The Raptors – Cavaliers series shifts into Game 2 on Monday, with Toronto trying to answer a 126-113 Game 1 loss in Cleveland and cut into a 1-0 deficit. The fifth-seeded Raptors need a sharper defensive effort after allowing Cleveland to control the opener and build early separation. Tipoff is set for 7 p. m. ET as the action continues before the series moves north of the border.
Toronto searches for a faster start
The Raptors entered the matchup with a clear lesson from Saturday’s defeat: their offence produced enough to stay competitive for stretches, but their defence never held up long enough to change the game. Toronto allowed 126 points, gave up 13 second-chance points, and lost the possession battle by seven, leaving head coach Darko Rajakovic with a long list of fixes.
Rajakovic said the staff spent the off-day reviewing film, meeting early Sunday morning and making last-minute tweaks before presenting the plan to the players. He described the team’s transition play as poor and pointed to the defensive side as the central issue in the first meeting of the Raptors – Cavaliers series.
Toronto also has reason to believe there is more to unlock on offence. Brandon Ingram scored 17 points on nine shot attempts in Game 1, but only one of those shots came in the second half. Jamal Shead said the team studied how Cleveland guarded Ingram and wants to be more aggressive and more connected in the half court.
Raptors – Cavaliers adjustments center on Ingram and the backcourt
The biggest question heading into Game 2 is whether the Raptors can put Brandon Ingram in better positions early and often. Rajakovic said Toronto wants to improve the flow of the offence, while Ingram said the answer starts with aggression, open catches and shooting, drives, kick-outs and getting all the way to the rim.
There is also uncertainty around Immanuel Quickley, who is listed as questionable for Game 2 after missing Game 1 with a right hamstring strain. Rajakovic said Toronto missed Quickley’s organization and shooting, and noted the team wanted multiple ball handlers on the floor with Shead.
On the other side of the floor, Toronto must deal with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, who combined for 54 points and 14 assists in Cleveland’s Game 1 win. Scottie Barnes was used on Harden late in the opener, and Toronto may lean on him more heavily if the Raptors – Cavaliers series continues to tilt toward Cleveland’s backcourt.
Quick context from Game 1
Game 1 ended with Cleveland in control, even though Toronto shot 13-of-27 from three and 52 per cent overall. The Raptors also went to the line 35 times, but the score still drifted away as Cleveland dictated the key possessions.
One of Toronto’s few bright spots was rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who delivered 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in his playoff debut while standing out defensively. Jamal Shead also scored 17 points in 28 minutes, giving Toronto a few signs it can build on in the Raptors – Cavaliers matchup.
What comes next
Game 2 gives Toronto a chance to reset before the series shifts back north of the border. If the Raptors – Cavaliers matchup is going to tighten, the response has to start with cleaner defence, better possession management and a more organized attack around Ingram. Monday night will show whether Toronto can turn those adjustments into a split.
