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Cavs vs. Raptors Game 3: What We Learned

By Jackson Flickinger

May 5, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after being fouled by Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the first half of game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after being fouled by Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the first half of game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) protects the ball against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the first half of game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) protects the ball against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the first half of game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Ty Lue might have struck gold

The lineup of LeBron, Deron Williams, Kyle Korver, Iman Shumpert, and Tristan Thompson started the fourth quarter and essentially put the game away.

This lineup was a plus 19 in the 8 and a half minutes they were on the floor together. That lineup compiled a collective field goal percentage of 87.5 percent. The advanced stats are even more impressive. This lineup finished with an offensive rating of 164.1, defensive rating of 40.1, and a true shooting percentage of 101.2 percent.

A game like this is a reminder of just how much depth the Cavs have. They were able to withstand a poor shooting game from Irving and J.R. Smith picking up five fouls rather early in the third quarter and not being able to play for the majority of the second half.

Shumpert might have had the best game off of the bench. He led the team with a plus/minus of +27 and played good defense in the fourth quarter on DeRozan who had only 2 fourth quarter points.

Korver was also exceptional. He finished with 16 points on 4 of 6 from three-point range and even had 2 blocks.

This lineup showed that it has potential. Thompson replacing Channing Frye in this lineup is something we will see more often as the playoffs progresses. Especially in a possible Finals rematch with the Warriors.

Last year the Warriors’ offense made Frye unplayable. This lineup could be an advantage in a possible rematch.