Toronto Raptors: 5 Keys To Playing The Cleveland Cavaliers

4. Kyle Lowry must outplay Kyrie Irving

This matchup features two of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference. While missing most of the start of the season cost Kyrie Irving an All-Star appearance, he has found his form recently and has been averaging 24.4 points and 5.5 assists per game in the playoffs.

His efficiency has also been off the charts in the playoffs, shooting 47.7 percent from the floor and 53.8 percent from three.

Lowry will be tasked with limiting Irving as much as possible while providing the bulk of the scoring and playmaking for the Raptors offense. With James operating as the Cavs’ point guard often, Irving is able to play off the ball as a scorer and facilitator.

Lowry will be burdened with more responsibilities and if Toronto wants to remain competitive, he will need to elevate his game and outperform Irving.

If Irving matches Lowry’s production, it seems unlikely that Toronto can manufacture enough offense to keep up with the Cavaliers.

Dwane Casey may want to consider moving Lowry off of Irving defensively and putting either DeRozan’s length on him or Cory Joseph, so that Lowry has the energy to provide the Raptors with the offense that they need.

But at the final whistle, Lowry needs to have outperformed Irving for Toronto to have a chance.

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