Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Cleveland Cavaliers demolished the Toronto Raptors, 116-78, in Game 5 of their best-of-seven National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference Finals series on Thursday (May 26 PHT) at the Q Arena.
Kevin Love topscored for the Cavs with 25 points, while Lebron James and Kyrie Irving each contributed 23 markers.
The home team bounced back from a Game 4 99-105 loss in Toronto.
The Cavaliers went on a tear in the first quarter, pouring on 37 points while limiting their opponents to only 19.
Things did not get better as the game went on, with Cleveland’s big three of James, Irving, and Love scoring more than the entire Raptors team combined by halftime, 43-34.
The rout continued in the second half as the Cavs pushed their lead to as much as 43 points on the way to the resounding victory.
DeMar Derozan and Kyle Lowry paced the Raptors with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
The Cavaliers only need to win their next game to advance to their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance, while the Raptors will hope to turn things around at home in Toronto on Saturday (May 28 PHT).
Also read: Wilting Warriors need to find quick fix for playoff problems
