Live Thread: Cavs @ Raptors
2017-05-05
The question with the Cavs/Raptors seems to be not about the Cavs, but what the Raptors can do to stop their onslaught. But any true Cavs fan knows that the Cavs’ looked even better than this in their first two games against the Raps at last year at the Q before dropping a couple in Toronto. This Cavs’ squad has a few more things going for it.
One, they’ve managed to avoid the bench dropoff they tended to suffer when LeBron went to the bench. Kyrie and Co. have been holding their own the last couple games. Deron Williams has helped greatly in that regard as well, and between he and Frye and Korver, the Cavs are getting a lot more shooting shooting off the bench.
Two, the Cavs defense has been stifling DeMar DeRozan and forcing everyone else to beat them. Despite solid showings from Jonas Valanciunas, the Raptors’ seem to be incapable of scoring when the Cavs lock down.
Three, LeBron James has been otherworldly. Last year, he was struggling mightily with his shot. Despite the wins, he went 2-8 in his first two games. This year? 6-11. He’s also shooting 76% from the line. I could spend two hours talking about how good LeBron is right now. This year, it hardly seems like he takes a play off. Gone are the wasted possessions that have plagued the Cavs offense. This year, those seem like Kyrie’s signature (though they’re more good than bad, usually).
They just seem like they’re clicking more than last year. Hopefully they keep it rolling. Anyway, I’ve vamped enough. Prediction: 112-108, Cavs.
Sloppy possessions have diminished the nice lead. Hopefully KLOVE gets it going again.
Cavs suck yet still winning.
Cavs playing poorly lately that’s why game is close
No cohesiveness to the Cavs game today. Seems like everyone is trying to do their own thing.
Cavs have 2 assists, 6 turnovers. But still lead.
Deron with the Delly foul.
Delly fouls are my favorite fouls. I missed them.
Such a simple but good play.
Getting way too sloppy with the ball.
Raptors energy level pretty low so far. Powell trying to spark them.
Shumpert will have good games. Sometimes, maybe, great ones. But never forget pleasestopdribblingshump.com. If we get a good trade offer for him, take it take it take it. Whoever our new gm is :(
Shump so desperate to make plays
Shump’s number one priority when he has the ball should always be to get the ball to someone else on his team as soon as possible.
Not watching right now: is the low assist total from taking what the defense is giving or is it too iso happy to sustain the production?
A bit of both. Toronto is playing without any fear since they know that can’t go down 3-0. Cavs are just not caring today.
Just slow pace.
Cavs just don’t really care on defense tonight. Gonna make it harder on themselves, maybe.
Shump out of control now
Evil Shump has returned
That was awful
I was hoping his good play was all related/caused by his free flowing hair… But it seems I was wrong.
Back to back bad possessions for cavs
Shump out of control the past two possessions.
He’s expending his energy on the wrong end of the floor.
Indeed.
LeBron’s three shot in the playoffs has me singing Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”
LeBron waits for the weak side play. Shump falls down. LeBron decides to just make a three.
https://twitter.com/cavs/status/860641778315255808
LBJ for THREEEEEE!!!!
Well, that was easy. LeBron coast to coast practically unchallenged on the first possession of the 2nd quarter.
Love showing up….lebron just coasting for now…fix defense and make sure traps are effective so guys passes are high and slow to give time for helping defense
Around the world for JR’s three…
https://twitter.com/cavs/status/860638958383906818
I dont really see anything scary so far from Toronto. The Cavs are sleepwalking a little.
Cavs are fine defense a bit loose inside but raptors can’t stop cavs
Shump shumped himself there.
Lol exactly.
LOL… Kyrie with an easy layup.
Ibaka grabbed Love trying to establish post position and threw him under the rim. No call. Kyrie scored anyway.
KLOVE closing too hard on the shooter.
KYRIE WITH THE DRIVE AND FINISH!
kevin with the strength
I love when Love plays like this!
LOVE WITH THE OFFENSIVE REBOUND AND PUT BACK!!
Backups with Kyrie and KLOVE right now.
Cavs playing subdued yet still winning.
Definitely… Toronto playing with no desperation.
Cavs playing a slower tempo and dumbing down their offense. Hopefully they pick it up and put a knee to their necks…
LBJ with the nice drive!!!
Dang… KLOVE with a nice post look, couldn’t finish.
Not the right pace on offense and allowing too many open shots on defense.
JR missed a chance to cut the basket leads to LBJ with a bad pass… Toronto trying to show signs of life.
Yeesh . Cavs playing down to these guys. Should be up double digits.
Exactly the Raptors are missing a lot of open shots and the Cavs are just not moving on offense.
Wow… Powell might be done… I guess Nate’s right… Raps look finished and the 1st quarter hasn’t ended.
Got the call that time.
LeBron to Love
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/860635952120815616
LBJ looked like he got fouled on that play.
JR Swish! With what looks like a gimpy ankle or knee.
AROUND THE WORLD AND JR FOR THREEEEE!!!
I think TT has the push shot but not the hook shot
TT misses the jump hook… nice cut tho and nice read by LBJ.
LeBron’s bounce pass to KLove for the dunk. Thing of beauty on the alternate angle replay.
Nice play for Kevin. Freed by a Irving screen.
Damn. ran the same move again with KLOVE… KLOVE had the space but couldn’t corral the pass.
Love all over the place, making Ibaka look lost on D.
WOW BEAUTIFUL CUT TO THE BASKET AND SLAM!!!! KLOVE!!!
Based in the energy I’m seeing early I’d be shocked if the Raps won.
I feel like the Cavs are a bit lethargic, but somehow have the lead.
Because the Raps are running through mud.
Wow. This crowd is already dead.
Yup… noticed that too… maybe because Lowry might not see the floor tonight.
KLOVE DRAWS THE FOUL! He’s giving the Cavs energy early.
Love again going strong to the hoop, beats his man and scores on JV at the rim.
Then draws a foul on JV next time down.
KLOVE WITH THE DRIVE AND FINISH!!!
Bout time they called that defensive 3 seconds…. JV just camping in the paint.
I already have to mute the game. These two morons want Toronto to win so bad
Haha, I just came here to post the same thing.
To be fair Hubie was once a great broadcaster, but he’s about two years passed acceptable, and well passed his prime.
Hubie broadcasts everything from the Toronto perspective. Like a homer announcer, he actively pull for the Raps and groans when they make a mistake. It’d be even more annoying if I didn’t feel little sorry for the Raps.
KY-Jack
Textbook how NOT to run a PnR by Irving.
Terrible post entry pass by JR.
Feeding KLOVE in the post early… I like it.
Strong quick move by Love, gets the goaltend call.
Cavs have to be ready to take Toronto’s best shot in the first half.
I hate when arenas are smokey at start of playoff games
Yikes.. Vegas likes a buzzer beater tonight or an outright Toronto win… steel yourselves for a tense one! (watch Vegas be completely wrong now that I’ve said it.)
Hubie…