Cavaliers 105 – Raptors 103: Nightmare continues

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)

The Raptors silenced the Cavaliers home crowd with a determined Q4 comeback to get even after being down all game. Then LeBron took the final shot…

Everyone with a warm spot for the Toronto Raptors must feel thoroughly sick about now. Despite a dreadful game from DeMar DeRozan, our team battled back in last night’s game. The Raptors wiped out a 14-point Cleveland Cavaliers advantage in the fourth quarter, with the remarkable OG Anunoby bringing the game to its first tie on a 3-ball with 8 seconds to play.

CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers battles with DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 105-103 to take a 3-0 series lead. 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 battles with DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 105-103 to take a 3-0 series lead. 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)

Then LeBron James got the ball (what a surprise!), dribbled to within 18 feet, then launched a fadeaway jump shot off the glass and down the bucket as the buzzer sounded. After an unnecessary review, the basket’s validity was confirmed.

In two of this playoff round’s three games, the score has been tied as the clock wound down in regulation time. Yet the Raptors find themselves in the ultimate hole, needing to win four straight games to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. The situation beggars belief.

Let’s see – who led the Cavaliers?

I’m repeating myself when I break down this game. LeBron James was the story for the nth time, draining 38 points. His Robin was Kevin Love, the Cavs’ mobile center, who provided 21, and 16 rebounds.

Many of those were off DeRozan misses. Once again a playoff disaster, he was 3 of 12, with 3 turnovers and an appalling minus_23 count. His services were not called upon during the Raptors’ inspiring fourth-quarter return from the dead.

Kyle Korver continued his role as Ninja: Silent Assassin. He’s not to be seen until he shows up, uncovered, to take and make a corner-3. Korver needed only 8 shots to rack up 18 points.

More from Raptors Rapture

Unlike the machine-like Cavs, Toronto’s lineup was all over the place. Serge Ibaka was booted from the starting five in favour of Fred VanVleet. Sadly, double-V was a disappointment, hitting just 1 of 7 from deep. By contrast, Ibaka got his chance and enjoyed his best game of the series (which admittedly isn’t saying much). He actually made some buckets, 3 to be exact, pulled down 6 boards, and blocked 4 shots.

Kyle Lowry rose to the occasion with an excellent all-round game, leading the Raptors with 27 efficient points. We could have managed happily without his 5 turnovers, but otherwise he contributed in every column. Even his minus_6 is forgivable, as he can’t be held responsible for DeRozan’s dismal play.

A short Raptors bench

If you’re looking for Jakob Poeltl’s results, you’re out of luck. He never got off the bench. Jonas Valanciunas played less than 20 minutes, yet still notched a double-double. Toronto was a small team all night.

OG tied Kyle for the team lead in made long balls with four. He was the team’s second-highest scorer with 18, while the hard-working C.J. Miles contributed 13.

If Game 4 features another putrid Q1 performance from DeMar, I’ll wager Dwane Casey won’t be as patient as he was in this game. The scrambled lineup worked, and he’ll go to it sooner.

After all, Monday night’s game might be the end of the line.

Putbacks: Both teams were 20 for 25 from the free-throw line…King James needed that final basket to end up as plus_2, despite his brilliance…Pascal Siakam had 4 fouls in less than 15 minutes