 James became the youngest player to hit 50 points |
LeBron James posted a Cleveland record with 56 points but even he couldn't prevent the Cavaliers' ninth straight road defeat.
The 20-year-old superstar-in-the-makingwas left frustrated as Toronto overcame his heroics to claim a 105-98 victory.
James was on fire from the opening tip-off, scoring 16 points in the first quarter and 29 by half-time. He added nine more in the third quarter and 18 points in the final period.
"I played well, probably the best game of my life, but it means nothing when you come away with a loss," James said. "I don't care about individual stats."
James eclipsed the franchise record of 50 by Walt Wesley against Cincinnati which had stood since 19 February, 1971.
It also surpassed the previous highest individual total scored against the Raptors, beating the 51 by Philadelphia's Allen Iverson in January 2001.
Only Iverson, who had 60 against Orlando on 2 March, has scored more this season.
Rick Barry was the previous youngest player to nail 50 points in a game - he was 21 years, 261 days old when he scored 57 for San Francisco against New York in December 1965.
"It's a great achievement, but I'd rather get it with a win," said James, who is 20 years, 80 days old.
Cavaliers coach Paul Silas said: "It's disappointing to lose, but this was something special from a great player, and you've got to put him in that category."
MMIX
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