It seemed like everything that could go wrong for Toronto did go wrong in games 1-3. After being down at the end of every single first quarter this series, the Raptors finally showed some fight by starting the game up 21-10. LeBron James (35 Pts 9 Reb) would create another huge run for Cleveland, as he’s done all series, to completely erase Toronto’s strong start.
The Cavaliers showed no mercy in the second quarter, as the Raptors stood no chance when Kyle Korver came off the bench absolutely on fire, to add 16 points of his own by halftime.
Toronto’s three point woes from the first 3 games (28% 3Pt) wouldn’t continue in this game, as 5 different players would knock down a three & Toronto would end the game shooting 35% from three. Their big third quarter run, bringing them within single digits, would be the game changer to keep Toronto in the game.
With Toronto taking their first second half lead 93-92, Kyrie Irving (27 Pts 9 Ast) decided to put an end to the series by going on an 11-2 run all by himself in the fourth quarter. That run would keep the game out of reach for Toronto, giving Cleveland the series clinching win 109-102 to advance to their third straight Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
The Raptors went down swinging with no Kyle Lowry for their second straight game, their role players all stepped up with Serge Ibaka scoring a team high with 23 points & Cory Joseph stepping into the starting lineup & adding in 20 points of his own (8-11 FG) along with 12 assists.
Cleveland, as expected has advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they’ll face the winner of the BOS/WAS series. LeBron James is having his second highest playoff PPG average of his career (34 PPG) and a playoff career high in 3 point percentage (48%). Cleveland is looking more impressive than they’ve ever looked, all while Kyrie Irving (24 PPG) is shooting an inefficient 28% from the 3 point line.
Cleveland will have plenty of time to rest while waiting to find out who they’ll face in the Eastern Conference Finals. We’ve already seen some phenomenal play from this Cavaliers team, their ceiling is limitless once Kyrie Irving starts getting in rhythm once again & he knows he’ll need it when facing elite point guards, Isaiah Thomas (26 PPG) & John Wall (29 PPG 11 APG).
