Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Final Score: Cavs protect the Q, win 103-92

This was a fun game. Without Kyrie Irving, it is tough to know what to expect, but it is becoming clear that Dion Waiters is an NBA player, and maybe even a really good one. He is clearly more comfortable at this point in his career having the ball in his hands, and Irving is the same way. They will learn to play together, it just will take time. In the meantime, these games where he is out there alone are giving some of the Cavalier faithful some reason for optimism.

Have to mention how good Luke Walton was, again. I don't really get it, he has apparently found the fountain of youth. He keeps the ball movement going, can find the open man, and is really fun right now. Wayne Ellington continues to be excellent, and his price in Restricted Free Agency this summer continues to go up.

Tristan Thompson had a little bit tougher of a game, but still defended well, hit free throws and ended up with 14 points on 11 shots. That is really quite fine. I would have liked his rebounding numbers to be a bit better, but he had some tough boards, too. Whatever, I love him.

All in all, there is a lot of reason for optimism. The Raptors were 7-4 in their 11 games coming in, and are not a terrible team. The Cavs protected their home court. The pressure to keep the bench together might be getting a little higher for Mr. Grant.

ROLL CALL