The series loss to the Toronto Raptors really came down to missed chances, especially at the free throw line. They shot around 72 percent as a team in the series, compared to about 81 percent for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that gap quietly decided games. In two of the losses, the Raptors missed 8 plus free throws, and those games were decided by single digits. That is literally the difference right there, free points just left sitting on the table.
And it showed even more late in games. Toronto shot under 70 percent from the line in fourth quarters across the series, while Cleveland stayed close to 85 percent in clutch minutes. When you combine that with the Cavs getting more attempts overall, it created a steady scoring edge without needing crazy shot making. So even when the Raptors matched them in field goals or defense, they were still losing the math battle, and in the playoffs that kind of inefficiency almost always sends you home.