Raptors' Ingram Limited to Nine Shots in Playoff Opener Loss
In a disappointing start to the NBA playoffs, the Toronto Raptors suffered a blowout defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with a key storyline emerging around star forward Brandon Ingram's limited involvement on offense.
Ingram's Uncharacteristically Low Shot Attempts
Brandon Ingram, who averaged nearly 17 shot attempts per game during his first regular season with the Raptors and over 17 in previous playoff series, managed only nine shots in this contest. Notably, just one of those attempts came in the second half as Toronto struggled to keep pace with Cleveland.
After the game, Ingram expressed frustration, stating, "At the end of the day, me shooting nine shots is not going to win basketball games." He explained that coach Darko Rajakovic utilized him as a screener and kept him outside the action due to defensive coverage, limiting his opportunities to score.
Game Dynamics and Strategic Adjustments
The game began promisingly for Ingram, who was effective in the first quarter with three assists and three jumpers, causing problems for Cleveland's defense. However, his impact waned as the match progressed, with only two made shots and one assist in the second quarter before becoming nearly invisible in the latter stages.
In the third and fourth quarters, Ingram's contributions were minimal: he missed one shot, drew free throws on another attempt, and recorded zero assists in the third period. He was benched for good with nearly half the fourth quarter remaining and Toronto trailing by 20 points.
Coaching Response and Team Performance
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the issue, saying, "I'm not satisfied with that at all," referring to Ingram's single shot in the final 24 minutes. He emphasized the need for better execution and ball movement, taking partial responsibility while urging the team to improve collectively.
Despite recording 29 assists, the Raptors committed 18 turnovers, a high number that contributed to their downfall. This marked one of their worst turnover performances of the season, with previous high-turnover games also occurring against Cleveland.
Implications for the Playoff Series
Ingram's reduced role raises questions about Toronto's offensive strategy moving forward in the playoffs. As the team's leading scorer and a gifted shot-maker, his involvement will be crucial if the Raptors hope to bounce back in the series. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how adjustments are made to leverage his talents effectively.
