Raptors winless road streak continues with loss in Cleveland

Article content

In Scottie Barnes’ second game following a right orbital fracture, he wasn’t as good as his return Thursday, when his presence in the decisive fourth quarter sparked the Raptors to their win over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves.

Article content

He was sporting his colorful red glasses as protection and perhaps it might seem unfair to be so critical of a player who has been asked and will continue to be asked to shoulder so much.

As Barnes goes, so do the Raptors, a fact of life that comes with being the franchise’s anointed franchise player.

Against the host Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday night as the Raptors tipped off a four-game road trip, Barnes had the ball in his hands from the top of the circle, allowing him to see the entire floor, at least when operating in the half court.

The Raptors surrendered 38 first-quarter points (while only scoring 22), but rallied to make it a 65-55 game at the break.

It would have been much closer had the visitors closed out the second quarter better.

Article content

It definitely would have been closer had Barnes made a few of his shots.

Toronto, as is its norm, competed, but ultimately lost, 122-108, to a much better Cavs team.

In 15 first-half minutes, Barnes missed all five of his three-point attempts and went 1-for-7 from the field at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

He recorded two rebounds, while dishing off three assists in limiting his turnovers to one.

Why he even bothers to attempt shots from distance is anyone’s guess. When he’s stepping into his attempts, Barnes at least has a chance.

When he’s not shooting in rhythm, he has no chance.

After Donovan Mitchell made a three-pointer to give the Cavs a 15-point cushion early in the second half, Barnes missed a 12-foot pull-up jumper along the baseline.

Article content

Article content

On the ensuing possession, Isaac Okor drilled a three-ball to extend Cleveland’s lead, prompting the Raptors to call a timeout 96 seconds into the third quarter.

Shortly after play resumed, Barnes was at his best, retrieving a long rebound and igniting what was essentially a one-man break before finishing with his left hand at the rim.

Later, Barnes found himself on the block in a mismatch when he took a pass from Jakob Poeltl from the high post.

One late turnover did cost the Raptors, but overall they did close out the third quarter well in trailing 94-89 heading into the fourth period.

Toronto twice trailed by as many as 16 points.

The Cavs led by a game-high 17 points four minutes into the fourth period.

Two minutes later, Barnes took an accidental blow to his face from Jarrett Allen that dislodged Barnes’ glasses.

Article content

He went to the line and made both of his free throws to reach double figures in scoring.

He then made his first three-ball with 6:04 left in the fourth.

His size was in full display when Barnes scored on a turnaround jumper.

At least Barnes showcased his overall game in his second game back from injury, but his game could sure use a consistent jumper, especially from beyond the arc.

Barnes played 32 minutes, but he missed nine shots from the field and five from the line. He finished with 18 points.

Cleveland’s size and its superiority over the Raptors in three-point shooting were two primary reasons why the Cavs remain unbeaten at home, while Toronto remains winless on the road.

Up next for the Raptors is a Monday night date in Motown against the Pistons.

Article content

HIGH/LOW FIVE

A couple of sequences early in the second quarter would prove both enlightening and a bit disheartening.

It’s no secret opposing defenders have been much more physical when matched up against Gradey Dick, who has seen plenty of defenders get up on him.

One could view it as a sign of respect or a simple and basic adjustment, knowing Dick is at his best when he’s able to move off the ball freely.

Then came a rare five-second violation committed by the Raptors, who were in the process of inbounding the ball under the Cavs’ basket.

Dick was clearly being held, which played a big role in the turnover.

No foul was called by the game officials.

Cleveland then turned the ball over, its fifth of the quarter with the period barely five minutes old.

Article content

Solid ball pressure and sheer hustle resulted in the Raptors forcing so many turnovers, change in possessions that helped change the game’s momentum.

A subtle ball fake from the left wing provided Dick with just enough space for him to bury a three-ball as he reached double digits in scoring with about three minutes left in the opening half.

In the third quarter, Cleveland was called for a five-second violation, a daily double one does not see often, if ever, in the NBA.

Near the end of the game, it was announced Dick was forced to exit after playing 31 minutes because of left calf soreness.

No immediate word was available, but suffice to say it remains to be seen if Dick is available to play for the Raptors in Detroit.

MO LIKE IT

Article content

Speaking of turnovers, Jonathan Mogbo committed his first turnover of the game when he attempted an ill-advised spin move at the top of the circle.

He should have simply swung the ball.

Credit the kid for playing well when he was given an extended run.

He drilled a three, made free throws and buried his looks from the field.

He also added four rebounds and recorded one block in eight great minutes that highlighted his potential and presence when Mogbo is active and fully engaged.

Mogbo scored 11 points in 11 minutes in the first half, while hauling down six rebounds.

He returned to the game in the second half with 3:38 left in the third quarter.

Mogbo sealed his man and scored a basket off a feed by Barnes.

For Mogbo, it was his 13th point, a career-high.

[email protected]

Article content