Raptors vs. Cavaliers: NBA’s Best New Rivalry
Ali vs. Frazier? … Tyson vs. Holyfield? … Ron Artest vs. the Citizens of Detroit? …
Well, it doesn’t quite crack the list, but does own the potential for something special. This rivalry is rapidly transforming into a one of the Association’s finest; an absolute must-follow — Drake vs. P.Diddy? … Not even close.
Meet basketball’s newest arch enemies, the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Let’s go the distance.
Round 1:
Hey, Cleveland: Remember that time when “Sweet” Louis Williams erupted for 36 points, paving the way to a Raptors’ franchise record start of 11-2? — You know, the one which led to the LeBron James quote heard ’round the world; every 15 minutes, for seven straight days — I will refrain from reenacting the nauseam.
Who could forget the representation of Toronto fans and the hostile-takeover of Quicken Loans Arena.
A message to the Cavs’ contingent: How does a crowd let that happen? … No opposing fan-base should ever be allowed to waltz in and act like they own the place. However, don’t fret, what’s fair is fair, I will not rip and run. The Raps will be put through the gauntlet in a few moments.
Although, if the “Hardwork on three, together on six” commercial airs more than 50 times the next go around, i’ll be knocking real soon.
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Round 2:
Revenge can get nasty, and it’s best served with a cold-blooded chip on one’s shoulder; not to mention with a side of smothering defence. The Cavs took Round 1 as a personal attack, reeling off five straight victories; averaging double-digit triumphs, while holding opponents to a 90.6 points per game clip over that span — a reign of terror has begun.
Even though the Raps defense decided to show up to the party (fashionably late) in its overtime thriller against the Denver Nuggets soon after — in this battle, the installation of the matador playbook wasn’t such a good idea.
Round 3: The Rubber Match
With the season series tied at one apiece, all eyes were fixated on this heavyweight bout. And it started off with a bang — an actual Landry Fields sighting!
Inserting Fields into the lineup during last season’s first round exit at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets paid extensive dividends on the defensive end — it was business as usual this time around after receiving the starting nod. Terrence Ross slid over to the two-guard position (a more natural fit), and Greivis Vasquez was moved backed to the second unit.
With nerve issues in Fields’ shooting hand still lingering, it was a commendable display.
Don’t look now, folks, the Jonas Valanciunas experience to about to kick into high gear. An all out effort; his inner Amir Johnson is starting to shine through. Honorable mention to James Johnson, the swingman will the Swiss-army-knife skill-set.
No lead is safe when these two step in the ring; each team has coughed up advantages that originally seemed insurmountable to overcome. The fact that both clubs were on a back-to-back, had fatigue setting in early and often.
This marks the first game one truly double-checked DeMar DeRozan‘s timetable. The Raps had the game on ice for three quarters — crunch-time assistance would have been welcomed. As well as the absent dimension on offence. The Raps took what the Cavs gave them.
Instead of fighting through and continuously moving the ball before the double team got there — an abundance of flat feet was in attendance.
The Raps fourth-quarter streak (39 straight games) of holding the fort and finishing off their opponent when starting the Q ahead, came to halt on Tuesday night — word the wise, officiating crew: any team who hasn’t yet reached the bonus with 40 seconds left to go might be getting a little preferential treatment — i’m not saying, I’m just saying.
However, Cleveland earned the victory hands down. With Anderson Varejao performing dirty-work duties down low, the comeback was always within reach.
What’s been the reason for the Cavs’ awakening?
Slowly but surely they are learning to co-exist. After years of dominating the ball, Kyrie Irving had to evolve his game with LBJ back in town. That takes time. Having your status drop from first to third option has to marinate, and Kevin Love is now on the cusp of consistently entrenching himself into this offense.
As for the King, well, to quote D’Angelo Barksdale .. “The King stay the King”
Prior to round one, Toronto hadn’t won on Cleveland soil since April 6, 2004; James’ rookie year — a Jalen Rose game-winner couldn’t be replicated this time out.
Whether it’s the surging Atlanta Hawks, tough-as-nails Chicago Bulls, lurking in the background Washington Wizards, cooled-off Miami Heat, upstart Milwaukee Bucks, or the disappointing Brooklyn Nets — the East’s drama is just getting started.
The bitter twist of fate this storyline brings: these two powers do not meet again until early March. The basketball gods have a cruel sense of humour.
Look for Drizzy, Diddy, and the Royal Family sitting court side.
This rivalry will have to look over each other’s shoulder for now, but a high-stakes collision course is looming. An Eastern conference, No.1 seed photo-finish is underway.