Collin Murray-Boyles emphasized effort on both ends after the Toronto Raptors edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday at Scotiabank Arena.
The rookie forward highlighted the importance of extra possessions in a tightly contested playoff game. “A lot of extra opportunities for your team and it made a huge difference,” he said, pointing to how hustle plays shaped the outcome.
Murray-Boyles also underlined the team’s reliance on consistency across the roster. “So obviously we need that more as the series goes on and as we keep playing these really tough games and we need everybody. So the things that I do, we need it times 10,” he said.
Defensively, Toronto leaned on communication and instinct rather than constant verbal direction, especially in a physical matchup against Cleveland’s frontcourt. Murray-Boyles explained the chemistry between him and Scottie Barnes. “Most of the times really don’t have to talk to each other to know where we’re supposed to be,” he said.
He added that the connection has developed over the course of the season through repetition and shared responsibility. “We kind of built that as the season’s gone on… and just the tenacity we have on the ball knowing that we’re both going to try our hardest,” he said.
A key late-game sequence against Donovan Mitchell stood out, with Murray-Boyles stepping into a high-pressure defensive possession. He downplayed any personal milestone from the moment. “I wouldn’t say like a confidence boost. I just have I would say already have the confidence to guard those types of those caliber guys,” he said.
Instead, he focused on the collective impact of defensive stops. “It boosts the energy more than anything… I just want everybody to feel that energy that I feel,” he added.
Toronto’s identity held firm despite a poor shooting night, as the team hit just 4 of 30 from three-point range but still closed out the Cavaliers with late defensive stops and free throws from Scottie Barnes.
Murray-Boyles also stressed that offense and defense remain connected. “We start with defense. That’s what we hang our hats on. That’s what wins us games,” he said, noting that the coaching staff remained steady even during scoring struggles.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic’s message at halftime was simple, according to the forward. “The offense is going to come. We weren’t hitting anything… just do our thing on defense and it was going to stem from that,” he said.
Looking ahead to Game 5 in Cleveland, Murray-Boyles expects a hostile environment and a response from the opposition. “We got to expect a fight, back in their territory… we got to be ready for Donovan Mitchell to bounce back,” he said.
Despite the intensity of the playoff setting, he also reflected on the personal experience of being part of key moments early in his career. “There’s a lot of times where I’m smiling out there on the court. I’m just cherishing the moments like this,” he said.
