Why the Toronto Raptors can beat the Cleveland Cavaliers

NBA pundits are sure to be unanimous in their view that the Raptors have no chance in a 7-game series with powerhouse Cleveland. Not so fast…

The Toronto Raptors clinched a spot in the conference semi-finals on Thursday with a win over Milwaukee to close out the series 4-2. The Raptors winning a best of 7 series in less than 7 games is encouraging, but it was not an easy task at all.

The struggles throughout this series were enough for people to believe that Toronto had no chance against Cleveland. However, I believe the defense of Milwaukee might have helped prepare Toronto for a tough 2nd round series.

Here are 3 reasons why the Raptors will not only challenge the Cavaliers but possibly beat them.

Defense

NBA fans knew that the Milwaukee Bucks would be a defensive threat to any team in the 2017 playoffs. The length of Middleton, Antetokounmpo, Snell, and Thon Maker was a difficult matchup even for the Raptors’ top-ranked offense.

Toronto won the series with their offense and defense winning Game 4 by holding Milwaukee to 76 points. Cleveland’s game plan has generally involved outscoring their opponent. However, the largest margin of victory was only by 6 points and Indiana scored over 100 in every game.

In addition, the only east team with a top 10 ranked offense and defense during the regular season was Toronto. The Raptors have a better defense than Cleveland and a better offense than a Pacers team who only lost by an average of 4 points. An upset victory for Toronto looks plausible.

Dec 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) tries to get a shot off past Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Past playoff experience

It is no secret that Kyle Lowry has had disappointing performances in the playoffs. He hasn’t shot over 45% in any year that he has made the playoffs and shoots 39% for his career.

Before this year, he played well against two teams: Brooklyn in 2014 averaging 21 points and Cleveland in 2016 averaging 27 points. The fact that the starting point guards from these teams are on this cavaliers roster could be a good sign.

This is also a team that has gone up against star forwards in the playoffs for the past 2 years. Paul George last year, Giannis Antetokounmpo this year, and LeBron James for the 2nd straight consecutive year. Hopefully, this is the year Dwane Casey showcases that 2011 Mavericks defense against LeBron and the Cavaliers.

New Additions

One key piece to the Raptors winning games 3 and 4 last year was the presence of Bismack Biyombo in the paint. Biyombo’s departure was a huge loss, but Masai Ujiri did an excellent job filling the holes on both ends.

Serge Ibaka brings the elite rim protection that Biyombo had brought to this team during the 2016 playoff run. In addition, Ibaka’s ability to stretch the floor is a great asset to the offense, and one which Biyombo can’t match.

Also, the addition of P.J Tucker is great for the Raptors’ toughness and gives them another option against LeBron James. The improvements on defense to go with this great scoring team should make Toronto a team to watch out for.

More from Raptors Rapture

Home/Raptors News