Raptors showing fight against Cavs
The Toronto Raptors don’t care about your prediction.
After the entire world picked the Raptors to capitulate to the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, Toronto looked to be playing the part of stooge. Throughout the first two games, the Raptors got pounded at Quicken Loans Arena by the Cavaliers, with the enduring image being Toronto guard Kyle Lowry going into the tunnel to calm down during Game 2.
With the series headed back to Canada for Game 3 and 4, it appeared the Raptors would need nothing short of a minor miracle to stave off elimination for even one game. Instead, Toronto roared back with heart not many believed it possessed in front of a wild crowd, led by the tough play of Bismack Biyombo on the interior.
Now, the Raptors and Cavaliers are sitting dead even at two games each. Toronto is no longer playing for respect but playing for a chance to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. The Raptors had never won 50 games in a season or reached the conference finals before this campaign, and now this group is rewriting history. Under the guise of head coach Dwane Casey, the Raptors win 56 games and despite two seven-game scares, finally got to the penultimate round of the NBA Playoffs.
With the stellar play of DeMar DeRozan, Lowry and Biyombo over the last two games, Toronto has climbed backinto contention and suddenly gotten the attention of two nations. For Cleveland, it faces two issues. One is the revitalization of the Raptors and the other is Kevin Love, who was injured in Game 4. Love missed all of the fourth quarter on Sunday night but has vowed to play despite pain, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
“I think Kyrie [Irving] was shooting towards the end of the third quarter, and I stepped on the official’s foot, and it didn’t feel too great,” said Love, who had a total of 13 points and 11 rebounds in Games 3 and 4. “More so the knee [than the ankle hurting]. Will be sore tomorrow, but nothing that will prevent me from playing.”
The Cavaliers remain the favorites – and heavy ones at that – to beat the Raptors. Cleveland has the best players on the court in Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, and should take this series with or without Love. Toronto would still be pulling off a huge upset with a trip to the Finals, but it has become at least a possibility when most thought it was a foregone conclusion this series would be quick and tidy.
Give the Raptors credit. After being labeled soft and a group of chokers for years, they are giving us everything they have.
