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Toronto Raptors should be excited about dysfunctional Cavs

ByRaejhon Johnson|
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 05: Lebron James
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 05: Lebron James

The Cavaliers aren’t just losing -they are doing so against bad teams. Can the Raptors fill the void at the top of the East?

The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered an embarrassing 19 point loss to the New York Knicks last night. In the span of 9 days, the Cavs have lost to the Magic, Nets, Pelicans, and Knicks. While this is bad news for Cleveland, this should be something to celebrate in Toronto. The Toronto Raptors are likely contenders to dethrone the King’s Cavaliers this season.

The King’s Cavaliers dethroned?

TORONTO, ON – MAY 05: Lebron James
TORONTO, ON – MAY 05: Lebron James

The Cavaliers managed to win 2 games to begin the season. After Derrick Rose injured his ankle, the Cavs barely beat the Chicago Bulls and then lost their last three games by an average of over 15 points per game, Cleveland’s home game against the Knicks showed lack of chemistry, trust, defense and other troubling things.

The Raptors have been pushing to get past the Cavs for the last couple of years, to no avail. Since Kyrie Irving’s departure, it looks like the tables have turned. The Raptors appear to be a much better team since moving away from isolation plays.

The Cavaliers, on the other hand, don’t even look like a playoff team as of right now.

Almost like a blessing from the basketball gods, Toronto has been given their best odds to reach the NBA Finals.

The Cavaliers point guard Derrick Rose is still dealing with injuries and looks to be less aggressive than he was in previous years. When Isaiah Thomas returns from injury, it will further complicate things moving Rose to the bench. Dwyane Wade and JR Smith, who are struggling to find consistency, have been swapping starting roles with each other.
The Cavaliers point guard Derrick Rose is still dealing with injuries and looks to be less aggressive than he was in previous years. When Isaiah Thomas returns from injury, it will further complicate things moving Rose to the bench. Dwyane Wade and JR Smith, who are struggling to find consistency, have been swapping starting roles with each other.

LeBron James more than ever looks unhappy with the talent on his roster.

“When you lose to teams, the way we’ve been getting beat, you know, it’s unacceptable.” said Tyronn Lue

TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: OG Anunoby
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: OG Anunoby

Meanwhile, many of the changes in the Raptors roster appear to be paying off. OG Anunoby, a steal in the draft, is showing great potential on the floor. Jakob Poeltl and Pascal Siakam are making Jonas Valanciunas look expendable.Youngsters Norman Powell and Delon Wright are developing into huge assets. CJ Miles is proving a better fit than DeMarre Caroll.  The Raptors have looked somewhat impressive in their team-oriented offense.

The Cavaliers haven’t been under .500 in a season since a 19-20 start during LeBron’s first year back in Cleveland.

Toronto – back on top?

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Pascal Siakam
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Pascal Siakam

The Raptors have been given a great opportunity to come out as the top seed in the east. Giving the Golden State Warriors a run for their money earlier, they could come out past the conference finals. With the Boston Celtics suffering a loss with Gordon Hayward being out for the season, the Raptors competition slims down to the Wizards.

As of now, Cleveland looks like what the Raptors have moved away from.The Cavs are running a lot of isolation plays that leave most of their team looking lost as they watch the point deficit increase.

If the Raptors want to make a statement and rise out of the East as Conference Champions, the time is now. This should be an exciting season to watch for all of Toronto hoping to bring a ring to the city.

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