King James Gospel
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Eastern Conference Finals: A Raptors Check In

By Jared Mueller

May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and center Bismack Biyombo (8) during the fourth quarter in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and center Bismack Biyombo (8) during the fourth quarter in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Eastern Conference Finals tied 2 – 2 we check back in and go Behind Enemy Lines.

We find it interesting to understand how the opponent is feeling and thinking. This has been especially true in the Eastern Conference Finals now that they are tied up 2 -2. Checking in with Raptors Rapture:

More Toronto fans now expecting a Series win?

After losing Game 2, my younger son asked me if I thought the Raptors still had a chance to win the series. I told him they would need to win 4 of the next 5 games, and he looked askance. I think that’s how most Raptors fans continue to feel. On the other hand, there were lots of “Cavs in 4” predictions flying around before this thing started. The Raptors could have folded after the Cavs took the lead in Q4. It didn’t happen. Are there more pleasant surprises in store?

Was Jonas Valanciunas really available or just for show?

I think it was for show, and I was glad he didn’t play. The emotional impact of having Jonas limp off the floor once again would have been too much to bear. I know more than I’d like to about ankle injuries, and the odds of JV getting through the game unscathed were very low. Bismack has been great, and there’s no need to rush JV back. I hope he can play 15 minutes on Wednesday.

Does playing Jonas take away some of the impact that Bismack Biyombo can have on a game?

They are different players. JV has low-post moves Bismack can only dream of, and can make shots out to 15 feet. He will make his opposite number pay for Hack-a-Jonas tactics, as he’s a very good free-throw shooter.

Bis has better timing on shot-blocking, though JV is quite respectable. In sum: JV will have more offensive impact than Bis, and less defensive impact.

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The Dynamic Duo has been inconsistent, against the Cavs can they have 2 more big games?

The comforting thing for Raptors fans is this: the Duo doesn’t have to shoot brilliantly, as they did last night, to win some more games – IF JV is back and healthy. Lowry and DeRozan are quite happy to share the rock, but when DeMarre Carroll and Patrick Patterson are bricking their open looks, the offensive options narrow in a hurry. With JV, the Duo will see their points go down and their assists numbers rise.

What is your prediction for the series after Game 4?

As you know, I’m the only guy on the planet who called for the Raptors to win in six. While that prediction is still “alive”, I’d say it’s unlikely. I think the Cavaliers can put away Toronto in seven.