After a long period of rest, the Cleveland Cavaliers appear refreshed. It seems like an eternity since the Cavs swept the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs, but it looks like they never missed a step. Behind 35 points from LeBron James and double-doubles from Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson the Cavaliers out-worked the Toronto Raptors 116-105 to take a 1-0 series lead.
Iman Shumpert HAMMERS this one home!#DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/vbaTekh1qg
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 1, 2017
The Cavs got off to a great start and lead 30-18 after the first quarter, highlighted by a vicious Iman Shumpert dunk right over Serge Ibaka. Toronto historically does not do well in Game 1 of any series, and this was no different. James controlled the game and got whatever he wanted, while Irving added 24 points on 7-16 shooting. Thompson continues to be a thorn in the side of Toronto, who doesn’t have an answer for the hustle and rebounding. Kevin Love added 18 points including going 3-6 from behind the arc. Overall, it was a very clean game for the Cavs with few glaring issues.
Kyle Lowry sparks a Raptors 8-0 after hitting this 3 in front of LeBron#WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/obuwZTFfub
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 1, 2017
The same cannot be said for the Raptors, who looked outmatched. Rest certainly could be a factor in this outcome too. Toronto had to endure a vastly underrated Milwaukee Bucks team for six games and barely came out of the first round alive. The Cavs enjoyed eight days of rest, and the difference was clearly present. The Raptors were paced by Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan per usual, combining for 29 points on 14-26 shooting. Serge Ibaka added a quiet 15 points on 3-3 shooting from three-point range. The biggest issue was in the paint with Jonas Valanciunas. His slow feet and inability to keep up with Tristan Thompson proved big. Last season in the Eastern Conference Finals the Raptors were able to turn to Bismack Bioyombo to clean up the glass and block anything that came near the rim. This year, they do not have that luxury.
Uncle Drew gets another victim plus the foul ? ?#DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/HT3Pv8yfDm
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 2, 2017
The Cavaliers look like a completely different beast after scraping by the Pacers by a combined 16 points. Just a month ago LeBron said the team was “in a bad spot” after a bad loss to the Chicago Bulls. But something has clicked and this team looks lethal once again. Toronto needs to find an answer to this death machine before it is too late. Starting Ibaka at center may provide help stretch the floor and assist defensively. The Raptors do not have the talent Cleveland does, so playing the matchup game and playing to strengths will have to suffice.
