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The Toronto Raptors had a chance to gain a 2-0 edge over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. Unfortunately, the Raptors came up short in their comeback bid in Game 2, 94-89. The Sixers have now tied the series and gained home-court advantage heading into Games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia.
The Raptors sure do make their fans worry a lot. Throughout their playoff history, the only time they have gone up 2-0 in a series was their first-round matchup against the Washington Wizards in last year's playoffs.
Usually, the Raptors outright lose their home-court advantage in Game 1. They have dropped Game 1 at home seven times now since 2013. This includes their first-round series this year versus the Orlando Magic, which they eventually closed out convincingly with four straight wins.
Toronto took care of business at home against the Sixers in a rare Game 1 domination. They did so convincingly, with Kawhi Leonard scoring a playoff career-high 45 points and Pascal Siakam chipping in 29. In fact, Saturday night's win was just the third time in franchise history and the second time since 2013 that they won Game 1.
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Unfortunately, they were not able to complete the job in Game 2. The Sixers made their adjustments on defense and held the Raptors to just 36 percent shooting from the field and 27 percent shooting from deep.
With the way things looked in Game 1, many thought Toronto would stroll easily through Philadelphia. But the Sixers have now made this a series with their impressive victory in Game 2, despite an off night from superstar center Joel Embiid.
Jimmy Butler led Philadelphia with 30 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. The Raptors, on the other hand, got another big game from Leonard, who scored 35 points, while Kyle Lowry contributed 20 points. Siakam scored 21 points, but he shot just 9-of-25 from the field.
Toronto will look to regain home-court advantage in Game 3 in Philadelphia.
