the deficit to one, but Cleveland’s 20-3 response essentially but the game away for good. Toronto had a mini flurry late in the fourth to pull within five, however time ran out.

The effort was there but other factors contributed to a loss.

Lack of shooting… again

Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby’s absence already took away two of the best shooters on the team. Malachi Flynn’s hamstring strain comes at really unfortunate timing given how well he had been playing as a starter. Flynn also had been the most reliable from three lately (11-20 over the previous four games). Pascal Siakam was previously the emergency starting point guard on a couple of occasions, but this time Nick Nurse tried Scottie Barnes and inserted Chris Boucher in the starting lineup.

So basically the 6-9 squad outside of slumping Gary Trent Jr was the only option against an ever bigger Cavs lineup that is nicknamed “Tower City.” The Raptors shot 2-18 from three in the first three quarters which made it even easier for Cavs bigs to pack the paint.

https://twitter.com/cavs/status/1500650369617072129

Some of these are painful to watch from a spacing perspective. Lots of forced drives with extra Raptors in the paint, which only attracted more defenders. There were also decent looks from outside that didn’t fall. Jarrett Allen only played 10 minutes because of a quad injury (and is now out indefinitely with a fractured finger), but his presence was evident with two blocks. Evan Mobley’s defensive versatility also created problems, as the Raptors shot in the low 30s from the field most of the game.

One Man Bench

Precious Achiuwa provided a great spark in the first quarter with some creative baskets for eight quick points. Those were also the last points by any Raptor reserve in this game. Yes, missing guys and starting Boucher means there are less reliable reserve options. But damn.

Thaddeus Young, Dalano Banton, Yuta Watanabe and Svi Myhailiuk combined to shoot 0-10. Nurse gave Svi a third quarter look in hope to get anything going from the perimeter but that was in vain. Armoni Brooks got a five minute run but didn’t attempt a shot.

Meanwhile Love is the only remaining player on the Cavs 2016 championship squad and has transitioned nicely from perennial all-star to one of the best sixth men in the league. Love and Osman had 32 points combined, quadrupling the Raptors bench.

Speaking of Cedi, what the hell is this?

I don’t want to be all negative here so let’s highlight how impressive Achiuwa continues to be on the defensive end, even picking up a shifty point guard like Darius Garland when he has to.

Mobley vs Barnes II

It’s going to be really fun tracking the progression of the 2021 draft class as years go on and my hair turns grey. Both rookies stuffed the stat sheet, doing a little bit of everything. Along with being a defensive monster, Mobley tied a career-high with 17 rebounds, keeping several possessions alive with seven of those coming on the offensive end. He also had 20 points.

Nick Nurse complimented Scottie looking for transition opportunities both on ESPN before the second quarter and after the game.

There were also some fun possessions between Barnes and Mobley on both sides of the ball. Scottie finished with 19 points, 12 boards, six assists and three steals.

What’s Next?

The Raptors are off for two days, before going to San Antonio for part two of this six game road trip.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 26: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors controls the ball against the Chicago Bulls on January 26, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago defeated Toronto 111-105. 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 Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

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TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 1: Scottie Barnes #4, Gary Trent Jr. #33, Pascal Siakam #43 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors look on during the game against the Miami Heat on February 1, 2022 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NBAE via Getty Images

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