“If that happens, if that matchup is there, if we have that matchup, again, it’s a challenge”, Casey said.
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Fortunately, Casey isn’t exaggerating. Even though the Raptors were able to stay home for tonight’s game, Miami’s 1 pm start on Sunday gave them most of the day off to recover, while Toronto had Monday as their only full day off from game conditions. Additionally, he registered a 28.1 Player Efficiency Rating and a 63.2 True Shooting Percentage. DeRozan has lost 11 of 18 games in his postseason career, and just previous year he and the Raptors were swept in the opening round.
A sub-par Lowry allows the Heat to focus on stopping DeMar DeRozan as the primary scorer, much as they did in the first round with Kemba Walker.
Whiteside’s 24 blocks in the first round against Charlotte erased Alonzo Mourning’s club record of 21 for a seven-game series. Both wings are averaging 6.4 points per game so far in the postseason and both are capable of producing high-flying fireworks at a moment’s notice. The other four players are Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. “The first time, I think I guarded Wade like three times”, Powell said of one of the players he models his game after. Essentially, it comes down to who will best be able to control the paint? He rebounded, was a playmaker and was effective on the defensive end as well.
That included a 5-point win in the seventh and deciding game, DeMar DeRozan had a huge game with 30 points though he took 32 shots. What will be clear is the team’s ceiling, as imperfections across the board can be mitigated with a great performance from Lowry, but without it that seems inconceivable.
George was still trying to prove he could come all the way back from a gruesome compound fracture in his right leg. Turner was a 19-year-old rookie, dubbed by team president of basketball operations Larry Bird as the team’s best shooter.
Officially, the report ruled it an “INC” or Incorrect Non-Call: DeRozan (TOR) makes body contact with Mahinmi (IND), dislodging him and affecting his ability to catch the alley-oop pass.
Making predictions in an atmosphere like this is like playing the stock market. It’s been a long journey. “It’s been a long journey, I’m very proud of my guys”. “It’s been a good season for us”.
Miami remains without 11-time all-star – and former Raptor – Chris Bosh, who missed the final 29 games of the regular season after a blood clot was found in his left calf. In the process, George reestablished his place among the NBA’s elite.
As for not having to see Paul George every possessions, DeRozan said, “It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter”. “This is a remarkable triumph and a remarkable return”. Once you get past one round you don’t want to just settle for that one. “It’s easier said than done, preparing for them is different than preparing for IN”. Who knows? What we do (probably) know is that Toronto and Miami will provide an entertaining and competitive Eastern Conference semifinals.
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Both teams have dealt with critical injuries. I knew I was going to have to have a big series – to give us the best chance and also have to [be] at my best. He shoots more layups than all other shot types combined and finishes these at just 55 percent over the season.
