The Eastern Conference Finals are suddenly becoming much more interesting. After two blowout losses, the Toronto Raptors showed up in game three to win a crucial matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers and keep their hopes of a Finals berth alive. Toronto won the game by the final score of 99-84.
Toronto most notably saw the emergence of its all-star backcourt. Both Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan had strong games, although the former was hurt throughout the game by foul trouble. DeRozan, however, had perhaps his best game of this postseason, playing with noticeable confidence and scoring an efficient 32 points on 12-24 shooting. Lowry finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
But the real star of the show for the Raptors was Bismack Biyombo. The big-man has been perhaps the most consistent player for Toronto all playoffs long, but turned it up another level, especially on the boards. Starting again due to the injury to Jonas Valanciunas, Biyombo put up a monstrous effort with 26 rebounds and played phenomenal defense, racking up four blocks.
#Raptors' Bismack Biyombo's 26 rebs ties Rockets' Dwight Howard (2015) & Hakeem Olajuwon (1988) for most rebs in a playoff game since 1984.
— NBA On Def Pen (@NBAOnDefPen) May 22, 2016
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, found it difficult to score in part due to newfound energy from the Raptors (who also made the adjustment of trapping the ball-handler in pick and roll scenarios) but also due to some poor shooting from two of their stars. Both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love struggled in game three, scoring 13 and three points, respectively.
Despite the effort from LeBron James and hot shooting from J.R. Smith, the Cavaliers were unable to overcome the strong effort from the Raptors and ultimately were blown out in Toronto, losing their first game in the 2016 playoffs.
The game unfortunately also saw a what-should-be-expected dirty tactic from Cavs’ bench-warmer Dahntay Jones who appeared to hit Biyombo in the groin on a rebound attempt. The officials appeared to not notice it but the league may take some action upon further review.
Why does Dahntay Jones have give Bismack Biyombo a going away present?#CAVSvRAPTORS
(via @clippittv)pic.twitter.com/Y7ckJBaKxL— NBA On Def Pen (@NBAOnDefPen) May 22, 2016
The Cavs now lead the series 2-1. Game four will be played in Toronto on Monday at 8:30 PM EST.
