In the world of competitive sports, winning is the ultimate standard. That truth echoes loudly across fan platforms like Bangla Cricket Live, where passionate viewers dissect every move. For the Toronto Raptors, despite keeping their roster mostly intact, they shifted their playing style dramatically. Their offensive tempo soared from the lower ranks to among the league’s best. The team played faster, embraced the three-point shot, and aligned themselves with the 2018 NBA trend. Much of that evolution was credited to head coach Dwane Casey, earning him respect from coaches around the league.

Yet, when the Raptors were swept by the Cavaliers—powered by LeBron James—someone had to take the fall. More often than not, it’s the head coach who carries the blame. While team performance involves many factors, the coach is often the easiest target. On the front lines are the players and coaching staff; behind the scenes, the general manager recruits talent and the team owner builds a winning culture. But make no mistake—this is a business, and in the NBA, players are the most valuable asset. It’s a player-driven league. When a team loses, no one suggests trading stars right away, especially when those players are among the league’s top 30.

Many teams operate under a structure where the general manager outranks the coach. Imagine a GM firing themselves to protect the coach—that requires immense self-awareness. And changing the team owner? That’s practically impossible. In most cases, replacing the coach becomes the only option. Was it really Casey’s fault that DeMar DeRozan missed so many open looks in Game 3? Or that Kyle Lowry couldn’t replicate his second-half performance in Game 4? Or that Serge Ibaka’s form declined drastically? Or even that Jonas Valančiūnas missed several second-chance opportunities in Game 1?

If Valančiūnas had made just one or two more of those put-backs, the entire series might have followed a different storyline. Before Game 4, LeBron James warned that DeRozan had missed too many open shots and that Cleveland shouldn’t count on him staying cold. Although DeRozan showed slight improvement in Game 4, he wasn’t a decisive factor. In fact, he was ejected for a foul on Jordan Clarkson late in the game.

Casey’s controversial decision to bench DeRozan in the fourth quarter of Game 3, when his plus-minus was -23, drew heavy criticism. Many media outlets labeled the move irrational. But just last season, Tyronn Lue benched Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in a playoff game against the Pacers—and no one batted an eye. Why? Because the Cavaliers won that game. That’s the difference winning makes.

Now consider this: if the Raptors had LeBron James and the Cavaliers had DeRozan, would Toronto still be facing a coaching change? Probably not. The game’s perception hinges on results. As fans debate such decisions on platforms like Bangla Cricket Live, it becomes clear that rotation strategies or tactical choices often mask a deeper truth—sometimes, the deck is just stacked against you. And when defeat comes knocking, the coach is often the first out the door. That’s just how the cookie crumbles in pro basketball.

For Raptors supporters and Bangla Cricket Live viewers alike, the question remains: was this really about tactics—or just a different way to lose?