The post LeBron era started today and the new Cleveland Cavaliers starts their journey without their long time hero who took them to the top of the NBA world for years. The new Cavs team faced their long time rival in the Eastern conference Toronto Raptors.
Toronto defeated Cleveland, 116-104 on Wednesday night. We all know that this is not the same Cleveland Cavaliers now. Even if James was the only one who left, we all knew that the Cavs will fall down hard even if they are in the weak Eastern conference. The win by the Raptors must've been a revenge from the last post season sweep by the Cavs but the victory against a LeBronless Cavs just not feels good at all. But at least they will now start a new era for themselves as Kawhi Leonard is their new franchise player and the leader of the team.
Toronto played well tonight and it's all a great brand new start. New Coach, new star player, new season. A long path is waiting and the Raptors needs more improvement and have a lot to figure out and it's a great win for their fresh start.
Stats
Kawhi Leonard played heavy minutes on the floor in his first start with the Toronto Raptors. Leonard had a fine game finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists shooting 40.9 percent from the field. Kawhi just played his simple style of play looking for open jump shot and some sweet post fade away jumpers.
All-star guard Kyle Lowry was hot from deep as he only missed one of his 6 three-point tries. Lowry finished the game with a total of 27 points, 1 rebound, 8 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. He shot a very efficient 83.3 percent from the field on 10 for 12 shooting.
Fred Vanfleet did a great job off the bench. Looks like Toronto did the right decision on signing him as he scored 14 points with 2 rebounds and 5 assists. Serge Ibaka did well defensively as he recorded 9 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 3 blocked shots while Jonas Valanciunas had 6 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists. Danny Green also shot well as he made three triples in the game.
For the Cavaliers, Kevin Love led the Cavs in scoring with his 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. He had an awful field goal percentage shooting only 5 for 18 from the field and 1 out of 5 from beyond the arc. Cedi Osman starts in place of LeBron at the 3 position and had a great night finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals shooting 50 percent from the field. Osman made a perfect 2 for 2 from three-point distance.
meanwhile, Tristan Thompson was busy grabbing the boards as he finished the game with 3 points, 13 rebounds and 1 assist. George Hill helped Love in scoring with his 15 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists. Jordan Clarkson also played well off the bench as he scored 15 points and 3 rebounds in 23 minutes of play. Rookie guard Collin Sexton just played 17 minutes and contributed 9 points and 3 rebounds. Rodney Hood added 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.
It was a close game early in this game but the Raptors pull away immediately and lead by as many as 20 and the Cavaliers couldn't hold on and the Raptors took the win.
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