At some point — maybe the second quarter, maybe the third, maybe earlier, if you’re an optimist — Toronto Raptors fans allowed themselves to hope. Everyone and their uncle figured the Cleveland Cavaliers were going to blast back, but it was the Raptors who were flying, the Raptors who pushed the lead as high as 18. At some point, the Raptors allowed their fans to hope this game wouldn’t let them down.
In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final, in front of the oceanic thunder of one hell of a crowd, LeBron James played 46 minutes at high tilt and the Raptors still won, 105-99.