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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
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: OG Anunoby /

2. OG Anunoby makes his presence felt

The big positive on Saturday night for the Raptors has to be the play of their rookie, who showed he can make life tough for LeBron. He did this for the most part, but there’s not much he could do against some of the shots that James took.

Imagine seeing a player like LeBron drive towards you, not many can say they are able to guard “the King”. While it has not led to a win, Anunoby has shown maturity beyond his years.

The 20-year-old is proving to be a crucial building block for the Raptors and the biggest steal from the 2017 NBA draft. He has great athleticism, is willing to take shots from beyond the arc and is mature in many areas of the game.

There will be a time where his offensive ability will be able to match his defence but for now, the Raptors are fine with what they have.

3. Kevin Love haunts the Raptors again

If it’s not LeBron, it has been Love making life tough for the Raptors. In Game 2, he and James were on another level and whenever Toronto started to gain momentum in Game 3, Love was able to make a big shot.

Jonas Valanciunas was able to make it tough on Love with his strong play in the paint, but when it came to guarding him, JV had a tough time. With 21 points and 16 rebounds, Love continues to show why he is a worthy sidekick for LeBron.

Love also drew calls that were questionable like when he held down Pascal Siakam‘s arm, but the referees did not see it. He was aggressive in his defending, but his work in the post ultimately sunk the Raptors.

To think that at one point there was a chance Love was on his way out of town. Now, the only way that seems possible is if LeBron leaves first.

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