Raptors Cage

Game Day Preview: Lowry, Raptors Look To Even Up Series With Nets

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Kyle LowryThe Toronto Raptors have a major challenge tonight: a must-win game that will extend the series and give them a better chance to move onto the second round. Last game, Kyle Lowry was burdened with a knee injury before fouling out. DeMar DeRozan scored 30 points for the second straight game, after struggling in his playoff debut.

On the Brooklyn Nets‘ side, Paul Pierce continued to present a matchup problem for Toronto, and the back-court was able to carry the Nets once again, Deron Williams with 22 points, and Joe Johnson with 29.

Cage’s Keys To The Game

Get Jonas Valanciunas Involved 

Jonas, after dominating early on in the series, was limited to 4 field goals, and played less then 30 minutes in game 3. JV has been a major reason for the success of the Raptors in this postseason. Brooklyn does not have the size to match-up against Jonas, who has also dominated the glass. Not only should the Raptors be running through him early in the game, but as it progresses, he should be a constant option offensively. Bigs run, rebound, defend, and play harder when they’re involved, this is the best way to get him going.

Kyle Lowry Must Step Up

Lowry has been slowed in the past two games with new adjustments and defensive coverages. This game is where the Raptors need both DeMar DeRozan, and Kyle Lowry to be major factors offensively. Lowry hasn’t been able to adjust to the blitzing defense that Nets coach Jason Kidd has thrown at him. As the floor general and as the leader of this team, he needs to carry Toronto into the fourth with the game in reach, or better yet, a lead. He’s got to be able to run this team into their sets, avoid hero-ball, and get his teammates into the right positions. Ball movement has been awful so far, and the team has been straying away from what got them into the postseason in the first place.

Contain Dribble Penetration

Deron Williams and Joe Johnson have absolutely burned the Raptors off the dribble, and have created too many easy looks on the perimeter and in the paint. The Nets guards have been able to get into the lane with ease, and this is a major reason the Raptors have allowed Brooklyn to shoot such high field goal percentages.

X-Factor: Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry must be a great point guard tonight in order for the Raptors to have a chance to win the game, it’s that simple. Game 2 and 3 have been a struggle for him. Tonight is where he must break through, run and create offence for the team, and be the point of attack defensively like he’s been all season long. KLOE is arguably the best point guard in the East, time to play like it.

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