Notes, quotes and observations after the Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 116-105 Monday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Quicken Loans Arena.
1. Before getting to the rim- and backboard-threatening alley-oop, Shump’s dunk and Dahntay Jones’ upcoming fine, a little bit on J.R. Smith’s right thumb.
2. Cavs coach Tyronn Lue caused a stir at the end of his press conference when he said Smith needed X-rays on the same thumb he fractured on Dec. 20. Lue didn’t know whether they were negative.
3. Fortunately for the Cavs, plagued by injuries throughout the regular season, that was a false alarm.