13 Takeaways from Cavs Game 5 win over Raptors: ‘We’re trying to get to that next level’

CLEVELAND – Dennis Schroder spent a few minutes at halftime listing out all of the things the Cleveland Cavaliers should be doing better in Game 5 against the Toronto Raptors. On the top of that list, was getting back to playing their way.

“I felt like I had to say something to the group,” Schroder said afterward. “So we can rise and play Cavs basketball.”

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The Cavs played their brand of basketball in the second half. After being down 12 near the start of the third quarter, Cleveland rallied for a 125-120 victory in Game 5. They now control a 3-2 lead in the series and have a chance of ending things back in Toronto on Friday.

Being able to control the paint made the difference.

After being mostly an outside shooting team in the first half, the Cavs made a concerted effort to get inside in the second. They attacked the basket in a way they haven’t this series, going 14-25 (56%) on shots in the paint. Conversely, they held Toronto to just 9-26 (34.6%) in the paint over the final two quarters.

Schroder led that charge. His speed and willingness to attack the basket changed how the game was played.

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The Raptors have kept Donovan Mitchell and James Harden in check by being physical away from the play and not allowing for easy catches. And once they do get the ball, they’ve put as many bodies as possible in the lane, making it difficult to get to the basket.

That strategy has worked for the Raptors, but it does create opportunities for someone else to beat them off-the-dribble. This is where Schroder took advantage.

These two plays show how.

First, Schroder fakes a dribble-hand-off with Harden to freeze Jakob Poeltl. Poeltl hesitates, expecting Harden to get the ball. That pause is all Schroder needed. He has the speed to get past his man, and the help defense was far too late to recover.

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This also worked with Harden as a screener. Here, the pick from Harden freezes Scottie Barnes enough for Schroder to get into the lane.

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Schroder has always played his best basketball when he’s been empowered as a ball handler, as seen in his numerous successful…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/13-takeaways-cavs-game-5-100000755.html

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Publish date : 2026-04-30 10:00:00

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