Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Keys To Beating Toronto Raptors

Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Keys To Beating The Raptors

May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) hugs teammate forward Kevin Love (0) after defeating the Atlanta Hawks 100-99 in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets a jump ball after by tying up Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) at the end of the game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Fourth Quarter Defense

After the Cavaliers swept the Hawks, much of the discussion focused on how well they shot the ball from distance. But another component of their scheme that has gone unnoticed for the most part is how well they have been playing from a defensive standpoint in the fourth quarter.

With the exception of the 28 points they surrendered during a Game 2 rout over the Hawks in the conference semifinals, the Cavaliers have held their opponents to 23 points or fewer in the final 12 minutes. Can you say clutch defense?

As impressive as that stat may be, the story doesn’t end there.

In fact, the Cavaliers have held their opposition to the fewest points in the final frame, giving up just 21.6 points per game.

They have limited their opponents to the fifth-lowest shooting percentage in the fourth quarter (41.3) while allowing a paltry 27.1 percent conversion rate from beyond the arc.

Just for good measure, let’s also remember that the Cavs are fourth in defensive rating, allowing 98.7 points per 100 possessions. There’s an sports adage that goes “Defense wins championships.”

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And if the Cavaliers continue to play at this level, they will be vying for the Larry O’Brien Trophy once again.

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