The Toronto Raptors got blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers 131-108 in their final game before the All-Star break.
Growing pains
That was ugly. The Raptors got blown out by the Cavaliers again. Cleveland swept the four-game season series against Toronto as they dominated from the jump. They got out to a 41-17 lead and didn’t look back. Cleveland had 12 assists on 13 first-quarter field goals. They hit 8 of their first 17 three-point attempts and outscored Toronto 24-3 from beyond the arc after the first quarter. The Raptors just didn’t have enough shooting to keep up with Cleveland. They were 4-for-17 from three at halftime, while Max Strus and Sam Merrill were a combined 8-for-14 from three at the break as the Cavaliers led by 25. The Raptors did end the third quarter strong, but they just couldn’t crack Cleveland who had answers on offense all night.
RJ Barrett returns
A positive in this game was the return of Barrett. He had missed the Raptors last 6 games after entering concussion protocol. He had 27 points on 11-for-19 shooting from the field to along with 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Barrett tried to provide a spark to the Raptors offense as he was the only starter who shot the ball well. The only downside of Barrett’s performance was him going 3-for-7 at the line. Barrett has struggled from the free throw line this season, only shooting 65.5 percent. That needs to change.
Tristian Thompson’s end of game antics
With the game all but over in a blowout win for the Cavaliers, Tristian Thompson decided to dunk the basketball for two more points instead of just running out the clock. The Raptors didn’t like that as Jamal Shead and Scottie Barnes confronted Thompson after the game. Both sides had to be separated as a heated argument took place. In the postgame press conference Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said “I think what Tristan [Thompson] did there was no class and disrespectful… I love when my team stands up for themselves,” per the Toronto Star. Thompson is a Brampton native, who received a chorus of boos from the Toronto faithful following his actions.
Next on tap
The Raptors will now get a little vacation with the NBA All-Star break taking place this weekend. Toronto will not see the floor again until Feb. 21 when they host the Miami Heat.
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