The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their final game of the decade north of the border in Toronto, falling to the Raptors by a score of 117-97.
The final result of the game seems a bit familiar. The last time the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Toronto Raptors they also lost by double-digits. In fact, it was also by 20.
The real difference between the teams was three-point shooting. Cleveland and Toronto both attempted a near equal amount of shots from deep (37-38). The difference was that Toronto made 17 three-pointers compared to Cleveland’s 10, that amounts to 21 points. Toronto is a superior three-point shooting team, Cleveland did not really have a chance.
The Cavaliers were led by 22 points from Collin Sexton. Sexton went 5-11 from the field, 1-4 from three, and made all five free throw attempts. This was the first game since December 12 that Sexton attempted more than two three-pointers. It was only the third time in the month of December that more than two three-pointers were attempted. Collin Sexton only made three shots from long range (11.1%) for the month, not exactly what the Cavaliers expect from their 2018 first round draft pick.
Tristan Thompson was the most efficient Cavalier on the night, making five of six shots and four of five free throw attempts. Thompson did finish with a double-double (11 rebounds).
Cedi Osman made the most three-pointers of any Cleveland player with four. Osman was 1-4 on all other shots, this has been a pretty consistent theme this season. Osman also had four rebounds and four assists.
Darius Garland finished 12 points on 5-11 shooting (2-7 from three). Garland was tied for a team-high with four assists.
Kevin Love also had a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds). Love struggled from the field, making four of 11 attempts and 1-7 from three-point range. With Love struggling in this manner, it would be difficult for the Cavaliers to keep the game close.
