Kawhi Leonard showed Raptors fans the elite playoff performer he is in Toronto's Game 2 win over Orlando. (michaelgrange ) UberEats
It’s a formula that travels well and rarely fails, provided it’s accompanied with enough talent to take a team over the top. But no matter how much talent a team has, little of significance has been won without the baring of teeth.went tried and true in Game 2., they tried to tear them apart. Picture something in nature making another living being their lunch — the pack descending, blood in the air.
All hands were on deck. All cylinders were firing. This was the Raptors performing optimally in way they’ve shown at times since this version of the roster was bolted together at the trade deadline, but not for stretches this long or with this much at stake. For five full minutes every rotation was perfect. Second and third efforts were given. Plays were made. Fouls were hard.
The Raptors defence was outstanding for the entire game as they held Orlando to 26.5 per cent shooting and forced 17 turnovers. And hey, it was pretty good in Game 1 given they held the Magic to 40 per cent from the floor. Former Raptor Terrence Ross briefly gave the Magic life with a 15-point burst in his first-half stint, but Toronto turned that tap off with some hard traps and Ross was held scoreless the rest of the way.Leonard was magnificent – every inch the elite playoff performer the Raptors turned their franchise inside out to get. He had 37 points and four assists in 33 minutes and the only reason he didn’t have more of either is Nurse pulled him with the Raptors up 31 in the fourth.
Even chatting with Magic officials privately, they were incredulous Leonard had played just 33 minutes in a tightly contested a Game 1, coming off three full days rest with Games 1-3 spread out over a further seven days.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Scott Stinson: Kawhi Leonard did it all for the Raptors in Game 2 winThe Kawhiassance was, admittedly, probably a game late, and through no real fault of Leonard’s. He was cradled and load-managed into an extremely light schedule this season
Read more »
Raptors' Siakam looking for more efficient performance in Game 2 - Sportsnet.caSiakam’s lack of success from beyond the arc was perhaps the only glaring weakness in Game 1 but if he can continue to win the battle at both ends of the floor, the Raptors gain a massive edge in this series. (ArdenZwelling)
Read more »
Magic carry quiet confidence to Game 1 win over Raptors - Sportsnet.caThere was a quiet confidence about this Orlando Magic group going into this series. And it showed in their Game 1 win over the Toronto Raptors.
Read more »
Magic stun Raptors with late three to win Game 1 - Sportsnet.caThe Orlando Magic stunned the Toronto Raptors with a 104-101 win in Game 1 of their first-round series.
Read more »
Kawhi Leonard talks Toronto, NBA Finals and why he's not on Twitter - Sportsnet.caIn a long-awaited edition of his popular YouTube series, Serge Ibaka sat down with Kawhi Leonard in an effort to help Raptors fans get a rare glimpse into the mind of the most mysterious man in Toronto. (EmmySadler)
Read more »
Sergei Bobrovsky shakes off playoff demons in Game 1 win over Lightning - Sportsnet.caAfter letting in three first-period goals in Game 1 against Tampa Bay, it looked like Sergei Bobrovsky's playoff demons were back to haunt him. But then, suddenly, things changed.
Read more »
Raptors expecting Leonard to take his game to another level - TSN.caKawhi Leonard has several strengths – levelheadedness, discipline, focus and a two-way skill set – he’s displayed during the regular season but the Toronto Raptors traded for him back in July to help them clear the playoff hurdle, Josh Lewenberg writes.
Read more »
Raptors' Nurse focused on adjustments after Game 1 loss to Magic - Sportsnet.caFollowing a dramatic Game 1 loss against the Orlando Magic, Raptors head coach Nick Nurse isn't overreacting. Instead he's working out which adjustments the team needs to make before Game 2. There are plenty of them.
Read more »
Jonas Valanciunas in Toronto to cheer on Raptors in Game 1 - Sportsnet.caThere's a familiar face sitting courtside for the Toronto Raptors' first playoff game against the Orlando Magic.
Read more »
Notebook: Raptors look to even series with Magic in pivotal Game 2 - Sportsnet.caWith the Raptors looking to avoid falling to 0-2 against the Magic in what’s shaping up to be a competitive opening-round series, here’s a look at what’s on tap heading into Game 2. (via DaveZarum)
Read more »