The Toronto Raptors legacy, which includes their seven-year playoff run is officially over. On May 10, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers. This also meant the Raptors were officially eliminated from the playoffs. Before the playoff streak ended, it was tied for first for the longest current active playoff streak with the Portland Trail Blazers.<\/p>\n
The 2013-14 NBA season did not start off well for the Raptors. They had seven wins and 12 losses after a win on December 8 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Then on December 9, a trade was confirmed. The Raptors traded Rudy Gay<\/a><\/strong>, Quincy Acy<\/a><\/strong>, and Aaron Gray<\/a><\/strong> for Patrick Patterson<\/a><\/strong>, Chuck Hayes<\/a><\/strong>, John Salmons<\/a><\/strong>, and Greivis Vasquez<\/a><\/strong> from the Sacramento Kings. The Raptors players knew of the trade prior to their game against the Lakers according to Open Gym<\/a>.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/vicleolions\/status\/1403574465892585473<\/p>\n Rudy Gay<\/a><\/strong> was seen as the Raptors’ best player when he was traded. This might surprise people as both DeMar DeRozan<\/a><\/strong> and Kyle Lowry<\/a><\/strong> ended up with much more successful NBA careers than Gay. However, for some reason, that trade sparked the Raptors\u2019 first playoff appearance since 2008.<\/p>\n DeRozan continued his impressive start to the season. He averaged 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, four assists, and 1.1 steals per game. At the time, these were all career-highs for DeRozan. Lowry also lifted his game. He had career-highs with 17.9 points and 7.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in the 2013-14 NBA season. These were all career-highs at the time for Lowry. He also tied a career-high with 4.8 rebounds per game.<\/p>\n The Raptors ranked ninth in points per game and tenth in defensive ratings. They were good enough to win the 2013-14 Atlantic Division banner. At the time it was a big deal as the Raptors had only won the Atlantic Division once prior in the 2006-07 NBA season.<\/p>\n The Raptors gave a valiant effort in the first round against the Brooklyn Nets. It went to seven games and the Raptors had a chance to win the game with a Lowry layup. Unfortunately for Toronto, then Brooklyn Nets player Paul Pierce<\/a><\/strong> blocked the shot and ended the Raptors season.<\/p>\nToronto Raptors Surprising 2013-14 NBA Season<\/h4>\n