Cavaliers-Raptors takeaways: Toronto takes Game 3 with aggressive attack, but Brandon Ingram's play continues to confuse

Ingram, who finished with just 12 points in 29 minutes, continues to struggle to carve out a go-to role in this series — which pales in comparison to teammate Barnes, who stepped up as a leader on both ends of the floor with 33 points, 11 assists and 5 rebounds in Game 3.

One of the underlying storylines from the Raptors' 46-win season has been the dichotomy of Ingram's unique skillset meshed with what Rajaković is attempting to install in the half-court. Whether it's that Ingram is less than 100%, lacking in confidence or has fully succumbed to the wrath of Cavs wing Dean Wade's two-handed grip, his lack of force and urgency has reached confusing and catastrophic levels.

Heading into tonight's action, the Raptors with Ingram on the floor had been outscored by a whopping 34 points in 72 minutes, compared to outscoring the Cavs by 11 in the 24 minutes Ingram has been on the bench. The veteran forward picked up his fourth foul with about four minutes left in the first half, forcing him even further out of any hope of a rhythm. Ingram's funk likely isn't enough for Toronto to consider any drastic action like a benching, but the apparent disconnect is the difference between the Raptors having full control of the series.

Max Strus a bright spot for Cavs

Strus, who missed the majority of the season recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot, only needed a handful of games over the last two months to demonstrate why the Cavs have been so high on the sharpshooter. Through three games this series, Strus is shooting an impressive 10-of-18 from deep. His ability to space the floor and serve as a release valve for occasional traps and doubles on the likes of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell is an obvious plus, but Strus is also an underrated rebounder with an uncanny knack for timing and angles when crashing the glass.

The combination of sheer shooting from Strus and fellow reserve Sam Merrill — along with the talent pool of Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis and Jaylon Tyson — form arguably the NBA's deepest second unit and should continue to serve Cleveland well as it looks to seize control and right the ship in Game 4.