Casey: Raptors 'better equipped for playoff basketball' with Ibaka, Tucker
The Toronto Raptors are set to square off with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second straight postseason, and they hope having different players will inspire a different outcome.
Things have changed since the Cavs ousted the Raps in six games in the 2016 Eastern Conference finals en route to winning their first NBA title.
"We're a different team," head coach Dwane Casey told reporters Saturday, referring to pre-trade deadline pickups Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker.
"I think personnel-wise we are (better equipped to face Cleveland)," the bench boss said, adding his squad - which compiled the second-best record in the NBA since the trades - is now "better equipped for playoff basketball" in general.
Casey plans to enlist both Tucker and Ibaka, plus other players, to try to slow down superstar LeBron James in the East semifinals.
"He's one of the greatest players in the world right now. You're not going to stop a guy like that," the 60-year-old said. He emphasized variety in the Raptors' approach, citing the use of multiple bodies, rotations, and efforts to contain the four-time MVP.
Casey believes his team will benefit from its experience versus Cleveland last year, as well as from its most recent series. The Raptors had their hands full in the first round with the Milwaukee Bucks' physicality and toughness, not to mention Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged 24.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, four assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks over the six contests. Casey noted similarities between the Greek Freak and James' size, strength, and playmaking ability.
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The Raptors coach noted the biggest concerns for his side entering the series, outside of James, are Cleveland's prowess from 3-point territory and on the glass. He was mum on his plans for the starting lineup, after swapping out center Jonas Valanciunas for shooting guard Norman Powell midway through the first-round series.
Game 1 of Raptors-Cavaliers is set for Monday at 7 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena. Both teams finished with identical 51-31 regular-season records, and Cleveland holds the tiebreaker by virtue of winning 3-of-4 games versus its Canadian rival.