The Toronto Raptors didn’t have enough to handle the Cleveland Cavaliers who defeated them 122-108.
Jonathan Mogbo stands out
Mogbo had a career night against the Cavaliers. He finished with 13 points to go along with 7 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal in 20 minutes from off the bench. Defensively, the 6-foot-7 wing has been able to defend everyone on the floor. It’s that kind of versatility that has earned Mogbo consistent playing time. Mogbo also had a quality outing against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 21. The Raptors have always been in search for long versatile wings and they may have found a good one in Mogbo.
Scottie Barnes got it going late
Barnes didn’t have a good season opener against the Cavaliers when guarded by Evan Mobley and his struggles continued in the first-half of this game. However, in the second-half he finally started to figure some things out. He took advantage when Mobley was off the court and he scored 9 points in the fourth quarter on his way to an 18-point night. He also had 7 rebounds and 7 assists. His aggressiveness was good to see in the second-half, but he still hasn’t found that consistent three-point shooting stroke this season. He shot just 1-for-6 from deep in this one.
Cavaliers avalanche
The Raptors came into this game riding a two-game winning streak, but it looked like the Cavaliers were going to have an easy night as they got out to a 38-22 lead. However, the Raptors battled back in the second-half and came alive late in the third quarter. A couple of three-pointers from Jamal Shead pulled the Raptors within three. But then Donovan Mitchell got it going to start the fourth quarter and the Cavaliers started to hit their threes to pull away. Just like that, the Raptors were out of it. The Cavaliers have put the NBA on notice with a 17-1 start. Gradey Dick left the game in the fourth quarter with left calf soreness and did not return.
Next on tap
The Raptors will be in Detroit on Monday night to continue their road trip against the Pistons. Toronto is still in search of its first road win of the season.
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