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LeBron James’ top 5 villainous performances against the Toronto Raptors

By William Ricks

Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James and Toronto Raptors OG Anunoby - (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James and Toronto Raptors OG Anunoby - (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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LeBron James against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. January 6, 2008: Fourth Quarter Takeover

Even though LeBron has been a pain in the Raptors side more often in recent years, this performance back in 2008 was sensational. Remember when Thanos was about to get the infinity gauntlet taken away before he slaughtered the Avengers in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’? That is how Lebron operated in this game, specifically in the fourth quarter.

James only scored 15 points in the first three-quarters, and the Cavs were down by as many as 20 earlier in the game. Entering the fourth quarter down 70-57, LeBron channeled his inner Thanos, exploding in the fourth quarter and showing no mercy on the Raptors.

He scored 24 of the Cavs 36 points in the fourth quarter, making eight of his ten shot attempts. He was in another dimension, as he explained the hoop looked “like an ocean” to him.

LeBron was unconscious in the fourth, and the Raptors were helpless against his hot streak. When James is zoned in and hitting shots on the perimeter, it is almost unstoppable to slow him down.

After hitting a few jumpshots, James’ relentless paint penetration was the key. He was getting good looks at the rim and kicking out to shooters like Damon Jones and Larry Hughes, who went a combined 4-6 from three. LeBron also was hitting some crucial threes, including back to back three-pointers early in the fourth quarter to get himself going.

Coming back from a deficit like that at a young age should’ve been a signal to the Raptors that LeBron would be a recurring foe of theirs for years to come.