The Toronto Raptors demonstrated remarkable resilience on Sunday, overcoming a dismal shooting performance to secure a 93-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, evening their playoff series at two games apiece. Head coach Darko Rajakovic attributed the team’s gritty performance to a Serbian concept known as “inat”, which he described as a determination to defy the odds and prove detractors wrong.
Rajakovic’s Serbian Lesson
In a post-match press conference, Rajakovic took a moment to explain “inat,” pronounced “ee-nut,” to local journalists and fans. He emphasised how this mindset has permeated the Raptors’ ethos this season. “It’s proving everybody wrong, in spite of everything. That’s the state of our team,” he stated. With players exhibiting a palpable chip on their shoulders, Rajakovic praised their commitment to hard work and dedication to the city of Toronto.
“Every day, they’re bringing extreme effort to play for this city. I would use that word — inat,” he added, underscoring the importance of mental toughness as the team navigates the pressures of the postseason.
Standout Performances Amid Struggles
Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each contributed 23 points during the match, with the Raptors needing every bit of their scoring to withstand a late challenge from the Cavaliers. Despite their struggles, Toronto managed to tie the best-of-seven series, with Game 5 set to occur in Cleveland on Wednesday and Game 6 returning to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Friday.
The Raptors’ shooting woes were glaring; they finished the game with a mere 31 of 97 (32 per cent) from the field and 4 of 30 (13.3 per cent) from three-point range. This marked the lowest shooting percentage for a winning team in a playoff game since the NBA-ABA merger of 1976.
“It’s the grind and fight that we had, the attention to detail and rebounding the ball, and taking care of the ball, all the stuff that we preach night in and night out that came out in the game,” Rajakovic remarked. “We just never flinched. We continued guarding and guarding.”
Players Reflect on the Victory
Scottie Barnes, who recorded nine rebounds and six assists, acknowledged Rajakovic’s role in cultivating a resilient team identity. However, he refrained from commenting on the notion of the Raptors having a chip on their shoulder. “We’re just trying to go out there and win, taking it one possession at a time,” he said, underscoring a focused approach.
“That’s all we’re focusing on, taking it one possession at a time. If they go on a run, how can we respond? What can we do better?”
Brandon Ingram, having battled through challenging performances in the initial games of the series, finally found his rhythm. He also collected six rebounds and was crucial in hitting three of Toronto’s rare three-pointers. “All my teammates have been there through ups and downs, telling me to keep shooting,” he noted, reflecting on the support from his colleagues. Prior to this match, Ingram had averaged only 12 points in the series, considerably lower than his career averages.
Contributions from the Bench
R.J. Barrett, hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, added 18 points and eight rebounds to the effort, while rookie centre Collin Murray-Boyles made a significant impact off the bench, contributing a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Murray-Boyles highlighted the importance of rebounding as the series progresses. “It’s just something that I do. We need that more as the series goes on,” he stated, recognising the demanding nature of postseason basketball.
The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 20 points—12 of which came in the fourth quarter—mounted a late charge but fell short. James Harden supported with 19 points and eight assists, but the Raptors managed to hold on for the win, despite their own shooting inefficiencies.
Looking Ahead
With the series now tied at 2-2, the Raptors have surpassed initial expectations that had them with only a 26.9 per cent chance of advancing, as per simulations from Basketball-Reference.com. Ingram acknowledged the challenge that awaits them in Game 5. “We’ve got to expect a fight,” he cautioned. “Back in their territory, their fans are going to be super loud, bringing the energy, and we’ve got to be ready for Donovan Mitchell to bounce back.”
Why it Matters
This victory not only levels the playoff series but also highlights the Raptors’ grit and determination, crucial qualities as they navigate the high-stakes environment of postseason basketball. The ability to secure a win under such adverse conditions speaks volumes about the team’s character and could serve as a pivotal moment in their journey towards championship aspirations. With Game 5 looming, Toronto’s resilience will be tested once again, and the stakes have never been higher.
