3 pairings that will decide the Eastern Conference finals
Factoring in the vacation the Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off after sweeping the Pistons and Hawks, along with the Toronto Raptors needing to go the distance to knock off the Pacers and Heat, this year's Eastern Conference finals has the feel of a series that'll be over before you know it.
That's not to imply the Raptors are dead in the water before Game 1 even gets underway, though. They've proven to be a resilient bunch during the postseason, overcoming injuries, an unpleasant history, and their own nerves en route to the franchise's first conference finals appearance.
The Cavaliers have rested legs, while Toronto has momentum coming off their huge Game 7 win Sunday. This matchup should prove to be a competitive one between two teams that finished a single game apart in the standings.
Here's a look at three matchups to keep an eye on:
Lowry and Irving
| Player | MPG | PPG | FG% | 3P% | RPG | APG | TOV | USG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowry | 39.5 | 18.6 | 36.6 | 28.3 | 4.8 | 6.7 | 3 | 25.9 |
| Irving | 36.3 | 23.5 | 47.7 | 53.8 | 1.9 | 5.5 | 1.6 | 27.1 |
The 6ix needs the version of Kyle Lowry that was the best player on the floor in both Games 6 and 7 of the Miami series to show up against Cleveland in order for the Raptors to dent the Cavaliers' armor.
The All-Star starter has pushed himself to the limit over his last 78 minutes of action, averaging a staggering 35.5 points on 48.9 percent shooting from the field and 66.7 percent from deep, along with six assists, five rebounds, and two steals. He's received his fair share of criticism these playoffs for paltry shooting percentages, but came through when his teammates needed him most. He's a huge reason why the Raptors find themselves as deep in the postseason as they are.
Opposite him will be Kyrie Irving - the other guy in the debate over who's the best point guard in the East. Even though he missed the first quarter of the year and whether he wants to admit it or not, there must be some ill will brewing inside of Irving knowing Lowry earned the starter's nod at the All-Star Game over him. Not that he needed the extra motivation to continue being the standout on a loaded Cavs side during their ongoing run.
Carroll and James
| Player | MPG | PPG | FG% | 3P% | RPG | APG | TOV | USG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll | 31.2 | 9.6 | 43.1 | 39.6 | 4.3 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 14.1 |
| James | 38.8 | 23.5 | 49.7 | 31.6 | 8.8 | 7.3 | 3.8 | 29.5 |
One of the primary reasons why Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri signed DeMarre Carroll to a four-year, $60-million contract last summer was for moments like these.
Carroll won't come close to mirroring James' offensive production, and that's OK. While he's proven to be a potent 3-point marksman who can also take it to the hole, his main objective will be to make life miserable for The King on the defensive end. As a member of the Hawks, Carroll was tasked with guarding James during last year's conference finals, and performed admirably by holding him to 43.8 percent shooting - five percent below his regular-season average of 48.8.
James is still going to get his, because that's what he does. He's a freight train of an athlete who's the definition of a difference-maker, and if he wants to put up points in bunches, that's exactly what he's going to do. If the four-time league MVP is dropping 30, Carroll needs to ensure they're 30 ugly points.
Ross and Smith
| Player | MPG | PPG | FG% | 3P% | RPG | APG | TOV | USG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross | 17.9 | 7.3 | 41.8 | 34 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 20 |
| Smith | 35 | 12.3 | 47.8 | 50.8 | 3.8 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 12 |
Center Jonas Valanciunas will likely miss both Games 1 and 2 at Quicken Loans Arena, depriving the Raptors of a legitimate No. 3 scorer on the roster. In his absence, head coach Dwane Casey will need someone from his second unit to rise to the occasion. Bismack Biyombo is offensively challenged, Carroll will have his hands full with James, and Patrick Patterson, while effective, isn't one to take over in that area of the game.
Cue Terrence Ross, who's shown glimpses of greatness from time to time during the playoffs. In fairness, that could also be used to describe most of his four-year run north of the border. The Raptors can't afford for him to be wishy-washy with the rock, because that makes him prone to making mistakes at inopportune times.
He basically needs to be J.R. Smith, who continues to provide Tyronn Lue with a steady hand, lights-out shooting, and a confident wing who never lets the spotlight dumbfound him. It's frustrating enough having to contend with Cleveland's Big 3, let alone a fourth in Smith who can go off on any given night.