Raptors vs. Cavaliers 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch Game 2 online
The Raptors will have to play much better than they did in Game 1 if they hope to become the first team to beat the Cavaliers in the playoffs.
After trading buckets during the first period Cleveland tightened up on defense in the second, and with a 33-16 quarter took over the game for good on Tuesday. The Cavaliers' second unit provided a huge boost in that frame, with four subs combining for 13 points. They have the edge when it comes to star power in the series thanks to LeBron James, so when the role players step up, it's very hard for the Raptors to keep pace. If Cory Joseph and Terrence Ross struggle once again, Game 2 could get ugly.
The good news for Toronto is that Kyle Lowry can't perform much worse than he did to start the series. The All-Star guard couldn't connect on a single three-pointer in seven attempts and turned over the ball four times. It's just impossible for the Raptors to beat the Cavaliers when their best player has such a poor performance, especially with Jonas Valanciunas still out with injury. The up-and-coming center suffered an ankle sprain in the second round against the Heat and remains sidelined, depriving Toronto of a good rebounder and interior scorer.
The first half will be key in Game 2. How the Raptors react to the blowout could tell us how long the series is going to be. If they come out focused and energized, they could stay in it until late and give themselves a chance of being the first team to beat Cleveland in this postseason. If instead they lack confidence and don’t play sharp, the Cavaliers will make them pay once again, like they have with most opponents who have let them have the initiative.
It’s early in the series, but an upset seems hard to imagine after such a one-sided first game. Another blowout loss could be devastating for a Raptors team that doesn’t have experience playing this deep into the playoffs. Even if they don’t beat the Cavaliers in Game 2, they at least have to prove to themselves that they can hang with the best team in the East.
How to watch Cavaliers vs. Raptors Game 2
Place: Quicken Loans Arena
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: WatchESPN
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