TITLE: Raptors Carry 38-36 Edge Over Cavaliers at Halftime of Game 4
SLUG: raptors-carry-38-36-edge-over-cavaliers-at-halftime-of-game-4
CONTENT:
The Toronto Raptors hold a narrow 38-36 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers at halftime of Game 4 on Sunday at Scotiabank Arena.
Both offenses struggled mightily in the opening 24 minutes. The two clubs combined to hit just 2-of-26 attempts from beyond the arc through the midway point of the second quarter, setting the tone for a low-scoring, defense-driven contest.
Key first-half numbers
• Three-point shooting: 2-for-26 combined
• Cavaliers turnovers: 11
• Raptors offensive rebounds: 12
Toronto seized control late in the half with a 10-0 run, capitalizing on Cleveland’s giveaways and second-chance opportunities. ESPN analyst Charles Barkley noted, “I like the Cavs, but when you have stats like that, it’s hard for me to take them seriously.”
Cleveland’s challenges
Guard Donovan Mitchell managed only 2-for-11 shooting, finding few clean looks and little room to drive. Cleveland’s bench, however, provided a lift as Dennis Schroder repeatedly beat his defender off the dribble for layups.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s squad has emphasized defense to stay close, but ball security remains an issue. James Harden, inserted as the primary playmaker, has been urged to tighten his handle as the Cavaliers aim to reduce careless possessions after the break.
Game 4 resumes after halftime with the series momentum hanging in the balance.
Source: Hoops Wire
