Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Game 1 vs. Raptors

1. Kyrie Irving Outduels Raptors Backcourt

After struggling for most of the postseason, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan had been playing well during the latter part of the series against the Heat. In the last three outings, Lowry averaged 32.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest on 44 percent shooting.

Meanwhile, DeRozan was averaging 28.3 points and 5.3 rebounds on 43 percent shooting.

In Game 1, however, only half of the dynamic duo showed up and that was DeRozan, who scored 18 points (16 in the first half) on 9-for-17 shooting from the field. In contrast, Lowry had just eight points and missed 10 of his 14 attempts, including a 0-for-7 effort from distance.

It should also be noted that neither of the two guards attempted a single free throw in this contest. On the other side of the equation, Irving scored 27 points (11-for 17 FG) to go along with five assists, two rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

Not only did Irving outscore both Lowry and DeRozan, he also gave the Raptors’ defense fits with crafty moves like this one.

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When Irving plays at this level, the Cavaliers are a difficult team to beat. Unless the Raptors can find a way to slow him down to an extent, the Cavaliers could be on their way to their fourth consecutive postseason sweep over Eastern Conference opponents dating back to last year.