The Raptors advanced to the second round of the playoffs yesterday, but it wasn’t a big deal to them. In fact, it looked much like the same old, same old; they claimed their fourth straight game to book a seat in the conference semifinals for the fourth consecutive year. Significantly, the manner in which they did so was nothing short of dominant; after seeing the Magic score 104 points in a close loss to open their 2019 postseason campaign, they stamped their class on both ends of the court to norm 107.8 while limiting their opponents to 89 the rest of the way.
To be sure, it’s the type of outputs and outcomes that pushed Raptors hoops honcho Masai Ujiri to pull the trigger on a risky trade deal that sent erstwhile franchise leader DeMar DeRozan packing prior to the start of the season. The latter was a beloved figure among the Maple Leaf Square faithful, and the development produced blowback that could still have negative repercussions. Needless to say, whether or not it will be a boon or a bane depends on the decision of prime acquisition Kawhi Leonard when he enters free agency in July. Should he stay, he cannot but prove to be an extremely sound investment. Should he walk, he will go down as one of the most expensive one-year rentals in the annals of the National Basketball Association.
In this regard, the Raptors have reason to treat their first-round performance as much more than routine. True, they simply met expectations. And, true, the real challenges lie ahead. On the other hand, it’s not as if they don’t already carry a huge load on their shoulders. That they seem none the worse for wear so far is indicative of the progress they have made under first-year head coach Nick Nurse, and with Leonard spearheading the cause. And they’re certainly doing the three-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year right; they had, and still have, him on a cautious load-management regimen that ensured his complete convalescence from right quadriceps tendinopathy.
The Raptors believe the long game they’re playing will reap dividends when Leonard looks at his options as a free agent. At the same time, they understand that his mindset will be molded by how far they progress in the playoffs. Up next are the Sixers, much more loaded and far more dangerous than the overmatched Magic. Nonetheless, they’re confident of their chances — ostensibly much more confident than they would have been with DeRozan on tap. And, in the final analysis, it’s all that matters.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.
