Until the Cleveland Cavaliers had their backs against the wall, it didn't seem like they understood the magnitude of controlling their own destiny in a tied series. The Toronto Raptors began the game with a ton of confidence and self-belief, setting the tone in the opening minutes of the first quarter with aggressive, swarming defense. 

Cleveland regained momentum with some shot-making and a solid close to the opening frame, then faltered to end the first half, which saw the Raptors take a 74-67 lead going into the locker room.

It finally clicked after Dennis Schroder spoke up to the guys, but even after a huge fourth quarter that put them up by 11, the Cavs rested on their laurels and didn't finish the game the way it is necessary in the postseason. 

In the latest episode of Courtside with Cavs, Spencer German and I analyzed how that plays out in the rest of this series and this postseason, and the mentality necessary to close things out in Game 6.

For Dennis Schroder to admit that he came out in the locker room and gave a halftime speech of 2-3 minutes of laying into them, 'Hey, we need to have a sense of urgency,' that's good for him to do that and step up for the team. For me, how do you not have a sense of urgency, at this point, about where you're at? You see the Raptors come out on a 22-12 run to start the game, turning you over, getting into the open floor.

Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles and all these guys are extending the defense, forcing turnovers, and coming into your house like that. I immediately thought they were checked out. And luckily, you see some shots go in, and it's crazy how that can just turn your mindset. They've got to do a better job of having more care sooner. I think that's why they've gotten themselves in trouble on the road, because they don't.

Once again, the Cavs have the upper hand in the series with a 3-2 lead. The teams will head back up north for Game 6 at Scotiabank Arena on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET, as the Raptors try to keep their season alive and avoid elimination.

Depending on which way the pendulum swings, Sunday would be a winner-take-all Game 7 at Rocket Arena. 

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