The fallout from the Cleveland Cavaliers taking a 3-0 series lead over the Toronto Raptors
The city of Toronto never looked sadder.
After a 115-94 drudging at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who took a 3-0 series lead, every fan in the Air Canada Centre and in Jurassic Park were left wondering what the future holds for this team.
Even Drake looked like he was ready to drop his saddest song yet.
Many thought the Raptors would at least push the Cavs. Wrong. Toronto will be lucky to see a Game 5.
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Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker were supposed to bring the toughness and versatility. And while they, for the most part, did, it didn’t matter in the end. The Cavs are still bigger and better.
Kyle Lowry being out for Game 3 didn’t help either.
Quite frankly, I’m not sure if we should be disappointed in Toronto or impressed with Cleveland? The truth is usually somewhere in the middle.
Game 3 Recap
Starting in place of Lowry was Cory Joseph for the Raptors. And he didn’t do a terrible job, but he didn’t do a great job either. He finished with four points, six assists and three rebounds. Most importantly, he didn’t commit a turnover.
Toronto also kept Norman Powell in the starting lineup, along with Jonas Valanciunas.
As has been the case for the majority of this series, LeBron James controlled everything that happened in Game 3. He has amazed this series, averaging 36 points per game. Specifically in Game 3, James finished with 35 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Throughout this series, Toronto has tried five different defenders on him, and (predictably) none have worked.
Playoff LeBron is here, activated, and now Toronto is headed to vacation sooner than they would have liked.
In a lone bright spot for the Raptors, DeMar DeRozan had a big game. DeRozan was awful in Game 2, and only made two field goals. Last night, in Game 3, he finished with 37 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. He was aggressive, decisive and confident.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.
Heading into the 4th quarter down two, that’s when it all hope ended for the Raptors. Toronto was outscored 36-17 in the quarter, as Cleveland – led by LeBron James – pranced towards a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Game 4
At this point in the series, the Toronto Raptors have to be playing for pride. Hopefully, Lowry will be able to play in Game 4, and it will give them a better chance.
Expect Dwane Casey to shuffle the lineup, and potentially mix up his starting five – we could see Serge Ibaka starting at the 5.
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Even then, it may not be enough. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a different gear now. LeBron James is playing arguably the best basketball of his career.