The Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 99-84, on Saturday at Air Canada Centre, whittling the Cavs' lead in the Eastern Conference Finals down to 2-1.
Toronto's first home Conference Finals game in franchise history was a big one, as the the team was able to hand the red-hot Cavaliers their first loss of this postseason. Leading the charge was center Bismack Biyombo, who crashed the boards relentlessly, pulling down 26 rebounds on the night. Biyombo also tallied four big blocks on the defensive end. Biyombo's rebounding effort helped contribute to a 54-40 rebounding advantage for the Raptors, while Biyombo was also able to hold the Cavs' big man duo of Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love to a combined three points on the night. Offensively, DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Raptors, scoring 32 points on the night. All-Star Kyle Lowry also tallied 20 points. The Raptors were able to hold on to a 13-point lead established at halftime, leading by double digits for the majority of the game.
On Cleveland's side, the night was a disappointing return to Earth for the NBA's hottest team. A major part of the teams offensive struggles stemmed from All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, who combined for just 16 points on 4-for-28 shooting from the field. Love also struggled in the low post, recording just four rebounds on the night. LeBron James, meanwhile, delivered a characteristically impressive performance, posting team highs in points, rebounds, and assists. LeBron's 24 could only do so much for the struggling Cavs, however, as the team finished just 28-for-79 from the field on the night.
Game 4 will take place at Air Canada Centre on Monday.
