CLEVELAND, Ohio – As the first physical time ended on Sunday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors needed to be separated.
Two teams with hopes of a declining tie, desperate to change their seasons, fighting the frustration that seeps through each defeat. Tensions were high within the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – and spread across the court, just across the bank from Toronto.
The Raptors, displaced from Toronto this season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, were losing by seven games. The Cavs had lost five out of six. Something had to give. Cleveland channeled those emotions and added to the Toronto misery season, beating the Raptors 116-105.
That dispute at the end of the quarter resulted in double technical fouls for Collin Sexton and Norman Powell, the two players who were battling in that final on the pitch and started to see soon after Sexton and Fred VanVleet exchanged a few words. Teammates, coaches and referees split up and sent the two teams to the locker room so they could cool off.
Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff spoke to the team at the break. He told them that the proud Raptors would swing out. He launched a challenge, demanding that his boys be ready.
This time, Cavs hit first, scoring the first 12 points of the third quarter. Seven came from Sexton, who was clearly irritated by that first-half fight and was clapping enthusiastically after each bucket. Sexton scored 14 points in the third quarter, helping the Cavs to reverse their luck with a 32 to 18 lead in those decisive 12 minutes.
Don’t poke the bear. Or, in this case, the Taurus.
Sexton lived up to his unstoppable nickname by scoring the highest score in the game with 36 points, including 23 in the second half. With 5:23 remaining, Sexton defeated a 3-point left that pushed the lead to 11 on that point. Sexton put three fingers to his forehead and saluted the Toronto bank. Message sent.
“Collin accepted the challenge and supported us in the third quarter,” said Bickerstaff after the victory. “When you have these incidents, you have to be prepared to back them up. You are playing against guys who have championship DNA. I found it impressive how we responded in the third quarter. You can’t expect a guy to do it alone, we are a team. I thought all those guys gathered around him and then he led the way. “
Sexton’s big night helped the Cavs overcome 27 turns that allowed the Raptors to stay late, reducing the lead to five with less than a minute left.
“I thought we had been pressed against their pressure,” said Bickerstaff. “I give them a lot of credit. Your players are great competitors, your coach is a very good coach, obviously your team is well trained and they were physical, they were aggressive, they were practical and they accelerated us. We have to learn how to fight the pressure with patience and be stronger, safer with the ball and just make the game easier more often. ”
Jarrett Allen hit a few strokes – and paved the way for the free throw line – in the final stretch too, ending with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Dean Wade spilled 16 points off the bench. Darius Garland added 15 points and six assists. Larry Nance Jr., starting again with injured Kevin Love, also reached double digits, scoring 10 points with seven bags and two assists.
The Raptors were led by VanVleet, who scored 23 points. Powell scored 18. O Anunoby scored 17, including 12 in the fourth period, while Toronto tried to recover.
After the game, Sexton said the Raptors woke him up. Big mistake. He gave the last word.
JaVale McGee returns
McGee lost Friday’s loss to San Antonio due to illness. The support center was able to practice the next day and released to return to the action of the game. In 14 minutes, McGee scored six points and seven rebounds.
Andre Drummond sighting
Sitting since mid-February while the Cleveland board tries to find a deal before the March 25 deadline, Drummond watched the second half on the bench alongside teammates and coaches. Drummond, twice an NBA All-Star who was at the center of business conversations throughout the league, remained engaged during the breaks, offering tips and encouragement.
Next
The Cavs will close their four-game home on Monday night against the Sacramento Kings. The complaint is at 7:30 pm