Video: Jonas Valanciunas commits flagrant by tackling LeBron James
LeBron James' painful week continued when he was tackled to the court by Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas during Cleveland's 120-112 road victory on Wednesday.
Just a few days after James received a below-the-belt kick from Rockets guard James Harden, the Cavaliers forward fell hard to the court after Valanciunas used both arms to wrap him up on a drive.
With just seconds remaining in the third quarter and Cleveland leading 82-74, James attacked the paint hard from the top of the key. After using a right-to-left crossover to turn the corner on Valanciunas, James was sent spinning by the Lithuanian big man, who bearhugged him to the deck. Valanciunas attempted to check on James afterward, but his olive branch was quickly rebuffed
[daily_cut.NBA] After reviewing the play, the officials assessed a Flagrant Foul 1, which applies to contact that is deemed "unnecessary." Valanciunas was allowed to remain in the game.
The NBA league office will review the call to determine whether it warrants an additional fine and/or suspension. Harden was suspended for one game without pay for his kick to James during Houston's victory over Cleveland on Sunday.
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Despite the rough treatment, James finished with a game-high 29 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Kyrie Irving added 26 points and eight assists in the win.
Valanciunas led the Raptors with a team-high 26 points and 11 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan added 25 points and one rebound in a losing effort.
Cleveland improved to 39-24. Toronto fell to 38-23.
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