The Toronto Raptors looked forward to getting home after getting mauled in the first two Conference Finals games in Cleveland. The Raptors needed their batteries recharged — they met the Cavs just two days after finishing a rough 7-game series against the Heat. And the Raptors also hoped to change the officiating dynamic, something that often happens when teams switch arenas. (In Game 2 the Raptors took 18 free throws to the Cavs 37.) All they really needed — and all they got — was the first part. Recharged, they were able to serve the Cavaliers their first playoff loss this season, 99-84. But the Raptors still got to the line just 13 times.
DeMar DeRozan led all scorers with 32. But Bismack Biyombo dominated the game while scoring just seven. Biyombo helped the Raptors outrebound the Cavs by ten (42-32) by grabbing 28 boards including eight on the offensive glass. Biyombo broke the Cavs down by securing repeated second-chance possessions and owning the defensive boards. (He had just five rebounds in Game 2.) He added four blocked shots and some Mutombo finger-wagging to the show. The Raptors, it was clear were playing at home — even if the refs may not have noticed. Cleveland leads the series 2-1.
