Raptors win Game 3, hand Cavs first playoff loss

The Toronto Raptors showed they will not be overpowered by the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers, posting an impressive 99-84 victory for their first win of the NBA Eastern Conference final series.

Toronto had lost back-to-back games to open the play-off series as Cleveland made it 10 consecutive wins in the post-season.

But hosting a conference final for the first time in their history on Saturday, the Raptors showed they mean business in game three, dismissing the prospect of being swept.

The Raptors had a lot to thank Bismack Biyombo for in Toronto.

Biyombo posted a franchise-high 26 rebounds as the Cavs left the Air Canada Centre emptyhanded, but still leading 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

DeMar DeRozan (32) and Kyle Lowry (20) combined for 52 points to lead the Raptors, who were inspired by a 33-point second quarter.

The Cavs were led by LeBron James and his 24 points on the road, while J.R. Smith contributed 22 points of his own.

Kyrie Irving, who limped off late in the game, struggled throughout, shooting three-of-19 from the floor for 13 points.

Game four is back in Toronto on Monday as the Raptors look to tie the series in front of their home support.