| |
|
NBA -- LeBron scores 43 to put Raptors in a 2-0 hole
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 04 May 2018
CHICAGO -- LeBron James picked a good time to belt his best performance in these 2018 NBA playoffs.
The four-time NBA MVP sank 19 of 28 field goals and finished with 43 points, eight rebounds and 14 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers trounced the Toronto Raptors, 128-118, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Thursday night at the Air Canada Centre.
Cleveland now leads that series, 2-0, with Games 3 and 4 scheduled at the Quicken Loans Arena in Ohio.
Kevin Love was also terrific with 31 points and 11 rebounds while the rest of Cavs supporting cast did their fair share. J.R. Smith scored 15, Jeff Green had 14 and George Hill added 13.
The odds of Toronto getting out of this hole are impossibly long. In the history of the NBA playoffs, teams that have gotten into a 2-0 deficit are 19-273 while LeBron is 21-0 when up 2-0.
DeMar DeRozan led Tornto with 24. Kyle Lowry had 21 and eight dimes while Jonas Valanciunas registered 16 points and 12 boards. Toronto lost despite shooting 54.3 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 90.9 percent at the free throw stripe.
The Raptors led by nine in the second quarter and nursed a 63-61 halftime bubble. But they fell apart in the third quarter where the Cavs went on an 18-5 spurt and led by as many as 23.
"We stopped defending...We stopped rebounding...We were discombobulated," Raptors head coach Duane Casey told reporters after the Game 2 blowout/
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Roy Jones Jr. Blasts Dana White and Zuffa’s Push to Reshape Boxing During Explosive “Boxing Primetime Show” Interview
, Sat, 16 May 2026Weigh-In Results: Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II
, Sat, 16 May 2026Jerusalem vs. Kuse II: High-Stakes Rematch in Johannesburg
By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 16 May 2026Hometown Hero Edward Vazquez Returns to ProBoxTV on Friday, June 5, to Face Mexico’s Daniel Lugo in the 10-round Main Event of ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington
, Sat, 16 May 2026AQ Prime to host 2 big tournaments
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 16 May 2026June 6 announcement: Padley-Fiaz to Main Event in Sheffield after Galal Yafai setback
, Fri, 15 May 2026Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Ready to Settle Unfinished Business in Saturday’s Hometown Rematch against Nahir Albright LIVE on DAZN
, Fri, 15 May 2026Eros Correa vs. Anthony Garnica, Set to Clash for WBC Continental Americas Title.
, Fri, 15 May 2026Eman-Perez rematch now title-match
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 15 May 2026Montreal Experience greatly benefited Undefeated Kansas boxing prospect Marco Romero for this Saturday’s fight
, Fri, 15 May 2026”MERCILESS” RAY MERCER TO ATTEND 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
, Fri, 15 May 2026IIEE Metro Central dominates the IIEE National Midyear Convention sportsfest
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 15 May 2026Ancajas Boxing team to join Koronadal slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 15 May 2026Jojo Legaspi eyes four squads in JCI Senate Lipa 3X3 Open Rapid Chess Tournament on June 20
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 15 May 2026Paras ready to face Yokoyama on June 6
By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 14 May 2026Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
, Thu, 14 May 2026Champion Outside the Ring: Gustavo Trujillo and Bio Cell Wellness Group Support Children with Autism Through Life-Changing Therapies
, Thu, 14 May 2026IBA and WBA successfully deliver first joint professional training course for referees and judges
, Wed, 13 May 2026GAB to give managers, matchmakers and trainers 3 years license
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026ROBIN “ROBZ” SAFAR TO FACE ARGENTINA’S HIGHLY RATED YAMIL PERALTA FOR WBC SILVER CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE
, Wed, 13 May 2026Influencer/boxer Brooklyn Barwick anxious to Bounce back from first loss this Saturday in South Carolina
, Wed, 13 May 2026Mama ready to facer Ayala in Mexico
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026Demecillo to fight undefeated Martin on May 16
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card to feature Pro Boxing & Sports Entertainment Experience this Saturday in Quincy (MA)
, Wed, 13 May 2026Oberio, Bernardino, Talaboc power QC past Isabela in PCAP chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 13 May 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
