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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; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) lays on the floor as Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) tries to assist during the fourth quarter in the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) lays on the floor as Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) tries to assist during the fourth quarter in the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Raptors are left with a tough decision

Eastern Conference teams have been asking themselves if they should rebuild or continue to lose to LeBron in playoffs since he’s entered the league.

The list of teams that LeBron have dismantled is quite extensive. It includes mid 2000’s teams like the Pistons and Wizards; the late 2000’s and early 10’s Celtics; and the 10’s Nets, Hawks, and Bulls just to name a few. Soon that list might include the most recent versions of the Pacers and Raptors.

Toronto has a good core behind DeRozan and Lowry. But with Lowry’s ability to opt out in the summer, they may be forced to decide if they want to keep that core together, or try for a rebuild.

Lowry has hinted that the gap closing between them and LeBron isn’t happening anytime soon.

It’s being speculated that he might try his hand in the Western Conference which may be more open even if the Warriors have a firm grasp on the conference now.

DeRozan tried to remain upbeat about the prospects of getting past LeBron, but at the end of the day there really might not be any other choice.

The Raptors have an interesting summer ahead of them regardless of what they decide to do.