Cavs 94 - Raptors 91: shooting MIA

The Raptors stayed on the Cavaliers’ tail all night, and tied the game late. But the opponents aren’t the reigning champions by fluke.

The Toronto Raptors’ lack of secondary scoring was in evidence once again. Against the NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers, there’s no margin for error, but error was the Raptors’ constant curse. Turnovers and poor shooting ended up to be more than Toronto could cope with. As a result, a stirring comeback was for naught.

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The issues I harped about yesterday were on full display. Another extraordinary performance from DeMar DeRozan, some fine work at both ends of the floor by Jonas Valanciunas (and Jakob Poeltl – nice game, kid)…and after two games, the Raptors have made 20.6% of their 3-ball tries. What’s amazing to me is that they aren’t the league’s worst. That honour belongs to the New Orleans Pelicans, at 19%. No wonder all those guys do is pass the ball to Anthony Davis.

This game was painful on so many levels.

Oct 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Gonzo thoughts on a disappointing night

ITEM: What was DeRozan doing bringing the ball up the floor? He was getting picks set for him by Kyle Lowry. DD has been charged with 9 turnovers in 2 games. How can this work?

I have to wonder if Kyle isn’t hiding an injury. He didn’t look right in the practice I attended, and he committed 6 turnovers last night.

ITEM: Patrick Patterson has made one 3-ball so far, which is one more than Terrence Ross. 2-Pat had a chance to tie the game with a few seconds to play, but was short on his try from beyond the arc. Why would he be trusted with that shot? It’s no surprise the Cavaliers didn’t pressure him; they were concerned with the inevitable rebound.

ITEM: What has, or hasn’t, Norman Powell done to be stapled to the bench? It’s not like the other guys are tearing it up and there’s no reason to mess with success.

ITEM: Pascal Siakam got his second straight start, but ran into foul trouble. He was called for a moving screen early, which he was surely guilty of. Other than that example of trying too hard, he’s stayed within his lane nicely.

The Cavaliers were ripe for the picking. Despite shabby Raptors shooting, the visitors weren’t able to pull away. But they made enough 3-balls (12 to 4) to win, although the Raptors had more field goals. Kyrie Irving’s dagger to break the 91-all draw ruined Friday night for another sell-out crowd.

Toronto faces Denver at home on Monday night.