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Raptors fans see both sides of the coin in blowout loss

For all the talk of what the Toronto Raptors needed to do to turn around their fortunes in Cleveland, none of those things happened and in the blink of an eye they were down 31 points after two quarters.

Some see despair, others see hope as series returns to Toronto on Friday

Paul McGaughey · CBC Sports ·
Fans watch on the big screen outside the Air Canada Centre as the Toronto Raptors were in the midst of a blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final on Wednesday. (Eduardo Lima)

Reaction from fans ranged from words of encouragement to downright disappointment as the Toronto Raptors were getting blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final. 

For all the talk of what the Raptors needed to do to turn around their fortunes in Cleveland, none of those things happened and in the blink of an eye they were down 31 points at the halfway mark.

Toronto had at least got out to decent starts in the first two games in Cleveland, but on Wednesday a Cavs team that appeared ready to make a statement built up a 37-19 lead after 12 minutes.

The Raptors continued to get pounded in the second quarter, which had been a weak spot for them in Games 1 and 2, and by halftime the final outcome was a forgone conclusion.

Not all Raptors fans were discouraged by the 116-78 loss.

But for what amounted to the largest halftime deficit in franchise history, the frustration expressed was completely understandable. 

Others were able to appreciate the moment despite the lopsided result that was unfolding.

The Raptors also helped the Cavs set a record in the process, although it's the kind they will soon want to forget. 

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