Well Raptors fans, up until the playoffs, our team had a good run. They broke their franchise record for number of regular season games won, with a final regular season record of 59-23. As well, they also finished first in the Eastern conference for the first time in history. The Raptors played well in their first round of playoffs against the Washington Wizards, taking the series in six games. However, all good things must come to an end, as the Toronto Raptors were eliminated in round 2 in just four games.
The Cleveland Cavaliers played exceptional basketball the entire series. They made their 3-pointers, Â played stronger defense, and just overall were playing a better game. There were many instances where the Raptors rallied and pushed to play at the same level of the Cavaliers, yet their efforts just weren’t enough.
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The Game
Monday’s game ended with a score 128-93. The Cavaliers were ahead of the Raptors the entire game, outscoring them every period. Many of Toronto’s starters barely even played the final quarter. DeMar DeRozan had 13 points this game, and 5 rebounds. Kyle Lowry had 5 points and 4 rebounds. Valunciunas scored 18 points, and C.J miles had 13. On Cleveland’s end, LeBron James had 29 points and 11 rebounds in the game. Kevin Love ended with 23 points, Kevin Korver had 16 points, and J.R Smith finished the game with 15 points.
Cleveland’s success can essentially be contributed to their All-Star player LeBron James, also known as King James. This series, he scored a combined total of 136 points, with 45 assists, and he made 57/103 of his field goals, all on his own. Whereas the Toronto Raptors dynamic duo Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan together scored a combined total  of 138 points and 46 assists, and made 53/108 of their field goals. Considering that the two All-Star players combined didn’t play as well as LeBron James on his own, it’s not surprising that the Cavaliers took the series.
Thoughts
It is disappointing to see the Raptors playoff run come to an end so early. Especially since this playoff series is a reflection of last year’s, where Cleveland also swept the Raptors in four games in round 2. Clearly, the Raptors will need to focus on their strategy and their defense during the offseason. Particularly if they keep this current roster the same and want to come back next season and defeat the Cavaliers once and for all.
It wasn’t a great run for the Toronto Raptors, but it was certainly a good one. The Raptors stepped it up in the regular season, and there were some definite improvements in their defense in playoffs. If this season was any indication of what’s to come, then next year the Raptors will be back better than ever.
