5 things we learned from the Cavaliers erasing the Raptors

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers hits the game winning shot over the outstretched hand of OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors to win Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 105-103 during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 27: LeBron James #23 and Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 27, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. LeBron found help

LeBron James had to go Zero Dark 23 in the first round because those around him were just Zero Dark. Kevin Love was either injured or told to play poorly so the Pacers felt better about themselves. Everyone else on Cleveland ranged from “he played well on that possession” to “he played?”

Not in the second round.

In the second round, Love decided to flip a switch of his own and gave those in Cleveland good vibrations when he released the ball. Meanwhile, the role players played their role to perfection. Which basically means they hit open shots or cut to the basket at the right time and finished the layup off a LeBron pass. George Hill did some good things and J.R. Smith did some J.R. Smith things.

After the first round, LeBron would take anything he could get from the four guys around him. They had his back against the Raptors.

You know, if you’re Toronto, it would have been nice if just one of them showed up. Maybe Love breaks out of his funk or Kyle Korver hits every shot. But it was everything all at once. Even Jeff Green was making an impact. Jeff Friggin’ Green.

Did they really have to do that to Toronto? It’s like they made a conscious effort to embarrass Toronto because if they didn’t LeBron would trade them in the offseason. Good job, everyone else on Cleveland. You’re still playing for Cleveland.

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