Live Thread: Cavs @ Raptors

This would be the game. If the Cavaliers are to complete the Eastern Conference sweep, they will need to be particularly focused in their first playoff game off American soil. The Raptors have been mostly horrible through the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, (or the Cavs have made them look horrible, either way) but the Drakes will likely come out firing in one last effort to salvage the lopsided series. The Cavaliers could be “feeling themselves” a little too much after winning 10 straight. The ball stopped ever so slightly in Game 2, but Kyrie Irving’s jumper  and LeBron’s pinpoint passing hid the warts. Defensively, Cleveland was outstanding, but we all know that role players have a tendency to play better at home. The Raptors are 6-2 at home in these playoffs. If Kyle Lowry can continue his strong play in elimination games,(and this basically is one) and the Raptor bench can come through, the Cavs could finally say hello to the loss column.

Still, the Cavaliers have never looked so locked in on both sides of the sidelines. The Raptors will need everything to go their way to stop the Cavs from tying an NBA record with 11 consecutive wins to start the playoffs. Dwayne Casey would be wise to play Norman Powell more as the series goes forward. The Raptors have had no luck shutting down Irving in one-on-one. Powell is a good defender as a rookie and would add a jolt of athleticism and spirit to an occasionally laconic backcourt. Sound off.