There’s never been a game 7 in Toronto, in Canada, until now, where the Toronto Raptors are hosting he Brooklyn Nets in order to get to the second round. Kyle Lowry, and the Raptors, after an embarrassing close-out effort in game 6, need to redeem themselves and their intensity if they want a second-round birth since 2001. The Nets, on the other hand, made the starting lineup change which really helped the starting production of the back-court. Alan Anderson has stretched the floor with his shooting, and his physicality defensively has bothered DeMar DeRozan. Nothing else to say in this pre-game, other then leave it all on the floor. Game 7.
Cage’s Keys To The Game
1. Get Hit, and Hit Right Back.
The Toronto Raptors have struggled the entire series, with exception of game 5 against the physically defence of the Nets. For them to have success, the Raps cannot be afraid of the physicality and the defensive pressure. It starts with going into the inside with Jonas Valanciunas, establish the inside, and Lowry and DeRozan must take control to give the rest of the team confidence.
2. Feed The Crowd
The crowd will absolutely explode if the Raptors make any momentum plays – blocks, dunks, alley-oops. They must have the ability to create those plays in order to affect the crowd to get into the game; game 2 and game 5 were major factors into their success.
3. Attack the Back-Court
DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry have been consistent and have been carrying the Raptors throughout the series, this time, no difference. Deron Williams and Alan Anderson must work defensively, and if that’s done especially on Williams, that’ll help tire him out, and slow down his production.
X-Factor: Terrence Ross
Terrence Ross MUST show up today. he’s been the x-factor for the Raptors all year with his ability to run the floor, finish around the rim, hit the 3, and defend. All series, he’s either been struggling from 3, been in foul trouble, and has rarely come close to the rim. He must be confident, and ready to score the ball, be aggressive, and stay out of foul trouble.
