Sweep of Raptors would bring rest, playoff record
TORONTO — The Cleveland Cavaliers are working extra hard this weekend so they can take off the first part of next week.
Some NBA history is on the line today in Game 4 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Toronto Raptors. Should the Cavs win and finish a four-game sweep, they would become the first team to start 8-0 in the playoffs in consecutive years.
But that little nugget couldn't be further from their minds. The Cavs want this series over because they've grown used to the benefits of long layoffs between rounds, and they know they have a chance to give themselves a week (or more) before the Eastern Conference finals begin.
"I think we come into games 1 and 2 like really fresh," said Kevin Love, who's averaging 15 points and 9.4 rebounds in the playoffs.
The Cavs beat the Raptors 115-94 Friday in Game 3. They've outscored Toronto by 81 points from the three-point line and have an average margin of victory of 18.0 points in the series.
"Especially after last year, figuring out what works for us, doing all the cardio, Versaclimber stuff," Love said. "Staying sharp, and then coming in and getting our routine, I just think that we come in fresh and sharp and we feel great those first couple games, and then eventually you get to three, four, five, six, and seven games and your body starts to wear."
When they swept the Pacers in the first round, LeBron James passed Tim Duncan for the most series sweeps in NBA history with 10. Since James, Love, and Kyrie Irving got together for the 201415 season, the Cavs have swept five of 10 playoff series. A win today would make six of 11.
According to ESPN Stats Inc., the Lakers swept six series from 1987 to ’89, but three were five-game series. No team has swept six seven-game series in a three-year span.
"It's definitely a different mindset," James said. "It's very difficult because we're all prideful players. All 30 teams and 15 guys on a roster, we're all prideful. When your back's against the wall you're playing for pride. You're playing for the habits you've built all year. So you become a very very dangerous team.
"For myself, I just focus on that game. I don't really think about the sweep. I don't really think about anything else besides how do I as a leader of this ballclub put our guys in position to be successful."