All-Star Donovan Mitchell and James Harden led the Cleveland Cavs in Game 2, beating Brandon Ingram and the Toronto Raptors, 115-105, to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-7 series, but Dean Wade’s defense earned a ton of credit. Holding the All-Star forward to a scoreless first half, Wade locked Ingram up before Brandon eventually finished with seven points on 3-for-15 shooting.
After the win, Wade discussed his defensive assignment on Ingram, per The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
“For five or 10 minutes after the game, we’re sitting in here [the locker room], and you feel really good about it,” Wade said of his near shutout of Ingram. “But you just have to know that there are more games [left in the series], and he’s going to come out and be super aggressive.”
Wade was looking forward to the tall task of staying in front of one of the Raptors’ leading scorers with an opportunity to grab a 2-0 lead.
“I know shutting somebody out is probably not going to happen, especially with the caliber of player he is,” Wade said. “I did have a little lapse at the end where he made the 3, I shouldn’t have helped in (the paint), and I did. But, other than that, I think keeping him under his average … obviously, the main thing is winning.”
Mitchell (30 points) and Harden combined for 58 points on 24-for-36 shooting, including 5-of-12 from deep. Wade added three points, five rebounds, two steals, and one assist.
Evan Mobley’s honest take on Dean Wade’s defensive prowess
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cavs All-Star Evan Mobley wasn’t surprised by Dean Wade’s defense on Raptors All-Star Brandon Ingram. While Dean’s defense isn’t a major reason Charles Barkley predicted the Cavs would win the Eastern Conference, Mobley says it’s integral to the Cavs’ identity.
“We always usually put him on the best player, and he always does a great job,” Mobley said. “He’s handsy. He’s got size, length, and he’s able to move with the best of them all. He’s definitely underrated, his defensive skills. It’s tough to score on Dean Wade.
“His size, honestly, that’s what really helps. Even if an offensive player is getting downhill, and we come and help, Dean’s coming from the back side and blocking [Jakob] Poeltl out or somebody that’s way bigger than him, and he’s strong enough to do that. He’s just very versatile.”
The Raptors will host the Cavs for Game 3 on Thursday.