That’s A Rap #102: Post-Game 2 vs. Nets Reaction

Giddy up! The Raptors are halfway to a sweep!

Was a victory even in doubt? No, seriously, was it? Brooklyn jumped out to a double-digit lead immediately, withstood all of Toronto’s runs for the first three quarters, and kept surviving while Caris LeVert under-performed. Maybe the Nets picked up a lesson or two from the upset-minded Magic and Blazers from yesterday and could even the series.

This is very likely not the first time I’ll say this, but never underestimate the heart of a champion.

The Raptors know what it takes to gut out playoff victories. Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka provided next-to-nothing. OG Anunoby’s biggest contribution was taking a shoulder to the face. Toronto needed — and thankfully received — contributions from their stars when things were going awry. Pascal Siakam’s aggressive runs to the rim and Kyle Lowry throwing his weight around kept the Raptors afloat.

However, the stories of the game was Fred VanVleet’s personal 10-2 run in the third, and Norm Powell’s constant attacks at the rim. The outside shots weren’t falling, but Toronto made up for it in the paint. After getting outscored by 20 in the paint in Game 1, the Raptors dominated points in the paint in this game (+14).

Have a listen to our post-game episode as we break down what else went right in this victory and what to look out for in Game 3 on Friday.