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RJ Barrett stressed urgency and consistency after the Toronto Raptors dropped Game 2 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-105, in the Eastern Conference first round on Monday.
“I think we did. I think we played harder than we did last game,” Barrett said when asked about Toronto’s energy level. “Played more Raptors basketball. Just got to do it from the start of the game.”
Toronto trailed early again, a pattern Barrett identified as a key problem in the series. “It’s tough to get down and then try and fight our way back, especially against a team like this,” he said.
Barrett pointed to brief stretches of control but emphasized the need for a full 48-minute execution. “We were able to find a little bit of rhythm. A little bit in the first half, definitely in the second half,” he said.
The Raptors wing stressed film study as the next step before Game 3. “We got to go watch the film and see those moments where we played well and what we were doing and try and capitalize on that,” Barrett added.
Despite the 0-2 deficit, Barrett kept the focus on the series still being open. “Absolutely. Going home, got to get these next two,” he said. “It’s going to be good to just be back home with our fans.”
He reinforced that mindset despite frustration after the loss. “Obviously losing sucks and we hate to lose, but it’s still first of four. This is not impossible. We’re still in it,” Barrett said.
Barrett also addressed teammate Brandon Ingram’s shooting struggles, offering support for the Raptors’ scoring option. “Man, he could score the basketball with some of the best of them,” Barrett said.
He noted that Ingram still generated looks despite the tough shooting night. “He got some more shots tonight for sure,” Barrett added. “So back to the drawing board. Sure he’ll get his little touch shots.”
The Raptors wing also highlighted Cleveland’s defensive pressure, especially on primary scorers. “Let’s be honest, they’re a problem,” Barrett said when asked about Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.
Barrett suggested Toronto must review defensive coverages rather than overreact. “We got to go watch the film and figure out how to fix that,” he said.
On his own offensive approach, Barrett pointed to rim pressure as the foundation of his game. “Get to the paint. That’s it,” he said. “When you get to the paint, there is no defense for that.”
He also acknowledged areas to clean up, particularly turnovers. “I got to do a better job of turnovers,” Barrett said. “I think I had four in the past two games.”
Barrett added that playoff rhythm improves with experience. “I think I was a little maybe more so comfortable this game just because we got that first game out of the way,” he said.
The series now shifts to Toronto, where the Raptors will look to respond after consecutive losses and tighten execution against a Cavaliers team that has controlled late-game stretches.
