Game 2 Malaise
Everything that seemed to go the Raptors’ way in Game 1 changed entirely in Game 2.
The Jimmy Butler-led 76ers came in and got their first win in Toronto since November 10th, 2012. The Raptors attempted to rally back later in the game, but Butler refused to let that happen. The North was taken over by Butler for one night at least. He scored 12 points in the final quarter, finishing with 30 in the game. This was a much needed change for the road team from Game 1. Butler was basically absent then, going 4-12 from the field for just 10 points.
Toronto’s key players put up impressive numbers but most of it was trying to overcome a big first half deficit. Kawhi Leonard was again masterful, going for 35 points. Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry added 21 and 20 respectively, but the team was inefficient overall. They shot 36% from the field and 27% from long range. The Sixers were playing like a team that needed the win and the Raptors were not prepared to combat that effort.
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The Raptors cannot be happy with this result in a game where Joel Embiid only attempted one shot in the first half, as he was hampered with an illness. Philly’s other stars really did not bring much offensively, which makes this feel like a major missed opportunity to go up 2-0 in the series. Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris only combined for 15 points. The second leading scorer for Philly was James Ennis. As Brett Brown said, Jimmy was the adult in the gym and he let everyone else know it.
Looking Forward
If there are any positives to take away from this game for the home team, it is there defense. They relinquished less than 100 points for the sixth straight game, an essential feat moving forward as their offense gets back on track. Greg Monroe, who played a big role in replacing Embiid in the lineup, left the game in the third quarter. If he misses any time, Toronto’s big men should get on track on the road.
The Raptors are unlikely to be that inefficient going forward and head coach Nick Nurse will make adjustments to help with these issues. They will need to get more out of their veteran depth to make an impact. Marc Gasol is averaging 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game Serge Ibaka is even worse. Danny Green is only shooting 20% from long range. No other bench players have made an impact. For a team built on depth, this is a major issue. The Raptors looked at this as a strength going into the series. Philadelphia boasts one of the most talented starting lineups in the league but their bench leaves something to be desired. If Leonard, Siakam and Lowry can cancel out the Sixers’ starters, the bench should be able to carry them through this series.
No Brotherly Love
The teams will meet again in Philadelphia on Thursday for Game 3. Toronto has been a strong road team all year, but their game plan will have to change. Leonard may have to spend more time on Butler. Jimmy Butler is the emotional leader when Joel Embiid cannot be. He may not be their best player, but when he has it going, Philadelphia plays like a totally different team. If the Raptors can leave the lethargy in Canada, though, no amount of Jimmy Butler’s “Grown Man” game will overcome the North.
