The Toronto Raptors are having a tough time against the Cleveland Cavaliers in this year’s playoffs. They have now been blown out two consecutive games, as Demar Derozan has struggled to find his shot and Toronto’s defense has been unable to contain LeBron James.
In two games this series, James is averaging 37 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and 1.5 blocks on 62.2 percent shooting from the field and 54.5 percent from three-point distance. Those are some jaw-dropping numbers, and Raptors star DeRozan would agree. How would the Raptors Stop James?
$100 to someone who can stop LeBron James
DeMar DeRozan is offering 100 dollars to anyone who can stop LeBron. “If you can find somebody to stop LeBron in these moments, I’ll give you $100.”
So who can stop James? LeBron is currently in playoff mode, meaning he is continuously going to attack the rim, play physical, and shoot better from the field due to extra focus. In all honesty, there is no stopping him. James can only be slightly contained, and it takes a team effort to make that happen.
Therefore, DeRozan is not going to find one single individual who is going to be able to stop LeBron James by himself. Unfortunately, that person does not exist. The Raptors have tried everything, allowing him to become a jump shooter, covering the paint, and trying to be physical with him.
It’s not going to work because mostly everything is single coverage.
The best way to contain LeBron
The best way to at least contain LeBron is by giving him some room, not too much to the point where he is basically wide open. Next, there needs to be a secondary player around the area, shading the paint in case he decides to drive.
If James decides to pass to a cutting teammate or open teammate, the defense has to be quick enough to rotate. It takes a lot of versatility to do that.
It’s easier said than done, but it takes a collective defensive effort to contain James, but no one can stop him. Take the Golden State Warriors for example. They have one of the best defenses in the league and still struggle to completely stop LeBron.
The only thing they can do is take away his effectiveness by being physical with him, but he is still going to put up incredible numbers on a nightly basis.
With the Raptors down 0-2 in the series and Kyle Lowry’s status unknown for Game 3, the Raptors may find themselves in deep trouble. Too bad DeRozan is not going to be able to put that 100 bucks to good use.