The Toronto Raptors continued their positive play tonight, as they fought long and hard against the Miami Heat tonight at American Airlines Arena. Winners of 5 in a row, the Toronto Raptors hoped to continue their savvy trend, but were unable to do so, thanks in large part to an appalling fourth quarter. The Toronto Raptors entered the fourth quarter up by 5, where they later fell to the demise of the defending champs. They held the Heat to just 7-20 shooting in the final 12 minutes, but didn’t help their own cause offensively, shooting 6-21 themselves.
Offense: A+
The Toronto Raptors continued to do what they’ve been doing offensively; shooting the ball at an efficient rate, and sustaining constant ball movement throughout. Finishing with 24 assists on 39 made field goals (shooting 50% from the floor), the Raptors once again exemplified the importance of team basketball, against a team that has been notoriously known for it, during their back-to-back title runs within the past couple of years. The Toronto Raptors also did an excellent job in getting both Amir Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas involved, as they combined for 34 points (14-21 FG), and 14 rebounds, and did an excellent job exploiting the Miami Heat’s only weakness; that being, their interior defense. Although it seemed as if the Toronto Raptors were a better team throughout the majority of this game, their offensive failed to execute when it mattered the most (held to just 13 points in the final quarter).
Defense: C+
The Toronto Raptors haven’t allowed over 100 points in six straight games, but did so tonight. Heading into tonight’s affair with the Miami Heat, the Raptors have taken pride in their defense, which has taken positive strides as of late. It’s never easy preventing the defending champions to explode offensively, as they’ve got various ways to score (oh yeah, they’ve also got the four-time MVP). LeBron James caused various issues for the Toronto Raptors tonight as well, proving that he’ll have his way with just about anyone that guards him. Credit the Toronto Raptors for limiting the Miami Heat to just three 3-pointers (3-11/27%).
Rebounding: C-
The Miami Heat had their way on the glass today, as they out-rebounded the Raptors, 42-34. The Heat’s 14 offensive rebounds were of importance in the final quarter, providing the Heat with a few extra possessions, which were vital in the end result. The Raptors on the other end were limited to just 7 offensive rebounds, but that can also be credited to succeeding for over 50% of their shots. Chris Bosh led the way with 11 rebounds for the Heat, as Amir Johnson led the way with 8 rebounds.
Game ball: LeBron James
It’s only fitting that the best player in the league receives tonight’s game ball; although he was very much deserving of it. Putting up a stat-line of 30 points (12-18 FG), 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, LeBron James was a matchup nightmare for any Toronto Raptor tonight, and helped ignite a Miami comeback, helping secure a victory.
