That statement was true before Toronto’s 116-105 loss in Game 1, and it remains true today as Game 2 looms. It’s the sobering reality that hangs over this entire series — the Cavs are the defending champions, and vastly outgun the Raptors talent-wise. Normally, success in a series is defined by whether or not a team tallies four wins. Against these Cavs, that criteria becomes muddled by the black cloud of existential dread that LeBron James carries with him into any series with a non-Warriors opponent. For the Raptors, some simple signs of growth in comparison to last year’s tango with the league’s best player will do.
NBA Playoffs 2017: LeBron James is too much for the Raptors to handle
