The Toronto Raptors have tied their series up with the Cleveland Cavaliers with a tightly-contested 93-89 victory in Game 4 of their NBA playoffs series. Contributing in a big way in this victory was none other than the rookie, Collin Murray-Boyles.
In Game 4, Murray-Boyles played a lick over 27 minutes. In those minutes, he recorded a double-double to the tune of 10 rebounds and 15 points. Half of those rebounds were offensive rebounds, in addition to recording three assists and two steals.
Following the victory, the promising young baller is enjoying the high praise from pundits, players, and coaches alike as the Raptors prepare for Game 5 against the Cavs.
Game 5 is scheduled for April 29th, 2026, at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
Draymond Green on Collin Murray-Boyles
On a recent episode of his podcast, Draymond Green spoke very highly of the 20-year-old.
“Collin Murray-Boyles has been great on the offensive end,” Green said. “Undersized big, he was a lottery pick last year. Undersized big, but he’s not struggling with the length of the frontline of the Cavs at all.”
“Colin Murray-Boyles understands it, though, he says, ‘I’m going right at your chest.’ And he’s finishing around the basket,” Green said when discussing how soft Jarrett Allen has played during these playoff games.
The 6-foot-7 forward has averaged 17 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, one steal, and 1.5 turnovers per game during the playoffs.
Jamal Shead on Raptors Mentality Shift
Following their practice the day before Game 5, Jamal Shead spoke to the media. During that presser, he revealed something coach Darko Jajakovic had told them following their Game 2 loss.
“You guys come in here, and none of y’all are tired,” Shead revealed of what Darko said after Game 2. “Everybody’s getting dressed, putting away equipment. None of you guys are tired and barely wanting to move.”
“You guys should feel like that after every game.”
That shift in mentality has seemingly worked, because since their coach called them out, they have won two games.
Numbers Tell the Story: What the Raptors Showed Us in Games 3 & 4
No number better highlights the Raptors’ shift in mentality than the points off turnovers.
Looking at the difference between Games 1 & 2 to Games 3 & 4, this is the stat that stands out the most. During the first two games, the Cavs scored 22 points off turnovers each game. The Raptors limited them to eight points in Game 3 and seven points in Game 4 off turnovers.
Unfortunately, for both teams, turnovers happen; it’s a part of this crazy game of basketball. In fact, Cleveland has had more turnovers in Games 3 and 4 than in the previous two games. A combination of worse finishing and better defending by the Raptors is contributing to this change in result.
The Raptors have had a strong rebound game all series, besting the Cavs 48 to 39 in that category.
For Toronto to come back and take this series, points off of turnovers will continue to be a focal point of their strategy. If they can capitalize on the turnovers the Cavs surrender while limiting the points they allow when they cough up the ball, this could bode very well for the Canadian squad.
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