Cavs-Raptors halftime dribbles

Random dribbles at halftime of the Cavaliers-Raptors Game 1 on Saturday afternoon at Rocket Arena. Cavs lead, 61-54.

1. The Cavs did a good job matching Toronto’s ultra-physical play early. Then got into a rhythm late in the second quarter.

2. James Harden (15 points, six assists) really helped toward that end, both making shots and finding the big men. 

3. The Cavs need to keep at it defensively. I like how they’re doing the dirty work on the glass and not giving up offensive rebounds. That was a point of concern entering the playoffs.

4. It’s good that they’re playing a physical team early. That is Toronto’s only chance — make the game ugly. But as we’ve seen, the Cavs have enough firepower to overcome that.

5. They have to find a way to slow down Brandon Ingram from the midrange (13 points, 5-of-8 shooting). Jaylon Tyson was overmatched in that department, picking up three quick fouls. One of which was incredibly questionable. But that can be the way it goes sometimes.

6. Jamal Shead is 3-of-4 on threes for Toronto. That’s fine. Make him beat you. That’s not the Raptors’ game plan. 

7. The Cavs are keeping the Raptors from playing their game — most of the time. That said, the Raptors are still shooting 53 percent. Credit to them. We’ll see if they can keep it up.

8. Offense is rarely gonna be a problem for the Cavs. They just need to handle business at the other end. They should win this game. 

9. Donovan Mitchell has been great with 13 points. Max Strus has an underrated 11. The Cavs also need to keep feeding Evan Mobley (nine) and Jarrett Allen (a quick six, then quiet). Much more at the conclusion here on Hoops Wire.