More insight on the Cavaliers-Raptors series from FanSided’s man in Cleveland.
Once again, we connect with FanSided’s Cleveland expert, Jared Mueller, Editor of https://kingjamesgospel.com/ for his answers (in bold) to my questions (in italics).
A lot of Raptors fans are grumbling about the refereeing. The Raptors have been whistled for 56 PFs compared to 36 for the Cavs. How has the zebras’ work looked to you?
Inconsistent is the best word for it. There were many plays in Game 1 where I thought the Cavs got the short end of the stick. Then in Game 2 it seemed like that balance flipped in the Cavs favor. The biggest thing has been the no calls on some plays where the Raptors go to the basket. They are not getting “Regular Season” calls much less “Superstar” calls. It has overall favored the Cavs as the refs seemed caught up in the momentum of the games.
Has LeBron been this much of a distributor throughout the playoffs, and what’s up with his free-throw shooting?
He really has focused on distributing. He wants Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love to be aggressive and knows he has to be the one to get them going. It also allows him to stay fresh and pick his spots on offense while playing pretty solid defense. His free throw shooting often seems connected to his focus. When he is upset, he focuses. When things are going well, he seems to just not stay on the shot long enough. On and off problem all of his career.
Off the beaten track slightly: what is the image, if any, in Cleveland of the Raptors? Of Toronto?
Of the Raptors, a good but limited team that relies too much on small, slim guys that just won’t take them over the top. Bismack Biyombo is starting to get a name among fans for his chippy, physical play. It is similar to Matthew Dellavedova but from a much bigger, stronger guy. He also yaps a little much for my liking. As a city, Toronto is still largely an unknown to many Clevelanders. Some understand the culture (I love Pantages Theater and many other things there) but still others see it as another Cleveland type city, only in Canada which is all lumped together as 1 type of place. We have noticed some very crazy fans as well.
How big a “get” was Channing Frye?
Frye will always be a tough one. First, the Cavs gave up fan favorite Anderson Varejao and our last trade chip, 2018 1st Rounder, to get him. He also will cost Dan Gilbert a ton of money. On the other hand, we expect every 3 pointer he shoots to go in. He gives the Cavs so much versatility. He can play the Stretch 5, play next to Love and is long enough to compete on defense. He is a luxury at some level but a very important one.
Thanks again, Jared!