James inspires Cavaliers sweep
LeBron and Co book Eastern Conference finals berth, as 76ers pull one back to take series to Game 5
LeBron James led the way as the Cleveland Cavaliers wrapped up a series sweep with a ruthless demolition of the Toronto Raptors yesterday morning (Singapore time) to book their place in the National Basketball Association Eastern Conference finals.
James, the buzzer-beating hero of Cleveland's epic victory in Game 3 on Saturday, scored 29 points as Toronto's bid to avoid the ignominy of a 4-0 series loss ended in a 128-93 pounding.
Toronto had entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed from the Eastern Conference, and were desperate to avoid a third straight series defeat by James and the Cavs after 2016 and 2017.
But their fragility was underscored by a rampant Cleveland yesterday, with James leading a blow-out win that ensures the Cavs will be well rested for the Eastern Conference finals, where they will play either Boston or Philadelphia.
"It was a great series for us," James said. "We had a lot of challenges, considering the dominance (Toronto) had in the regular season.
"But we had a great game plan and we executed it.
"We want to continue to improve. I think we've done that from the seven-game series against Indiana to these four games."
James was once more the tormentor in chief for Toronto, contributing eight rebounds and 11 assists in addition to his 29 points.
Four other Cavaliers starters cracked double digits, with Kevin Love scoring 23 points and Kyle Korver 16 points.
JR Smith added 15 points while George Hill added 12.
Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue said the Cavs' defence and all-round offensive display had been crucial factors.
"I think defensively we're playing pretty good," Lue said. "And I think in this series, we made shots, a lot of different guys stepped up.
"Four or five different guys getting double figures for us every night - that was big for us.
"We've got to continue getting better but I like where we're at right now."
Toronto's miserable night saw DeMar DeRozan ejected in the fourth quarter while Kyle Lowry was restricted to just five points.
Jonas Valanciunas was a notable beacon of resistance, providing 18 points off the bench.
But it was too little, too late for Toronto, who were comprehensively outplayed in every department.
Raptors coach Dwane Casey said his team had paid the price for not being able to recover from shattering losses in Games 1 and 3.
"We were emotionally drunk after Game 1 and Game 3," Casey said. "I thought we could bounce back, but we didn't."
DeRozan, meanwhile, was at a loss to explain yet another loss to the Cavs.
"It's not just (James) going out there and scoring 128 points," DeRozan said. "The things he does for his teammates gets them going. It's been a challenge for us over the years."
In yesterday's other play-off game, TJ McConnell and Dario Saric combined to give the Philadelphia 76ers a lifeline with their 103-92 win over the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics could have clinched a 4-0 sweep but instead the Sixers' win ensured there will be a Game 5 in Boston. - AFP
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