The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered their best effort at Rocket Arena on Saturday, defeating the Toronto Raptors in Game 1.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After Cleveland\u2019s 13-point win over Toronto<\/a>, it was clear even before the final buzzer that the Cavaliers had seized the momentum to open the series.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ahead of the first-round matchup between the two teams, there was plenty of debate about how each would fare against the other. Some even pegged this series as a potential Game 7 battle.\u00a0<\/p>\n Now up 1-0, Cleveland holds full control of the series and will aim to extend its momentum advantage in Game 2 on Monday evening.\u00a0<\/p>\n Regardless of the outcome, Game 1\u2019s statement carries beyond just Game 2. Here\u2019s how the series has already shifted for the Cleveland Cavaliers\u2014and how it could shift even more.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cavaliers Showed They Can Control The Game<\/p>\n Cleveland’s tight defense was the biggest factor in controlling the game, creating all sorts of problems for Toronto. Even though the Cavaliers allowed the Raptors 113 points, they forced 17 turnovers and capitalized with 24 points off them.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cleveland\u2019s nine steals fueled transition scoring that proved decisive over the long haul. Toronto\u2019s ball-handling woes from the opening tip only widened the Cavaliers\u2019 points-off-turnovers advantage.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are always areas of their defense that can be cleaned up\u2014especially if they want similar results throughout the series\u2014but Cleveland\u2019s ability to contain Toronto\u2019s best players showed up on the final stat sheet.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n The Cavaliers have always thrived on their home court, especially when the crowd erupts in support. If their star-studded starting lineup keeps applying pressure with big shots, sustained offense, and defensive success, they can dictate the tempo against any opponent.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bench Players Proved They Can Contribute<\/p>\n The verdict is still out on whether Max Strus belongs in the Cavaliers’ starting lineup, but he strengthened his case off the bench in Game 1 with classic Max Strus energy.\u00a0<\/p>\n