The Toronto Raptors ended last season with a 4-3 series loss in the first round of the playoffs against Brooklyn; an anti-climax for the Canadian franchise, but nevertheless a very successful season. This paradox could only promise one thing; rapid growth and imminent success. Twenty five games into this season, all those boxes have been ticked, so far.
Canadian Persuasion – Toronto Making Some Noise
Leading the way in the Eastern Conference with a record of 19-6, Toronto have started the regular season just like they finished it last year. Exciting, efficient and extraordinary offense. The Raptors are a team that like to score points; they punish their opponents on fastbreaks, move the ball around on slow possessions and break apart with unstoppable streaks. But in order to be able to do this, Toronto have succeeded in building a solid, well balanced roster, led by star players who don’t get big headed and keep cool. The prime example, without doubt, is Kyle Lowry. The 28-year-old was rumoured to be leaving Toronto, but after making the wise decision to stay, has been exceptional; 19.6 ppg, 7.6 apg and 4.7 rpg. Believe it or not, the point guard may lead the team in scoring and assists, but more incredibly is the fourth best rebounder…
Alongside him, however, Kyle Lowry can rely on some real firepower. The likes of Demar DeRozan, Terrence Ross and Jonas Valanciunas, if they can be consistent, will only continue to raise their side’s level. With those players on the floor, Toronto can be a real threat any team in the League. But when any of those players are absent, things get a little problematic:
After a shaky run, the Raptors have recorded three straight wins to get the engine firing again. However, that engine is currently damaged by the absence of Demar DeRozan, who is out indefinitely with a groin injury. Although right now the Raptors are coping, the ever present threat of injuries still looms over them, reminding them that in order to maintain their top seed in the East and push further into the postseason they are going to imperatively need a healthy roster. Because even if Toronto’s weakness isnt their lack of depth, if leaders are absent, their upbeat style of play no longer works, and so far they have been yet to prove that they own a plan B.
The huge hype that surrounded Toronto’s playoff run last year has not died down, despite an early exit. With excellent support and atmosphere, expect to see “We the North” banners floating around the Air Canada Center deep into the 2015 NBA playoffs.
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