The Cleveland Cavaliers treated the visiting Toronto Raptors like they have done in the past in the playoffs destroying our civilized friends from north of the border 126-113 at the Rocket Arena this afternoon.
We’ll look at the entire masterpiece much more but the first comment concerning the game comes from knowledge I have garnered from the great basketball mind of Mike Fratello. The “CZAR” taught me years ago that in most basketball games the first 6 minutes of the third quarter are the most important minutes of the game.
Of course, some games will come down to buzzer beaters or even a team rising up in OT but one always needs to check out those first 360 seconds of the third quarter. Look at today’s CAVS rout! They went into halftime up by 7 with the score 61-54. At the 6-minute mark of the third they were up by 20! As the Humming-O-Tron at the Arena notes, that diff is 20 points which means the Cavaliers tacked on another 13 points to their half time advantage. THAT is a true DIFF maker.
I am going to note the obvious big time money players of the game, but I must begin with Max Strus, who was missing in action for most of the season. His back-to-back treys in the 3rd pushed the lead to 20 and over he scorched the nets for 4-6 from three-point land and 8-10 from the field. His hot hand reminded me of JR Smith’s flurry vs the Warriors right after half time in game 7 in 2016. He finished with 24!
Donovan Mitchell played like the Superstar he truly is with a complete game scoring 32 points and guiding his team on to greatness in Game 1. His backcourt mate, James Harden, was THEE James Harden that the Cavs hoped they were getting when they acquired him in the late season trade with the Clippers. Sure, he had 22 points, but the most impressive part of his game was the ten dimes he dropped especially to the big men Mobley and Allen. Allen was transcendent with his game today going to the hole with ferocity and Evan played like the young star he truly is with a complete game.
The bench played their part outscoring the Raptors 40-30. Of course, Max had 24 of those points.
Defense was also a key dominating the paint and taking away the vaunted fast break scoring of the Raptors. Please note: Toronto is a very good team, and this could still be a dog fight so the Cavaliers need to take away the Raptors will in Game 2. Cavs win Monday and then the sweep is a distinct possibility.
The sad note is that Mondays game (7p in Cleveland) will be on Peacock and Game 3 Thursday (8p in Toronto) will be on Prime. Something else needs to be discussed; the play by play on today’s game was atrocious! I will say the HS games I do along with Max Drummond on WOBL in Lorain County are more professional, filled with pertinent facts and more professional than what we witnessed today. A personal attack? Not in any way, shape or form but a professional attack 110%!
NOW LET’S GO CAVS! #LetEmKnow!
Read more ALL GOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD and MUNCH MUSINGS ON NEO SPORTS INSIDERS!
Munch on Sports is powered by the Ken Ganley Auto Group and Ken Ganley Chevrolet of Aurora! Please friend, take care of each other and it’s your world, pay attention. Life is precious, enjoy every sandwich and for now, ADIOS AMIGO, LONG MAY YOU RUN!
Recent Comments