Biyombo demonstrates his own show of Love
First-quarter melee set a tough tone for Game 6
The Eastern Conference final was not without its drama. Between Biyombo blocks, LeBron flops, up and down performances from the Raptors's duo of Lowry and DeRozan, and a $25,000 fine to coach Dwane Casey, we knew something was bound to happen in Game 6.
It didn't take long for the drama to settle in. Bismack Biyombo came into Game 6 with two flagrant fouls already in these playoffs when he was called for an elbow to Kevin Love, putting his participation if a Game 7 is necessary in doubt.
Flagrant fouls are assigned a points degree based on the severity. If a player's total degree exceeds three, he is suspended for the following game. Biyombo's first flagrant came on May 1 in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers when his elbow caught Myles Turner in the face. Biyombo wasn't called for the foul during the game, but an NBA review following the game assessed him a 'flagrant 2'. Then in Game 3 against the Cavaliers, Biyombo was assessed a 'flagrant 1' against LeBron James.
His foul Friday night against Love pushed him over the limit, meaning he likely would have missed a Game 7 because of suspension. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers' 113-87 win made it a moot point.
But while the result was still in doubt, the foul had fans talking.
Bismack Biyombo welcomes Kevin Love to the paint. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raptors?src=hash">#Raptors</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAVSvRAPTORS?src=hash">#CAVSvRAPTORS</a> <a href="https://t.co/6ZoWRepW3A">pic.twitter.com/6ZoWRepW3A</a>
—@RickStrom
Although the call didn't sit well with a lot of Raptors fans, it seemed to be the talk of the internet:
Biyombo just knocked the love out of Love. 💔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TORvsCLE?src=hash">#TORvsCLE</a>
—@tuOtraeHruoYtaE
That Bismack Biyombo Bump on Kevin Love was legitimate, but that’s what the Cavs Benefit Of The Doubt gets for flopping all over.
—@JRoc23
If there's a Game 7, Biyombo won't be playing. Given a weird flagrant.
—@WolstatSun
But, it doesn't end there. Coming off the Biyombo momentum, Richard Jefferson fired things up even more by getting into Jonas Valanciunas' face. Technicals were called on Jefferson, Valanciunas and Patterson.
marsoaries: Cavs raptors getting testy ESPN NBA Playoff: Game 6: Cavaliers at Raptors <a href="https://t.co/S1QL6b4dal">https://t.co/S1QL6b4dal</a> <a href="https://t.co/yu9H80554t">pic.twitter.com/yu9H80554t</a>
—@FanSportsClips
We've seen both these teams 'ball out' during the series, but leave it to Game 6 for a 'brawl out'.
Yoooooo, we scrapping in the 6 now?!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Game6?src=hash">#Game6</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raptors?src=hash">#Raptors</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheNorth?src=hash">#WeTheNorth</a>
—@VanessaLuMusic
Raptors key to Game 7:
Emotions boiling over early in Game 6. Raptors need to maintain their composure. Stay poised and outclass Cleveland.
—@Daniele_Media
Emotion aside, the Raptors weren't able to capitalize in Game 6 against the Cavaliers. LeBron James and his squad win the Eastern Conference final 4-2 and advance to their second consecutive NBA Finals. The Raptors won 56 games in regular season which is the most in franchise history.
Finals bound! The Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Raptors to win their 2nd consecutive Eastern Conference Title. <a href="https://t.co/nJ3jB0rkEH">pic.twitter.com/nJ3jB0rkEH</a>
—@SportsCenter