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Cleveland: 108
Toronto: 89
Full Time Report: Cavs vs Raptors
This series hasn’t got any better. The Cavaliers are just far too good and the Raptors look like they don’t care about competing for 48 minutes.
We’ve had two games and the Cavaliers have won both by a combined 50 points. The Raptors have been competitive for roughly 12 minutes in this entire series however the Cavaliers have been on top of their game and joined elite company tonight. They’re now one of only 4 teams in NBA History to win their first 10 Playoff games.
Behind the Big Three the Cavs steam rolled any run the Raptors tried to make. Shooting a combined 24/43 for 68 points to go along with 20 rebounds and 17 assists. That final number in considerable when you put out the fact that Toronto as a side had 17 assists.
For Toronto they’re reliant upon the output from their dynamic duo and unfortunately things didn’t click for the pair, yet again. Demar DeRozan was respectable in his display put forth but his running mate in Kyle Lowry was still looking for his shot and in doing so wasn’t contempt with just standing by, instead deciding to force the issue with his shot.
Lowry went 1/8 from deep which takes his series tally from beyond the arc to 1/15 which equates to 6.66% shooting. In fact in both games combined the Raptors have shot a grand total of 57 three points for only 14 makes, that gives them a percentage of 24.56%.
Perhaps the Raptors should consider ditching the three point line and instead focus their offensive game plan on attacking the paint as they’ve had considerably less free throw attempts compared to the Cavaliers (48 to 70). The Cavs aren’t a big shot blocking team and the Raptors should look to go all out attack in Game 3.
With the series now switching back to Toronto and things looking quiet dire for the Raptors, will they be able to come up with a response in front of their home crowd or will Cleveland roll on and move closer to the NBA Finals.
Stay tuned to the Roar for our NBA Finals coverage.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to continue their dominant run of form against the Toronto Raptors during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 10.30am (AEST).
Game 1 was a completely one-sided affair that the Cavaliers dominated after the opening six minutes. Toronto opened up with a quick fire 7-0 run that was quickly run down by the rampant Cavaliers.
Behind the stellar play of their big three, the Cavaliers looked as good as at any point during these playoffs. LeBron James was a phenomenal 9/9 from the field before finally missing a contested layup. Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 27 and the usual razzle-dazzle we’ve grown accustom too, with Kevin Love also pitching in 14 points.
On the other side of the floor the up and down shooting form that has plagued the Raptors all playoffs reared it’s head yet again. The dynamic backcourt combined for 26 points on 31 shots, which included a remarkable 0 of 8 from beyond the arc.
With Jonas Valanciunas stating he’s only a 50 percent chance of playing in Game 2, the Raptors will have to rely on the defensive side of their game.
They’re not going to outrun or outscore this Cavaliers side, instead they need to focus on slowing the pace of the game right down and make this a dogfight. If they want to level this series or head back to Toronto with a shred of hope this is their only chance.
The Cavaliers on the other end will look to continue to run and push the pace whilst attacking the rim just like they did in Game 1. The big three will again be required to put forth similar style numbers, however, it’s the role players that are most vital. Provided the bench can hold up like it has, the Cavaliers will be looking at a 2-0 series lead.
Prediction
After the showing put forth from both sides in Game 1 it’s a pretty easy call to make; the Raptors look completely out of their element against a rampant Cavaliers side who should steam roll this game in front of their home crowd.
Cavs by 14
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores and coverage of this match from 10.30am (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
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