Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors: 5 things we learned

Going into the playoffs, many pundits had counted the Cavaliers out of progressing through the Eastern Conference en route to what would be their fourth consecutive Finals appearance. 

Yet after a seven-game series win against the Pacers, the Cavaliers have somehow swept the number one seeded Toronto Raptors and are now perfectly poised to exit the Eastern Conference.

It was Philadelphia who many had as the new favourites of the East, but after their series so far against the Celtics, and with the injury woes that have hampered the Celtics' playoffs campaign, the favourites' tag now undoubtedly rests with the Cavaliers. 

The Raptors are well known for 'choking' in the playoffs, and they have proven to be worthy of this tagline once again after this dismal sweep to the the Cavaliers. 

They finished the season atop the Eastern Conference, and had the second best record for the entire NBA with a 59-23 regular-season win-loss ratio. Yet they have now become the first number one seed to be swept in the conference semi-finals, as the doubts around their lineup creep up a lot faster.

Toronto were supposed to have improved this season, and they were supposed to go further in the playoffs. They were supposed to prove the doubters wrong, and progress further than they have ever been in the playoffs. 

It wasn't to be, and there needs to be some serious questions asked by those in charge in Toronto as this squad, the way it is right now, does not look like they'll be bringing much sustained success.

LeBron James had a phenomenal series, proving that he is still able to play at such a high standard at the staggering age of 33 years of age. 

Throughout this series, James averaged 34 points, which included a 43-point Game 2 and a 38-point Game 3, which also saw him hit the game-winning floater on the buzzer. 

James had a total of 136 points for the series, almost topping the Raptors' two star players in Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, who had 138 points combined. Here are some other stats he had when compared to these two: 33-30 in rebounds, 45-46 in assists, 57-103 FG to 53-108 FG.

James has yet again silenced his doubters as his level of play this series proves that he remains the best player in the NBA. And at the same time, he's put the remaining teams on notice, proving that he is still the 'King' of the league and will not be a pushover as he chases his fourth ring.

Despite already having an impressive record over the Raptors, no one expected that to play a major role in this series as many had already counted the Cavaliers out of the playoffs. 

Yet people simply forgot how dominant the Cavs are against Toronto. This is the third time in a row that Cleveland have knocked out the Raptors in the playoffs, and the second consecutive sweep.

It's fair to say that no matter the situation the Cavaliers find themselves in, as long as they LeBron on their side, they will find a way to defeat the Raptors in the playoffs.

Both Lowry and DeRozan went missing in this playoffs series, as James almost beat them in all of points, rebounds and assists. 

The two stars of Toronto were extremely inaccurate, as they both shot less than a combined rate of 50%. These two have been known to go missing in big moments, and yet again it proved to be the case against the Cavaliers, so their credibility as players both individually and as teammates must come into question after this series defeat. 

Whether they need to move on is another question, but you cannot allow for your team, who were the number one ranked Eastern Conference side, to be swept, period. Your credibility should come into question.

Can the Cavs go all the way? Comment below!