Toronto Raptors: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season
5. Toronto has no answer for King James
Starting with the most recent — and most obvious — takeaway, the Toronto Raptors still have no answer for LeBron James. Toronto is now 2-12 against James and the Cleveland Cavaliers over the past three postseasons, and this season was the pinnacle of LeBron domination.
LeBron James averaged 34 points per game against the Raptors, scoring at will from anywhere inside the arc. He also provided the highlight moment of this postseason — most likely eclipsing his own first round candidate — with a game-winning floater in Game 3.
#WhateverItTakes @KingJames hits a clutch game-winner against the clock! pic.twitter.com/OlXPuR3al3
— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) May 6, 2018
James did not simply score, but he was heavily involved in every aspect of his team’s performance. After carrying the team by himself in the first round, against Toronto his supporting cast stepped up and helped propel them through.
But at the center it was all about LeBron James.
https://twitter.com/JoshEberley/status/993676251905843200
Through three series and 14 games, DeMar DeRozan has yet to make a single 3-pointer against the Cavaliers in the playoffs. Rookie OG Anunoby did a respectable job guarding James one-on-one, but anytime Cleveland generated a switch things fell apart.
Yet again, this squad showed that LeBron James is someone the Toronto Raptors cannot overcome.