The Toronto Raptors knocked off the Miami Heat to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, and now comes a date with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Toronto is the heavy underdog in the series, but there's reason to believe they can pull off the upset. Here are three reasons why they'll advance to the NBA Finals:
3) Regular season success
This may come as a surprise considering how everyone is talking about why the Raptors have no chance against the Cavs, but Toronto actually won the season series between these teams. They won both games at home thanks to big games from Kyle Lowry, who Cleveland hasn't had an answer for all season.
Their lone loss to the Cavs this season? It came when they were starting Luis Scola and James Johnson - neither of whom have been a consistent part of the rotation in the playoffs.
2) Home-court advantage
It only takes one second to realize just how much the electric atmosphere inside Air Canada Centre impacts the game. The frenzied crowd not only provides a massive boost to the Raptors, but they can dismantle the opposition - and runs usually snowball in favor of Toronto as a result. This crowd is only going to be crazier in the Eastern Conference Finals.
1) Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan
Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are as good as any backcourt in the league outside of the Warriors, and they've combined to score at least 50 points for the past three games. Toronto's playoff struggles only came when these two were struggling. Now that they're not only out of their slumps, but playing their best basketball of the season, the Raptors look like legitimate title contenders.
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