Raptors View: Cavs present familiar challenge in first-round matchup

From a Toronto perspective, this one feels… familiar.

As Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun writes, a Cavs-Raptors playoff series still brings back memories of the “LeBronto” era, when LeBron James routinely ended Toronto’s season. Different teams now, different stars. Same uneasiness.

This time, it’s a new-look Cavs group standing in the way.

The addition of James Harden has changed the equation. Cleveland went 21-9 in games he played alongside Donovan Mitchell, forming a high-powered backcourt that Toronto will have to solve.

And that’s the challenge.

Limit Harden and Mitchell getting to the line. Easier said than done. As the Zicarelli points out, Mitchell alone attempted 17 free throws in one matchup between the teams.

Still, the Raptors will take some confidence with them.

They swept the regular-season series. Yes, all three games came early and may not mean much now. But it’s something.

From Cleveland’s side, there’s pressure. Coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t hide it.

“This is when we earn our money,” he said. “You get to the strategic stuff… you feel this energy, your renewed energy.”

The Cavs made bold moves. They’re deeper. More experienced. But there are questions, too. Health. Lineup continuity. Defensive consistency.

And from Toronto’s vantage point, that’s the opening.

The Cavs may be the favorite. But as history has shown, the Raptors won’t be short on motivation.