Tristan Thompson

Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson, front, have been friends for a long time, but Thompson is all business until the series ends.

(Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The relationship between Tristan Thompson and Toronto Raptors backup point guard Cory Joseph goes back to when the two were teenagers in Canada. The close friends have formed a strong bond -- playing on the same AAU and high school teams before attending to the University of Texas together -- and still talk frequently.

"He's one of my really close friends," Thompson said Monday. "But right now he's the enemy. Ain't going to be too much brotherly love. We know we have to go at it."

The two have played against each other plenty, even fierce one-on-one games growing up, but the stakes go far beyond bragging rights this time. So for the next few weeks, with Joseph's Raptors as the last obstacle along the Cavs' journey to the NBA Finals, the communication will stop.

"Talked to him before Game 7, the night before," Thompson said. "But I don't think I will be texting Cory for about week or so. Still love him though."

Joseph, who is also represented by Klutch Sports Management's Rich Paul, signed a four-year, $30 million deal this off-season to play for his hometown team. The Canadian-born lead guard has become a fan favorite and an integral piece, as Toronto is in the conference finals for the first time.

"For Canada it's huge," said Thompson, who grew up in Brampton, a suburban city in the Greater Toronto area. "Basketball has definitely grown a lot so for the Raptors to be able to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals it popularizes the game more, people are starting to pay attention and want to watch. It's great for Toronto and the country as a whole."

Like Joseph, Thompson has been given a bigger role this season. A relentless rebounder, the Cavs' ironman has started every game in the postseason and has been at the center of two sweeps, thanks in large part to his underrated defense.

"Tristan, I really admire the kid," Raptors head coach Dwane Casey said. "I've known Tristan ever since he was a young kid. He came down to Dallas and played in an AAU tournament. I coached a team. He's a great young man who has really developed himself into a big time player. He brings the energy -- great offensive rebounding team because of Tristan. He's going to be a handful for us.

"He and Bis (Bismack Biyombo) can look in the mirror and see themselves. They're the same kind of player, same spirit, same ability. Effective rebounders at both ends of the floor. Tristan has really, really made himself into a top tier starting center in this league."

Thompson is all business heading into the matchup, spending countless hours on his iPad, breaking down film. He and Joseph are a number of years removed from their one-on-one battles, games in which Joseph claimed victory.

"No questions about that one," he told The Canadian Press earlier this year. "I always beat him. We haven't played in a long time. I'm sure if we did, I'd beat him."

It won't be head-to-head, of course, but the two can renew their chummy rivalry Tuesday night when the Cavs and Raptors open the conference finals.

And the only chatter will be on-court trash talk between longtime buddies.