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Brandon Ingram pointed to execution issues and defensive pressure after the Toronto Raptors fell 126-113 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Saturday in Cleveland.
“They tried to deny me the ball every time that I went down the floor,” Ingram said, describing the Cavaliers’ defensive approach. “Obviously they knew most of the stuff that we’ve been running all year.”
He noted that the adjustments will be necessary as the series continues. “That’s just a part of the playoffs. We got to figure out how to make the adjustment next game and not let that be too effective.”
Ingram was limited to nine shot attempts, and he was direct when evaluating that output. “Me shooting nine shots is not going to win basketball games,” he said. “Just got to figure out ways where I can still be effective while they’re doing whatever defense.”
Cleveland’s third-quarter surge proved decisive, as Donovan Mitchell and James Harden controlled stretches of the game while the Cavaliers built separation. Ingram emphasized the physicality as a turning point.
“I think them being physical defensively and offensively,” he said. “Donovan Mitchell started getting hot. James Harden started getting hot getting downhill.”
He also highlighted Cleveland’s rebounding edge and activity on the glass. “They have a pretty big lineup. They crash the glass every time somebody shot and they were successful with it tonight.”
The Raptors’ offensive rhythm never stabilized, something Ingram repeatedly returned to in his assessment. “We just have to be more intentional,” he said. “We got to know that this is a game that we have to play the full forty-eight minutes.”
He added that late-quarter execution remains a key issue. “If they outscored us in the last three minutes, then that’s the time that we got to tighten up the most.”
Toronto also struggled with connectivity and spacing, particularly when Cleveland denied Ingram touches. “I think so,” he said when asked about team cohesion. “We were way too stagnant offensively tonight.”
Despite the loss, Ingram stressed responsibility and adjustment rather than frustration. “Just be aggressive,” he said when asked about generating offense. “Pay attention to the defensive end. Maybe I can get some steals, some blocks, some rebounds to start my offense.”
He also acknowledged the challenge of playoff inexperience within the group. “It’s a lot of guys’ first playoff game. So emotions running high,” Ingram said. “I think the game will slow down a little bit more for them next game.”
Toronto will look to respond in Game 2, where half-court execution and ball movement will again be under the spotlight after a Game 1 marked by turnovers, stagnation, and Cleveland’s decisive third-quarter run.
