It was none other than LeBron James who led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a win over the Toronto Raptors. James had a triple-double, scoring 23 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and getting 11 assists. It was his 15th career postseason triple-double, standing in second place on the NBA's all-time leader for postseason triple-doubles. In part of scoring 21 points, James passed Shaquille O'Neal on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list. The Raptors defense yet again struggled to stop the Cavs potent offense, giving up 108 points and find themselves down 2-0 in the series. With the series shifting to Toronto, the Raptors must win Game 3 on Saturday to avoid being down 3-0 in the series.

What the Raptors need to Fix for Game 3

As the Raptors defense continues to struggle, the Cavs have been taking advantage and giving it to them. The Raptors played well in the first quarter as they did in Game 1 but fell apart after. However, the Raptors were all tied-up at 46 in the second quarter when the Cavs went on a 16-2 run to end the first-half 62 to 48. With the Cavs high offensive efficiency, they scored 62 points on 50 percent shooting. It is these runs by the Cavs that take the Raptors out of the game. Although the Cavs struggled from deep in Game 2, shooting 33 percent, Toronto has to find a way in taking away the paint. The Cavs shot an even 50 percent for the game and pounded them in the paint outscoring them by 22 points. Raptors center Bismack Biyombo and forward DeMarre Carroll are the defensive anchors for the Raptors but failed to protect the paint. For Game 3, Raptors must focus on keeping James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love out of the paint. The three shot a combined 1 for 7 from deep but that did not stop them from getting to the paint.

On the offensive end, the Raptors were out of sync. Still looking to find his shot, Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry struggled mightily. He was 4 for 14 from the field and a 1 for 8 from deep. DeMar DeRozan on the other hand is playing well so far in this series, averaging 20 points per game as well as shooting 48 percent from the field. However, the two backcourt guards need to play well so that the supporting cast can feed off of them. Raptors' guards Cory Joseph and Terrence Ross who both bounced back from Game 1, showed signs of life on the offensive end. Both scored 11 points and picked up two steals. It is up to them and struggling forward Patrick Patterson to keep the offense going with Lowry and DeRozan off the floor in Game 3.

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) takes a shot over Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2). Photo: USA Today Sports
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) takes a shot over Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) in Thursday's Game 2 | USA Today Sports

What the Cavs need to do to Keep Rolling

In order for the Cavs to take Game 3, they must stick to their offensive game plan. The Cavs need to keep pounding the paint as the Raptors are finding it tough to secure the paint. The Cavs shifted to more of an inside game than an outside game in this series and so far, it has kept them going. They have shot over 50 percent in both games as well as pounding them in the paint. The supporting cast has done a fairly decent job but it is the starters who have lifted them up. Iman Shumpert, Richard Jefferson, Matthew Dellavedova and Channing Frye have brought the energy to the entire team. This must continue in Game 3 as it is in Toronto and their fans can take the Cavs out of the game if they go on a drought. All this needs to maintained in order to take Game 3 and to take that daunting 3-0 series lead.

Inside the Cleveland Cavaliers huddle, led by LeBron James. Photo:
Inside the Cleveland Cavaliers huddle of Thursday's Game 2, led by LeBron James | David Liam Kyle - NBAE/Getty Images

As the Raptors expect it, they must win Game 3 and 4 in order to stay alive but that can only happen if their defense adjusts to the Cavs offense. With reports indicating that Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas will be ruled out for Game 3, this makes it harder to have that go-to scorer in the paint. Game 3 is set to tip-off at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday in Toronto.

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About the author
Sully Akbari
Sully is a journalist who covers the NBA and is the Lead NBA Editor for VAVEL USA. He graduated from the journalism program at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Sully resides in Toronto but is loyal fan of all-things Houston. His mantra is: Heart with Houston, Soul with Toronto. You can reach him through email at [email protected] or Twitter: @Sully_i3