Monday's Game 4 between the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat was an ugly one indeed. It was the Heat, led by Dwyane Wade’s 30-points who managed to pull out in overtime, to win 94-87. Both teams struggled to get in rhythm without their starting centers. For the Raptors, center Jonas Valanciunas was ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a sprained ankle that happened in a Game 3 loss. On Miami's end, center Hassan Whiteside is dealing with a sprained MCL in his right knee. He injured it while falling awkwardly in Game 3. However, Whiteside is not ruled out for the series but is considered day-to-day.
Game 4's main issue - adjusting to Injuries
With both starting centers out, the Raptors and Heat had to move forward. Starting in place for Valanciunas was Bismack Biyombo. Biyombo was asked to bring his defensive intensity as well as a strong rebounding performance by his head coach, Dwane Casey. Biyombo did just that. Grabbing 13 rebounds as well as blocking two shots for the Raptors and he even pitched in on the scoring end, pouring in 13 points.
However, there were question marks entering the game to who would be the backup for Biyombo. It was a surprise to all when in-experienced center Lucas Nogueira checked in to the game. Although he played a small role, he scored two points and grabbed five rebounds in 13 minutes of play. The center position for the Raptors will be rotated between those two as well as Patrick Patterson for Game 5.
Miami went with a different approach in choosing their starting center. They went with playoff experience veterans in Amar'e Stoudemire and Udonis Haslem. Both played minimal roles but contributed on the defensive end, altering shots and drawing fouls. The center position will be played between the two centers as well as Josh McRoberts. Earlier reports indicated that Whiteside will not play in Game 5 so those three must step up to fill Whiteside’s shoes.
Game 5 thoughts
As the series shifts back to Toronto, the Raptors will look to take advantage of their home court. Already losing Game 1 in Toronto, the Raptors cannot afford to have this repeat. Had they won Game 4, which they had a lead late in the fourth quarter but lost it to Dwyane Wade's efforts, this Game 5 at home would have been a gift for the Raptors. Now with the series tied a two games apiece, Casey says this series can shift either way.
"Everybody is upset that we lost which we should be but nobody’s pushed the panic button because it's such a competitive series," Casey said on Tuesday at a press conference. "This is going to be a nip and tuck series."
Casey is right about how this is a competitive series as no team has won by 7 or more points. To add to this, three of the four games played has gone to overtime. With both games in Toronto gone to overtime and going right down the wire, much of the same should be expected.
Miami Heat's head coach Erik Spoelstra cannot disagree with the competitiveness of this series.
"This series is complex," Spoelstra said. "I'm shocked we haven't been able to score 100 points. This is very competitive."
What to expect in Game 5
With all four games going down to the wire, the Raptors have struggled on the offensive end. The Raptors' all-stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have been inconsistent all series long. The issue for DeRozan is that he is battling a sore thumb and it translate to how is he performing on the court. Shooting poorly from the field and forcing at times can be noticeable in DeRozan's play as he is shooting 35 percent in this series (28 for 80).
For Lowry, it is trying to find is shot. His breakout game was in Game 3 when he scored 33-points and led them to a victory. His bread and butter three-point shot hasn't been there as he is shooting 25 percent (7 for 28). However, the supporting cast in Cory Joseph, Bismack Biyombo, DeMarre Carroll and Terrence Ross are pulling their weight but it's up to Lowry and DeRozan to step up in Game 5 to secure a win.
On Miami's end, it is all about keeping their composure. The Heat had 9-point halftime lead in Game 5 but saw it slip away in the third quarter. The Raptors were able to pull away late in the fourth but the Heat stormed back and burned the Raptors in overtime. However, had the Heat been taking it to the paint and not settling for jump shots, their lead would have been secure. It was Wade who took matters into his own hands and attacked the paint. Wade scored 30 points again and made sure to protect their home court.
The Heat have been shooting fairly well from the field, hovering over 45 percent for the series. Their point of emphasis is to attack the paint and draw fouls as they only have 18 total three-pointers made. Heat's supporting cast has been strong as Wade is leading them on. Goran Dragic, Joe Johnson and Luol Deng have played their part in helping out Wade.
Photo: Alan Diaz/Associated Press
If both teams keep doing what they have been doing the past four games and adjust some minor details, this Game 5 would sure be a barnburner. Game 5 will be played at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto at 8:00 p.m. ET today on TNT.
