Cavs-Raptors Game 6 halftime dribbles

Random dribbles following the first half of the Cavs-Raptors Game 6 in Toronto on Friday. The Cavs trail, 61-51.

1. Once again, the Cavs aren’t doing the little things nearly well enough. They’re again being out-toughed, both physically and, it seems, mentally.

2. Toronto looks like the better team. That’s because their stars (Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett) are delivering. The Cavs are still waiting on Donovan Mitchell. 

3. I’m not trying to pick on anyone here. But Mitchell looks a little like a role player in this series. That’s a credit to Toronto. The Cavs’ coaching staff has to figure out a way to get him going.

4. Toronto is shooting 50 percent on threes. I don’t expect that to last. Doesn’t mean it won’t. But the Cavs have to focus on trying to stop Barnes and Barrett at the basket. If the Raptors continue to shoot like this from the outside (not their strong point) … well, there isn’t a whole lot you can do.

5. Offense actually isn’t that big of an issue, despite the continued questionable decisions and turnover problems (again). Instead, the Cavs have to hold their spots and start standing their ground.

6. Will they finally do that? I can’t begin to guess.

7. Mitchell is 3-of-7 shooting, with a plus-minus of minus-10. Harden is 2-of-6 shooting, though he’s at least doing other things well (four rebounds, four assists). If the Cavs want to avoid a Game 7, at least one of their stars needs to start shining.