New year, new memes, old results – LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers walking all over the Toronto Raptors in the playoffs, sweeping them out of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Cavs made quick work, needing only 8 days to oust the #1 seed in the East, despite having a rough year and a tough first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. Unlike the previous series, LeBron wasn’t on his own, with every role player stepping up, including Kevin Love, playing like the All-Star player he usually is or at least expected to be.
The Cavaliers now have time for a little bit of rest until the series between the 76ers and Boston Celtics is decided, with Boston one win away from repeating last year’s conference finals.
As for the Raptors? Just like last year, the emphatic loss means there are a lot of doubts about the joined future of this group, the job security of Dwane Casey and the overall direction of the franchise.