The Cleveland Cavaliers went into Toronto and stole two games from the Raptors in Games 1 and 2 and were looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead in Game 3 at home in Quicken Loans Arena. The Raptors looked sharper in Game 3, however. While DeMar DeRozan was brutally struggling, Kyle Lowry kept Toronto close throughout the game.
Late in the contest, rookie OG Anunoby hit a clutch three-point basket to tie the game at 103, forcing Cleveland to call a timeout to draw up one final play.
The Cavaliers elected to take the ball out in the backcourt, allowing for LeBron James to have more space and freedom to operate. James ran the ball down to towards the sideline and nailed a one-footed jump shot right in front of Toronto's bench at the buzzer to beat the Raptors 105-103.
James' teammates went crazy, showing the three-time championship with a lot of praise. Once again, Toronto's heart was crushed by James, who has been having an incredible series. After witnessing another amazing LeBron James buzzer beater, NBA players around the league tweeted their reactions.
Reactions of NBA players around the league
Rookie of the Year candidate Donovan Mitchell had a simple response.
LeBron's former teammate Dwyane Wade had a response to James' performance in Game 2 and also had another one after his buzzer beater.
NBA analyst Greg Anthony kept it short and sweet.
King James also got praise from former NBA player Charles Oakley.
Carlos Boozer chimes in.
Old man Manu pays his respect.
D'Angelo Russell recognizes what's happening with this awesome Tweet.
Meanwhile, Michael-Carter Williams is amazed.
Don't worry, Rudy, we are shaking our heads too.
Ryan Hollis probably had the funniest tweets. Bonus points for using a Game of Thrones GIF.
Bradley Beal knows a thing or two about James knocking in buzzer beaters against his team.
Dirk Nowitzki is known for his one-legged fadeaway jumpers. LeBron was using that iconic shot in Game 2, but this one was very different. It was a floater, and Dirk was impressed.
LeBron also got respect from one of the oldest guys in the league, Jason Terry.
Jordan Crawford shares his opinion on James.
Yes, that was tough, Mike Conley.
Jeremy Lin continues the trend of LeBronto.
LeBron also gets a shoutout from former sharpshooter, Steve Novak.
Game 4 outlook
Game 4 will take place on Monday at 8:30 pm Eastern Time on TNT where the Cavaliers will look to eliminate Toronto to advance to the Conference Finals. The Raptors may come out with a lot of desperation, but the Cavaliers will look to put them out of their misery early.