Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Raptors: 6 Revelations from Game 3 loss to Cavaliers

By David Morassutti

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after his game winning shot against the Toronto Raptors to win Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 105-103 during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after his game winning shot against the Toronto Raptors to win Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 105-103 during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after his game winning shot against the Toronto Raptors to win Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 105-103 during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Raptors have their backs against the wall as they face elimination for the first time in the 2018 playoffs, after a heartbreaking loss in Game 3.

It was starting to feel like one of those games for the Toronto Raptors, who were unable to make up ground until the fourth quarter. Kyle Lowry and OG Anunoby did what they could to try and will them to a comeback win, but LeBron James had different plans.

When Anunoby hit the three to tie the game at 103, it seemed like it would be enough to give Toronto a chance for overtime. Then, like he has done throughout his career, James put the dagger into the hearts of the Raptors with an unreal shot, to win 105-103 and take a 3-0 series lead.

This has been the story all series long; when it seemed like the Raptors would be able to get something going, LeBron comes in to shut it all down. There’s not much a team can do other than try to avoid that situation altogether.

Imagine if the Raptors were able to get by in Game 1 or on Saturday night, this would be a different narrative; but now down 0-3, the chances look rather tough. At this point Toronto is down to their last life and cannot just sit back anymore.

Welcome to the ninth playoff edition of Raptors Revelations. We’re doing 6, because, you know, Toronto… Drake… Raptors… It’s supposed to be fun but when the Raps get knocked down like that it can get depressing.

1. What can you do about LeBron James?

This will be the popular question posed by many, especially if this ends in a sweep. It continues to get tougher to see any team in the East stand a chance against James. Sure the Indiana Pacers took him to seven games, but where’s the satisfaction in that when you come out on the losing end?

Unfortunately, the Raptors do not have a core like the Golden State Warriors, who know what it takes to get the job done against LeBron. Realistically, it would be tough to see this Cleveland team go toe-to-toe with the Warriors.

The Raptors tried to adapt to the style of play that’s supposed to expose the Cavaliers defence. Instead, it has pushed James to take his game to another level.

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