Cavs bash Raptors’ postseason hopes

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

As Chris Bosh laid on the floor dazed with blood streaming from his nose, the Toronto Raptors felt a different pain.

Their road to the playoffs could be even tougher now.

Flattened by an inadvertent elbow from Cleveland’s Antawn Jamison, Bosh sustained a broken bone in his face Tuesday night as the Raptors, battling Chicago for the final postseason spot in the Eastern Conference, were beaten 113-101 by the Cavaliers, who have won 11 straight at home.

Bosh was accidentally struck by Jamison as the two jostled for position in the lane in the opening minutes. Bosh, who had blood dripping from his nose and mouth area as he was assisted from the floor, was immediately taken to the Cleveland Clinic for a CT scan.

Following the game, the Raptors said tests showed the All-Star forward suffered a “maxilla and nasal fracture to the right side of his face.” Bosh, who returned to Quicken Loans Arena in the fourth quarter, will not travel with the team. Instead, he was to be kept in the hospital overnight for further evaluation.

Bosh’s loss couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Raptors, who entered the night clinging to the No. 8 playoff spot.

Jamison scored 20 points — 12 in the third when the Cavs opened a double-digit lead — and Anthony Parker had a season-high 18.

LeBron James scored 19 with 13 assists and Mo Williams had 14 and 12 assists for Cleveland, which has wrapped up the NBA’s best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs and is expected to rest players in the next few games to get ready for the postseason.

The Raptors also lost forward Antoine Wright in the third quarter with an ankle injury.

Bosh was battling with Jamison when he was nailed by the elbow. Bosh immediately dropped to the floor and stayed there as play continued at the other end.