Loss after loss, the road seems to be despairingly bad for the Toronto Raptors. Most believe the final nail in their coffin came up in the game against the Cavaliers. People who saw the Raptors playing the other day termed the performance as Insipid, rugged, and flat. Needless to say, with those adjectives at the helm, the Raptors were beaten black and blue 114-94. What the score line may not suggest though is - The vein in which the Raptors played the game!
As the game panned out, the Raptors seemed to have no answer against Lebron James and his rampaging runs to their baskets. 31 points - That's a lot considering a team of Raptors' repute. Some people say that the Raptors did not have an idea on James' game. A ridiculous thought indeed, especially considering the fact that these teams play each other so often! After seeing the game, it is fair to say that the Toronto Raptors ended up on the losing side only because they played like losers.
Sagging shoulders even before the first lemon break gave an indication of things to come. Lack of cohesion in their moves upfront, confusion amongst players at the back, bad receptions and receives, multiple throw-ins, fouls and many more - Clearly it seemed that the Raptors were playing a game of basketball on Mars and the Cleveland Cavaliers seemed to be playing on earth. It could yet look like a metaphor, but it best summarizes the way the Raptors played the game. Shameless display of unprofessionalism at its best!
At the end of the game, the Raptors' coach put up a strong face and said, "They were just too good for us." They could have been, but you could only allow the other team to get the better of you, if you do so. If you are on your game, then there is no way the other team would dominate you. This surely has to be one lesson the Raptors need to learn from this defeat, if they really wish to make an impression in this and the next season.
The game should teach Raptors few things. First, there is no point in dropping your shoulders at any stage of the game. Even if you are winning, you could find ways of losing the game. If you are losing the game, you would get beaten mercilessly. And the comparisons continue! Second, at any stage of the game, never let your coordination slip. Opponents who are at the top of their games would be quick enough to whiff the opportunity and use it to blow you away. With these things possibly learnt by the Raptors, one could look at a different team playing in the next game. At least in the mind!
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