While the addition of Rudy Gay was huge for the Raps, it’s clear that the Toronto Raptors aren’t on the same level as the Miami Heat just yet. Gay’s season high 29 wasn’t enough, as nobody else on the team really was effective. DeMar DeRozan scored 27 but 6-17 shooting isn’t going to get the job done.
The Raps hung around for three quarters, but the Heat kicked it into another gear and just ran away with it, which isn’t unexpected.
There were a few factors other than talent that held the Raps back as well. Obviously, when playing an elite team like the Heat, the refs are going to favor them. There were multiple ghost calls tonight, giving the Heat an extra boost when down. Also, Dwane Casey‘s short rotation really hurt the Raps. When they needed a boost, Casey still kept that same rotation out there and struggling players such as Alan Anderson really crippled the Raps tonight. The fact that he completely overplayed DeRozan and Gay was pretty questionable as well, as they appeared burned out in the fourth quarter.
Let’s take a look at the report card:
Offence- B-
The Heat locked up the Raps in the second half. The Raps shot 37% from the field, and a tough Heat defence will do that to you. However, the Raps did get to the line 32 times, and the shot selection wasn’t too bad.
Other than Gay, nobody really shot the ball well today. Kyle Lowry hasn’t performed as a starter thus far. He has to start looking to create offence for himself more, because at this point it seems as he’s just trying to get Gay and DeRozan the ball almost every possession.
Defence- C+
The first half defence was quite solid from the Raps, but stops seemed to be scarce in the second half, particularly the fourth.
It really was the big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh that carried the Heat offensively, combining for 81 points. Wow.
Rebounding- A
This was definitely the thing that kept the Raps in the game. Tons of second chance points, the Raps really did a solid job on the glass.
Aaron Gray led the way with 12, and he’s been surprisingly solid as of late.
Game Ball goes to none other than LeBron. 30-8-7 looked effortless for the superstar tonight, and he really is unstoppable.
Credit to Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports for the photo.
