After dropping a critical game 1 in overtime, the Raptors stormed back to beat the heat in games 2 (96-92) and 3 (95-91), before succumbing to another overtime meltdown in game 4 (94-87).
We have learned a great deal from the first 4 games:
- equally matched teams and a propensity for overtime
- struggling Raptors back court (DeRozan and Lowry)
- veteran play of Dwyane Wade in crunch time
- importance of bigs (Jonas Valančiūnas and Hassan Whiteside) to their respective teams
Although the momentum is in favor of the Heat, the Raptors are playing at home in front of a hungry fan base that has never seen the conference finals. With only two games away and home court advantage regained, the Raptors are poised to make history.
The only hurdle: Demar DeRozan / Kyle Lowry
Derozan is averaging 17.7 points on 33% shooting. His back court teammate, Lowry, is averaging 15 points on 33% shooting. In the playoffs, Miami's Dwyane Wade is averaging 22 points on 48% shooting.
The all-star back court of DeRozan and Lowry have to show up for game 5 if the Raptors want a chance at advancing to the conference finals.
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