Blake Murphy Sports Writing

If the 2024-25 season so far has revealed anything certain, it’s that there’s rarely a good time to run into the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wednesday confirmed that’s especially true if your starting centre is out and you have to play most of the game small against two six-foot-11 defensive aces.

The final score tells you most of what you need to know. The 131-108 defeat saw the Cavs lead by as many as 39 and shoot 82 per cent at the rim, Sam Merrill and Max Strus combine for seven threes in the first quarter, and the Raptors struggle to score at even an average clip for the fifth game in a row (on a per-possession basis).

It was arguably the best team in the league against an undermanned rebuilding team on the second night of a back-to-back. Sometimes it is what it is, whatever your spirit.

The Cavs might also be the polar opposite of the 76ers team the Raptors saw Tuesday, in energy and execution. They’ve rarely let off the gas this year, with head coach Kenny Atkinson speaking proudly before the game about the team’s focus throughout the season, even on a night where the All-Star break might creep into your mind. The Cavs also offer a much tougher challenge for Toronto’s offence, in overall talent and scheme, with the length of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen proving difficult for everyone after Scottie Barnes and company torched Philly’s more casual drop approach.

A matchup with the best team in the conference should always be instructive.