(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND – The Cavaliers sure made it interesting tonight blowing a 17 point lead, but they were able to hold off the Raptors as LeBron James banks in the game winner as time expires to give the Cavs a commanding 3-0 Series lead. The Cavs jumped out early on the Raptors, and after 3 quarters it looked like this game was in the bag. The Cavs led by 15 at halftime and 14 after 3 quarters. The Toronto Raptors had other plans as they outscored the Cavs 38-26 in the 4th quarter.
The Cavs have definitely found their offense in this series, and LeBron is getting help form his teammates. James led the way playing 41 minutes, scoring 38 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. Kevin Love had a huge 3rd quarter when the Cavs needed him the most, since LeBron was on the bench. Love scored 9 straight points for the Cavs. Love finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds. Other Cavs that showed up tonight, Korver added 18 points going 4-6 from 3-point range. George Hill had 12 points, and Jeff Green off the bench scored 11 points.
JR Smith had a tough night as he was in foul trouble most of the game. He got his 3rd foul early in the second quarter, and then picked up his 4th just minutes into the 3rd quarter. Smith played 26 minutes, going 0-2 and finished with 0 points.
Toronto Raptors were led by Kyle Lowry scoring 27 points and 7 assists. The Raptors had big performances from OG Anunoby scoring 18 points, Valanciunas adding 10 points and 11 rebounds, Serge Ibaka had his best game of the series scoring 11 points and 4 blocks. The biggest disappointment for the Raptors was from All-Star DeMar DeRozan who did not play in the 4th quarter and finished with 8 points.
The Cavs are 1 win away from the Eastern Conference Finals, and they will look to close out and sweep the Toronto Raptors from Quicken Loans Arena Monday at 8:30 pm.
Kipp Cullin WTAM 1100