Playoff Update: Round 2 - Game 1
After a grueling 7 game series with the Pacers and a very short rest, everyone kind of expected the Cavs to come out flat last night and take the opening game loss. They were not expecting a 113-112 Cleveland win in overtime. Toronto was rested and healthy, and it looked like a blowout in the first quarter. Toronto took a commanding 33-19 lead after the opening period and most Cavs fans were already looking towards Game 2.
Then the Cavs found some life outscoring the Raptors 38-27 in the second quarter to get within 3 at halftime. LeBron was getting help from his teammates, something he hasn't really had the entire first series. JR Smith ended up with 20, something no non-LeBron Cavalier has done in these playoffs until now. Korver hit some clutch threes in the fourth quarter and overtime to help seal the deal for the Cavs. Tristan Thompson has continued his resurgence, adding a 14 point night with 12 rebounds. Although LeBron put up his 21st postseason triple-double, he wasn't very efficient making only 13 of 20 field goals and only one of his eight three point attempts. This was a night he needed his guys to step up, and they did, just enough.
Photo credits: By Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA (DeMar DeRozan) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsCleveland didn't take the lead for first time until right near the end and then again in overtime. They had just enough left to squeak by and steal home-court advantage away from Toronto. This demoralizing effort has to weigh on the Raptors, as they have been consistently stomped by the Cavs over the last few years. Even going into the playoffs as the number 1 seed in the East, they still haven't proven that they are ready for the big time yet. They missed 11 straight shots in the fourth quarter, partially due to an unexpected defensive presence from the Cavs, but also just not living up to the moment. While Valanciunas had an amazing game overall, he missed several layups and put backs near the end that could have given this team the win.
Game 2 Preview
Game 2 will be played Thursday in Toronto at 6:00 p.m. EST on ESPN. The pressure is on Toronto after losing home court advantage last night. Expect to see more Tristan Thompson in the lineup to help limit Valanciunas scoring and rebounding. Some of the younger guys need to get some playing time to build confidence because Jordan Clarkson, Rod Hood, and Larry Nance all look scared out there. Hopefully a game one win will help calm their nerves a bit and let them go back to playing their natural game. I think DeRozan will comes out aggressive in Game 2, trying to prove that he belongs as a Playoffs leader. This could help him if the Cavs aren't ready. If they stay calm and sound on defense, they can get him to make mistakes. We'll see how well he responds to the pressure.
Cover photo credits: By Erik Drost (Cleveland Cavaliers) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons>via Wikimedia Commons
Author: @jaymesbawned
Editor: @liberty-minded
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I predicted the Raptors in 6. Doubt that will happen now that they lost game 1. I really didn't think Cleveland would beat them again this year but it looks like it might happen again. It's a long series though.
True, I think it's going to be a fun one. If Cavs win game 2 it'll be over quick, but I expect at least 6 games.
Hello! I like to read and write about sports.
I usually write in Italian, because I have my Italian comunity, but I write a basketball English post weekly, as you can see.
I hope to be part of your group on discord.
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LeBron and the Cavs have to be chuckling right now - they are in the Raptor’s heads.
They are, man. Raps are a good team that can't seem to get out of their own way.