The Toronto Raptors wanted the U.S. media to pay attention to their franchise-record-setting team this season. Now, they’re getting all that and more now, but, courtesy of LeBron James, it’s for all the wrong reasons.
James’s unlikely buzzer-beater left the Raptors in shock and other NBA players watching in awe. Here’s how they reacted to the crazy one-legged, one-handed shot from the corner that gave the Cleveland Cavaliers a 105-103 victory and a 3-0 series lead:
NBA champion and former MVP Dirk Nowitzki is the inventor of the one-legged fadeaway, so his appreciation for making such a difficult shot look so easy gives you an idea of just where LeBron’s game is at right now.
Jason Terry was a member of the Dallas Mavericks team that defeated James’s Miami Heat team back in 2011, and he encouraged OG Anunoby to take it all in stride and move on.
DeMarre Carroll was tasked with defending James for the Raptors the past two seasons and his amazement — amongst others — says it all.
Mannnnnnnnn this guy….
— DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) May 6, 2018
Wow
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) May 6, 2018
Ay LeBron LeBron..
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) May 6, 2018
While all these players reacted so naturally, Chicago Bulls centre Robin Lopez took a slightly more analytical approach.
Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum was impressed by Anunoby’s nerve to hit the game-tying shot, but also realized just how much time was remaining on the clock and tried to predict how James would finish the game.
Wow that man out there competing and got the nerve to have a strap too. Huge shot. Enough time for bron to shoot a step back or get to the cup. My money is on the fadeaway
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) May 6, 2018
Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal was just bounced out of the playoffs by the Raptors, but still had empathy for a team that lost to the most ridiculous of shots.
Shot hurt my heart and we ain’t playing !
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) May 6, 2018
Finally, you just knew BFF Dwyane Wade was going to chime in…
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