Cavs-Raptors Game 5 halftime dribbles

Random dribbles from Game 5 of the Cavaliers-Raptors series on Wednesday. Toronto leads, 74-67.

1. Well, at least both teams are scoring a lot more than Game 4. Unfortunately for the Cavs, that also means the Raptors are scoring more. Cleveland’s sudden defensive collapse has something to do with that.

2. I’m not sure I loved the idea of Max Strus starting over Dean Wade. I know, it sounds silly. But Wade has been a major difference-maker in the intangibles department. The Cavs got down by nine almost immediately.

3. Either way, the Cavs are better than they were in Game 4 — but far from cohesive. They still played a sloppy half at both ends. Toronto loves to muck up the game. The Cavs have to stop just allowing it to happen. Make them play YOUR game.

4. Toronto built a 12-point lead, then the Cavs came charging back, little by little. James Harden has been much better tonight. Donovan Mitchell has not. 

5. I said this last game … we all did … but the Cavs need to toughen up. They’re almost playing scared. They’re definitely not playing smart.

6. And the defense? The Cavs gave up 93 points in all of Game 4. They’ve given up 74 so far tonight. They have about 24 minutes to pull it together and be the team they say they are.

7. And where is Jarrett Allen? I seem him out there. I don’t really see much beyond that. That’s not all on Allen. Some of it’s on the coaching staff and his teammates.