Toronto Raptors: 4 reasons they can still win the Cavaliers series

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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers hits the game winning shot over the outstretched hand of OG Anunoby #3 of 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) /

3) Don’t need to snuff out LeBron entirely

We’re not going to get into the debate of where James stands in comparison to Michael Jordan all-time. But what we will say is that we are truly witnessing one of the greatest athletes in NBA — and sporting — history.

Every time you think the 14-time NBA All-Star has reached his peak, he steps up yet another level. Look no further than his performances during these playoffs; what he achieved against the Indiana Pacers was truly sensational.

And yet here we are in round two, and James is playing even better! So what’s it going to take for the Raptors to actually stop him?

Well, the good news is they don’t need to stifle the 2003 first overall draft pick entirely. Instead, it’s just a case of bringing him down, from All-Galaxy to All-World, or maybe even ‘just’ superhuman level.

If Toronto can do this, they have a chance. No matter how well Love has played in this series, man for man, the Cavaliers are not as strong as the Raptors.

Of course, successfully bringing James down a level is another thing altogether. In this respect, the Raptors’ best hope is to put OG Anunoby on him as often as possible.

No matter how insane it sounds to have a rookie covering the best NBA player on the planet, he’s looked decent enough. Especially compared to how poor his teammates have fared against James, with the possible exception of Pascal Siakam.

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