Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has played a key role in Toronto tying up its first-round series vs. Cleveland.
This series is deadlocked and so is the momentum. It’s anyone’s guess as to which team moves on to the Eastern Conference semifinals, and in that sense, the Cleveland Cavaliers must be feeling a bit dizzy right now.
They built a 2-0 lead and looked dominant while doing so, only to flutter helplessly in Toronto and allow the Raptors to pull even. That’s more of an indictment against the Cavs, who do have the advantage of home court, which could swing in their favor, starting with Game 5 on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Much will fall on the reputations and shoulders of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. The duo worked so wondrously in the first two games … and then, at times, became victims of their own mistakes and missed shots in the two Cleveland losses.
The Raptors have shown they can take a punch and not only survive, but give a strong response. And they still haven’t seen Brandon Ingram’s A-game yet.
If he starts connecting, and he’s certainly due, the Raptors might find themselves going home with a chance to close out the series.
Yes, the situation is that delicate between the Cavs and Raptors. Here’s what to watch for Game 5 in Cleveland:
1. Will Raptors’ strategy work?
What has happened since the first two games, which were dominated by the Cavs? The Raptors paid extra attention to Mitchell and Harden and dared their Cavs teammates to step into those big roles. And none have so far.
Mitchell and Harden create so much for themselves and their teammates because of their ball dominance that when Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and the rest of the rotation must fend for themselves, the offensive output can be minimal at times.
The obvious third wheel in the equation is Mobley, who has made steady improvement at both ends since his rookie season … except for this season, when he flatlined. And that has carried over into this first-round series as Mobley has had one impactful game. He’s averaging 16.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game vs. Toronto.
The Raptors must be aware of the Harden and/or Mitchell response, especially at home. Harden will look to secure the ball better; he’s averaging six turnovers per game. Also, Toronto might need to be mindful of a level-up by a Cleveland rotational player. Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson could have their game of the series and put Cleveland one step closer to winning this round.
2. Why 3s are the magic number
Both teams are coming off a Game 4 where points and efficiency took a back seat. That means the Raptors and Cavaliers are due for a bounce-back.
And it might come down to long-distance shooting.
Which team seems most capable?
As for the Cavs, who are at 34% in the series, Strus, Harden and Sam Merrill must take charge. They’re the most efficient of the bunch, and in the case of Strus and Merrill, it might be time for them to shoot often. As a duo, they’re barely taking more combined than Mitchell does in a game, and Mitchell’s efficiency is streaky.
The Raptors don’t emphasize 3-point shooting mainly because it’s not their strength, especially with Immanuel Quickley out for the series with an injury. Grady Dick was supposed to be the designated specialist, but he has regressed and isn’t even in the rotation. Except for RJ Barrett, none of Toronto’s top scorers are volume shooters from deep.
Should the Raptors make 3s, that would be a bonus for them and send the Cleveland defense scrambling. Should the Cavs make 3s, that could make it hard for Toronto to win.
3. Shead, Murray-Boyles stepping up
What’s impressive about the Raptors in this series is how two players taken in the last two drafts are coming up large at times. That would be Jamal Shead and Collin Murray-Boyles, who are demanding and getting ample playing time.
How many guards who average six points and don’t control the ball can earn 30 minutes a night in the playoffs? Shead is on the floor because of his intense defense, relentless hustle and he’s not intimidated by the moment.
Harden and Mitchell know that Shead will be in their grill constantly.
As for Murray-Boyles, he’s the best paint player in the series, bringing energy and blue collar, more impactful than Mobley and Allen, two more experienced and accomplished players. Murray-Boyles is attacking the glass and supplying a skill that has diminished in the NBA over the last decade or so — offensive rebounding. Those second-chance possessions are giving the Raptors multiple scoring opportunities.
“He changes games,” said Barnes.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can e-mail him at spowell@nba.com, find his archive here and follow him on X.
