Raptors top James-less Cavaliers 87-81

“I thought it was fine, I felt really comfortable”, Love said after the game.

But the Cavaliers can comfort themselves, presumably, with the knowledge they can be a pretty good team even if they start slow, and even if they aren’t completely healthy, and even without Thompson. “A couple of those games and then we’ll see”.

The 24-year-old, who played four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, said he’s cherishing the chance to show a bit more of his game in Toronto.

“It’s kind of misleading because I essentially played a quarter”, Love said. It’s been tested a number of times in practice, I keep working on the strength.

DeMar DeRozan is a fan. He knows what he can do and he takes advantage of his opportunities at both ends. For the upcoming season, the Canadian squad is banking on the continued growth of their key players- shooting guard DeMar Derozan and centre Jonas Valanciunas- plus the steady veteran presence of point guard Kyle Lowry and other offseason acquisitions. DeRozan scored seven points, while Lowry had just six. “Both guys are excellent at what they do – Pat as a three-point shooter, Scola as a passer, a reader, mid-range guy”. Joseph looked solid in shooting 4-for-9 from the field and doling out six assists, while Bennett finished with nine points including a big putback lay-up with just over a minute to play.

Toronto Raptors’ Luis Scola, left, turns to shoot against Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love during first-half preseason NBA basketball game action in Toronto, Sunday, October 18, 2015. I think we tried to ease our way into games, and we just can’t do that. “[We’ve had everyone available] for the entire camp, for the most part we’ve had our entire crew”. “I’m not messing around with Bismack”.

The Cavs were led by 13 points from Williams and 12 each from Matthew Dellavedova and Anderson Varejao. Timofey Mozgov had 11 rebounds.

“I was extremely pleased with Kevin tonight”, said Cavaliers head coach David Blatt, who eased him into action with 13 minutes of playing time.

LeBron James and Richard Jefferson (rest) did not play for the Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers remain winless this preseason at 0-6.

The Raptors led 28-24 to end the first quarter, and the Cavs took a 42-41 edge into the dressing room at halftime.

“It’s not going to be a backup quarterback controversy”, Casey said of the one major roster decision to be made.

The Raptors will close out their preseason schedule on Friday in Montreal against the Washington Wizards. James was in Toronto but didn’t play and isn’t expected to play until their season opener after having an injection to ease back pain that kept him out of the lineup for two weeks in the middle of last season.