 |
| (photo credit: Getty Images) |
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors will meet in the Eastern Conference Finals, as they both vie to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. The Raptors are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Cleveland was in the
conference finals last year, as they would end up losing to the eventual
champion Warriors in the Finals. Cleveland and Toronto matched up three times
this year. Toronto took the two out of the three meetings in the season series.
The home team won all three games in this series, which
should benefit Cleveland, because they have home court advantage. Cleveland has
been red hot during these playoffs, especially from beyond the arc. Cleveland
shot 51% from the three point line in their last series against Atlanta, and
they were the first team in NBA history to make 15 3-pointers in four straight
games.
The Cavs roster is centered around the “Big 3” which
includes Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, and Kevin Love. Irving is averaging 24.4
points per game during the playoffs, which leads the team. James has averaged
23.5 points per game, and Kevin Love has averaged 18.9 points per game.
Cleveland has gotten increased production from J.R. Smith and
Channing Frye, especially from the three point line.
Toronto’s calling card all
season has been their star studded backcourt. Shooting guard DeMar DeRozan has averaged
20.0 points per game, which leads the team. Point guard Kyle Lowry has averaged 18.6 points per game, including
a 35 point performance against Miami in Game 7. Toronto is depleted in the front
court, as they are without starting center Jonas Valanciunas, who is nursing a sprained
ankle.
Bismack Biyombo has stepped up in his absence, as he tallied
17 points and 16 rebounds in Game 7 against Miami. Toronto will need to stop
Cleveland from shooting the three ball effectively, while Cleveland will need
to stop Toronto’s backcourt. Game 1 is in Cleveland on Tuesday at Quicken
Loans Arena.
No comments:
Post a Comment