Unhappy LeBron James rips own team as Raptors thrash Cavs
The slumping Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a crushing 133-99 defeat to the Toronto Raptors as LeBron James was left less than impressed.
For the first time in his NBA career, James has lost consecutive games by 25-plus points following Thursday’s forgettable result.
The Cavaliers were thumped by 28 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday and got crushed by the Raptors despite Toronto playing without two of their stars – Kyle Lowry (tailbone) and Serge Ibaka (suspension).
James recorded a career-worst minus-39 rating in the loss to the Timberwolves and was minus-22 on Thursday with just one assist as Cleveland’s defense was non-existent in the first half.
The Raptors, who had seven players in double-figures, jumped out to a 65-40 half-time lead and never looked back. Even the Raptors’ reserves were taking it to the Cavs as Fred VanVleet scored a team-high 22 points in 24 minutes.
It is easy to understand why James was livid as the Cavs lost for the seventh time in their last 10 games. He was caught by TNT’s cameras lashing out at team-mates and assistant coach Phil Handy after Pascal Siakam drove the lane and dunked with little resistance.
“We’ve all got to be accountable for actions, accountable for how we play, how hard we play, what we’re doing for one another,” James told reporters after the game. “So, just trying to hold everybody accountable and move on, which we did.”
Isaiah Thomas did not help James’ fury as the recovering point guard (hip) knocked down just two of 15 shots. He finished with four points and registered a minus-20.
WILLIAMS STAYS HOT
Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams picked up where he left off with 30 points in a 121-115 win over the Sacramento Kings. Williams dropped a career-high 50 on the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
SIXERS SURRENDER LEAD IN LONDON
The Philadelphia 76ers led the Boston Celtics by as many as 22 points in the second quarter of the clash in London, but still managed to choke in the second half to lose 114-103. Sixers forward Robert Covington had the worst night of all, knocking down just two field goals while registering a minus-25 with four turnovers.
CLARKSON WITH THE ASSIST!
Jordan Clarkson’s spinning, no-look pass was the highlight of an otherwise lacklustre first 16 minutes for the Los Angeles Lakers against the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers did come back for a 93-81 win.
Clarkson finds Lonzo with the crafty outlet pass!#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/5hU8Au056U
— NBA (@NBA) January 12, 2018
THURSDAY’S RESULTS
Boston Celtics 114-103 Philadelphia 76ers
Toronto Raptors 133-99 Cleveland Cavaliers
Los Angeles Clippers 121-115 Sacramento Kings
Los Angeles Lakers 93-81 San Antonio Spurs
WARRIORS AT BUCKS
Two-time MVP Stephen Curry (ankle) is listed as questionable as reigning champions the Warriors embark on a five-game road trip beginning Friday. Klay Thompson is expected to play after missing Wednesday’s home loss to the Clippers for rest purposes. The Milwaukee Bucks have yet to win back-to-back games in 2018 and are six-point underdogs to the Warriors.
