The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 105-99, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Air Canada Center on Wednesday.
The Toronto backcourt has consistently been the make-or-break factor for their success throughout the playoffs, and both Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan saved their best basketball of the playoffs for the integral Game 4 of the series. The Raptors evened the series at two game apiece after falling behind to Cleveland, who took the first two games at Quicken Loans Arena, behind Lowry’s leadership and DeRozan’s ability to nail some extremely difficult runners, floaters and created shots off the dribble. Toronto stormed out to a double digit halftime lead after taking advantage of a pivotal second quarter that showcased hounding defense from Dwane Casey’s group.
The second half saw the Cavaliers make a valiant comeback, as the Raptors gave up an 18 point lead. It started with Channing Frye, who got the hot hand from behind the arc, and followed with tremendous pick-and-roll play from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Richard Jefferson found himself wide open lanes to the rim and was on the receiving end of many James assists, which eventually tied the game midway through the fourth quarter. Offensive rebounding proved to be the difference down the stretch, and Bismack Biyombo’s prowess on both ends of the floor helped the Raptors close out the game after taking a 103-99 lead with just under :30 remaining. Kyle Lowry iced the game with a driving layup with :22 left in regulation.
Lowry finished with 35 points on 14-of-20 shooting, to go along with five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while DeRozan added 32 points on 14-of-23 shooting. DeMarre Carrol was the only other Raptors player in double-figures and contributed 11 points on a rough 1-of-7 shooting from the three-point line. Biyombo added five points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots.
James led all Cavaliers scorers with 29 points, in addition to nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Irving contributed 26 points, three boards and six dimes. J.R. Smith looked to get hot from behind the arc, but but managed just nine points on 11 three-point attempts. Frye helped Cleveland climb back into the game in the second half with 12 points on 50 percent three-point shooting.
Game 5 moves back to Cleveland on Wednesday.
