The Toronto Raptors look to even their best-of-seven series with the Miami Heat tonight, and after dropping a hard-fought Game 1 two nights ago they’re searching for any edge— after all, if Game 2 isn’t a must-win, it might just be as close as they come.
One thing that was very apparent in Tuesday’s game was the difference in age and experience between the two clubs. Sure, Miami counts on contributions from the likes of rookies Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson, as well as 26 year-old Hassan Whiteside, but down the stretch it was Joe Johnson, Luol Deng, and, of course, Dwyane Wade who played the biggest part in putting the Raptors away. Those three have appeared in a combined 311 playoff games during their careers.
By contrast, in their biggest moment, the Raptors must turn to DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Jonas Valanciunas, Cory Joseph, and (in Game 1 at least) Terrence Ross. Combined playoff games played by those five? 138— and fifty of those come courtesy of Mr. Joseph, who went on numerous deep playoff runs with the San Antonio Spurs.
Generally, you’d consider the wealth of experience on Miami’s side (throw in playoff-tested veterans like Amare Stoudemire, Udonis Haslem, and Dorell Wright) a huge asset for the Heat. But the Raptors aren’t buying that notion. At this morning’s shootaround, DeRozan and Ross explained how they think the Raps can use their relative youth and energy to their advantage. Check it out:
Meanwhile, DeRozan also spoke about Lowry’s struggles, easily the most pressing topic conversation in Raptorland these days as the team and its fans try to win games with their best player on the brink of crisis mode. DeRozan backed his fellow all-star, reiterating that despite his shooting woes the team still has the utmost confidence in Lowry and his ability, and will continue to look for him to make a difference in Game 2— and beyond:
Tip-off is at 8 pm ET on Sportsnet.