The Raptors’ chance at redemption against LeBron James deserves a deep rewind

The mid-2010 Toronto Raptors had nightmares about LeBron James. From 2016-2018, Toronto matched up with Bron and the Cavs in three straight postseasons. In 2016, the Raptors advanced to their first-ever conference finals in franchise history. Unfortunately, the organization's crowning achievement ended in six games, before LeBron & Co. went on to win Cleveland’s first-ever NBA title. Although Toronto lost the series in six, they had plenty of positives to take away. Experts viewed the Raptors as a team ahead of schedule, thankful to find themselves deep in the postseason.

The following year, the Raptors established they weren’t just some team happy to be in the mix, but a legit threat in the East. They reached the Conference Semifinals for a rematch against the Cavs… but LeBron led the way smacking them in four games. For Toronto, this 2018 season appeared to be different. Besides their dynamic backcourt duo of DeMar DeRozan & Kyle Lowry continuing to drop buckets, the team leaned heavily on their adaptable young bench, which allowed head coach Dwane Casey the peace to never stress who was on the floor. With Lowry and DeRozan holding it down, the youngins making noise, and consistent veteran support, the Raptors had arguably the most complete roster in the NBA and went on to win a franchise-record 59 games, earning the top seed in the conference.

Strapped with homecourt advantage throughout the postseason, these new and dangerous Raptors were prepared to make a deep run… until they once again ran into their playoff nemesis in the second round. After dropping the first two games to the Cavs, Toronto found themselves locked into a nailbiting Game Three with a chance to snatch a pivotal win on the road. Can they finally take one step closer to overcoming LeBron? To find out, we gotta rewind.

Written and produced by: Joe Ali
Directed and edited by: Charlotte Atkinson

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