The Toronto Raptors lost Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, and a lot of people believe Nick Nurse — with his rotations in the fourth quarter — played a key role in their defeat.

Nick Nurse didn't play Kawhi Leonard for the first 3:23 of the fourth quarter. He also sat Marc Gasol and Danny Green for large chunks of the final 12 minutes of the game. It was a crucial stretch because the Raptors were the ones trying to catchi up. Toronto's coach decided to trust his reserves despite the fact that they had been struggling all game.

The Raptors' bench shot a combined 2-11 from the field in Game 2.

Nick Nurse acknowledged his flaws and his subsequent plans to make the necessary adjustments in Game 3.

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Nick Nurse might be forced to play his starters for at least 40 minutes each, but that could backfire down the stretch; fatigue might play a factor as they go deeper into the playoffs. Leonard, Pascal Siakam, and Kyle Lowry, the Raptor's three best players, have been logging at least 38 minutes a game since the first round. In order for them to have enough rest, the reserves will have to step up.

Serge Ibaka and Fred VanVleet, the Raptors' two best players off the bench, have been struggling since Game 1. If Toronto wants to regain home-court advantage, these two will have to step up big time in Game 3 on Thursday.

The Raptors' starters are talented enough to go head-to-head with the league's best teams, but their reserves will have to be more consistent if they want to win the championship.