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Cavs vs. Raptors Game 4: What We Learned

By Jackson Flickinger

May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) celebrates with Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) celebrates with Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) celebrates with Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) celebrates with Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kyrie Irving can bounce back from a rough start

Kyrie didn’t start the game very well. Like the majority of the series, he had a tough time finding getting his jump shot to fall for most of the game. However, that changed in the fourth quarter.

Irving led the way for the Cavs in the fourth with a team high 11 points in the fourth quarter. Kyrie found a rhythm in the fourth. He even added a clutch isolation 3 from that famous right shoulder.

Coach Lue went with isolation sets for Irving on the right shoulder throughout much of the fourth quarter. With Kyle Korver and Kevin Love in both baseline corners, teams can’t double team or even rotate over to help without leaving a knockdown shooter open in the corner. Allowing Irving to go one-on-one when he’s in the zone is almost impossible to stop. There are so many different ways he can beat opposing defenders.

Watching Kyrie struggle like he’s been doing this series has been tough. It’s annoying when you watch Irving settle for contested isolation looks. However, he showed us once again why it’s so important to stay patient with him.

The same “bad looks” in the beginning of the game turned into an 11-2 run in the fourth.

Hopefully this game will get Irving going offensively. He has had a tough playoffs shooting. Cleveland will need more games like this from him if they’re going to repeat.

It shouldn’t be overlooked that Kyrie did a great job of facilitating teammates and focusing on the defensive end of the floor.