After sweeping their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the Toronto Raptors for Game 1 of their second-round matchup. Toronto, on the other hand, came into Monday's matchup having just finished off a tough 4-2 series win against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers and the Raptors faced last year in the Eastern Conference Finals with Cleveland winning that series 4-2. Cleveland beat them by an average of 28.5 points in their four victories during the Conference Finals last year and they also won three of four meetings against Toronto this season.
Entering Monday's game the Raptors were 1-11 all-time in Game 1's.
Cleveland showed no rust in Game 1 victory
Despite not playing since April 23, the Cavaliers showed no rust whatsoever in Game 1 on Monday. Midway through the first quarter they already had their first double-digit lead at 22-11. Cleveland ended the first quarter with a 30-18 lead. Early in the second period Toronto went on a 11-0 run and came within two points (41-39) with 6 minutes left in the quarter. The Cavs answered back with an 8-0 run of their own and regained the double-digit lead (49-39). At halftime it was 62-48 for the home team. The Cavaliers finished the second quarter without committing a single turnover. The third quarter saw Cleveland's lead increase even more as they outscored the Raptors 34-26 in the period.
They held a 22-point lead coming into the fourth quarter at 96-74. Midway in the fourth period Cleveland was up by 20 (112-92) and they ended up winning the game comfortably, 116-105. They outrebounded Toronto 46-43 and finished the game with 26 team assists. The Cavaliers were 14-for-34 from the three-point line (41.2%) and 24-for-29 from the free-throw line.
Cleveland has now won eight straight playoff games, including last year's Finals, and they are now 29-4 against the Eastern Conference over the past three postseasons.
LeBron with another great game
LeBron James led all scorers on Monday night with 35 points. He was 13-for-23 from the field and he also added 10 rebounds and four assists.
It was the 88th time in James' career that he scored at least 30 points in a playoff game. He needs 25 points to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second place on the league's all-time playoff scoring list. Kyrie Irving contributed with 24 points and a playoff career-high 10 assists. Kevin Love finished with 18 points and nine rebounds for the Cavaliers while Tristan Thompson scored 11 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
Game 2 of the series will be played on Wednesday night in Cleveland.
