CLEVELAND — Random halftime dribbles from Game 7 of the Cavs’ first-round series vs. the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. We are tied at 49-all.
1. Jarrett Allen blew a wide-open dunk on the first possession, and that’s been the story of the Cavs’ first half. For the first 22 minutes, they struggled to make a shot.
2. The Raptors’ defense has something to do with that. I’m not sure what the Cavs’ game plan was coming in — but they’ve been way too content to pass and/or dribble around the perimeter.
3. It’s resulted in a miserable 41 percent shooting, including 7-of-21 from three. But don’t look now … because they’ve started to heat up.
4. Thirteen turnovers haven’t helped. Toronto is happy to drag this game through the basketball mucky muck. And the Cavs can’t fall into that trap in the second half.
5. James Harden ended the half with a big three for 10 points. Donovan Mitchell has seven. Sam Merrill is 2-of-2 on threes for eight points. Either way, the Cavs (again) need Mitchell to get cookin’.
6. As we’ve said all series, the Cavs must start winning the “scrums.” That means rebounding, loose balls, holding their spot defensively. They’ve been OK at that. They must be better.
7. By the way, it’s tied right now — but the Cavs have yet to lead in this game. I’m curious to see how the Raptors respond if it ever happens.
8. I’ve said this before, but if the Cavs lose here, absolutely everything is in play: Kenny Atkinson. Koby Altman. Harden. Perhaps even Mitchell. Twenty-four minutes to avoid all that noise.
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