Road blues continue for the Raptors as they fall to Cleveland 122-108

Yet to secure a road win, Toronto faced a tough opponent in the top-ranked Cavaliers

The Toronto Raptors started out their road trip against the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup that came down to the Raptors’ defence trying to overpower the offence of their opponent. Despite significant effort and organization at the defensive end, part of a positive trend over the last few games of the season, it wasn’t enough to overcome Cleveland, who continues to have the highest field goal percentage, 3 point percentage, and offensive rating in the NBA.

Toronto started Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl, and Ochai Agbaji. They battled throughout the matchup, with strong contributions from Barnes, Barrett, Poeltl, and Mogbo off the bench, although it was an uphill battle from wire to wire.

Cleveland countered with Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Isaac Okoro, and Jarrett Allen. Led by their backcourt who combined for 42 points, Allen shone with 23-13, but the star of Cleveland’s show was Ty Jerome, who contributed a solid 26-3-6 with four steals, a block, and a solid 64% shooting night.

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In the first, Cleveland moved the ball well and created a significant presence in the paint. Their potential to hit threes meant closeouts were necessary, opening up space for Jarrett Allen who consistently made himself a lob threat. Trying to counter, RJ and Gradey both got good, open looks, but had trouble converting those shots, losing possession after a single missed shot on consecutive plays. The Cavs were hitting almost all of their shots early, with Toronto’s struggles from distance continuing. Many mistakes leading to turnovers gave Cleveland extra opportunities and they capitalized, building a significant double-digit advantage. Chris Boucher provided highlights for the Raptors though, with active hands leading to deflections and second effort that allowed him to contribute 6 points and an offensive board in the frame. It wasn’t enough though, and the buzzer sounded with the Raptors facing a 38-22 deficit.

It didn’t take long for things to start to balance out though. The pace shifted, with the Raptors forcing plays in transition, preventing Cleveland from getting a set defence. Their shots also started to be less consistent, allowing the Raptors to find breathing room and claw their way back into it. Defensively Toronto dialled in too, forcing turnovers that gave them opportunities at the free throw line. Mogbo was a force in the quarter, providing an answer for Cleveland’s paint touches. Dick, Mogbo, and Mitchell all provided 3-pointers for Toronto, and for a time, the Cavs’ lead was reduced to only 4. They managed to draw fouls and get in the bonus with half the quarter left to play, but despite a 16-6 run and strong defensive play, a couple of sloppy possessions late allowed Cleveland to create a 10-point cushion headed into the locker room.

With fresh legs, the Cavs came out firing on all cylinders, starting the quarter on an 8-2 run. Toronto was able to answer with their own run by getting back to the basics of what had been successful for them in the first half: playing with pace and running the floor. Every time it felt like they were making their way back into the game, Garland or Donovan would hit a big shot that created a cushion for the Cavs. Toronto’s effort never wavered, with Scottie taking charge halfway through the quarter and finding ways to score, especially on mismatches. Agbaji also found ways to score from the 3-point line, and off the dribble when he was run off the line. With back-to-back long range shots, and full defensive effort, Toronto made it a two-possession game headed into the final frame.

Donovan Mitchell looked to make a statement early in the fourth, drilling threes and dictating the offence, allowing him to score 7 straight points. Toronto looked shaky, allowing Cleveland to build a lead that felt insurmountable for much of the quarter. Scottie made his presence known, making plays from all three levels, but despite everyone’s best effort, Cleveland kept them at an arm’s length though, finishing 122-108.

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While this is a bit of a disappointment after two straight wins, it’s pretty forgivable to drop a game to a team like Cleveland with Championship aspirations. It’s hard not to pick apart a few of the avoidable mistakes though, namely the free-throw performance of Scottie and RJ (although as a whole, the team shot 22-34).

There are plenty of more promising notes from the matchup as well, including the continued positive performance of the second round picks Mogbo and Shead from the bench, Scottie’s seamless return from injury, and what is arguably Poeltl’s best season yet.

Usually the expectations for second round picks are generally low, and often it can take years of development at the G-League level. While Shead and Mogbo still have lots of space to grow, it’s nice to already see them contribute. Mogbo felt like the answer to Cleveland’s paint touches for much of the first half, and Shead’s defence can be stifling at times. Their potential was certainly on full display tonight, as Mogbo finished with 13 points, 7 boards, a steal and a block and Shead finished with 6 points, 2 boards, 2 assists, and a steal.

Scottie continues to demonstrate his abilities as the franchise cornerstone as well, and for a moment, when he got hit by Allen late in the fourth, Raps fans collectively held their breath until he got up. His passing, defence, and physical presence on the court seem to make the world of difference. Finishing with 18-7-7, with 3 steals and a block, Scottie is continuing to show his all-star talent for the Raps.

Poeltl started almost off balance, missing a few key shots early, but quickly returned to form. With 12 points, 19 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block, he stuffed the stat sheet. Beyond just numbers, seeing him operate offensively and how he contributes in PNRs, as a screen, and as a passer, it’s hard not to see how vital he’s become to the Raps’ offence.

Now, the Raptors’ primary goal will best rest in preparation for their back-to-back as they continue their road trip. Tomorrow, the Raptors will face the Detroit Pistons on the second night of a back to back. Be sure to tune in at 7:00 pm ET on Sportsnet.