That was one amazing 4th Quarter last night. A bloody see-saw battle with "We The North" digging deep for the win. CAVS can't seem to win at Jurassic Park...I believe this is 4 straight losses for them in Toronto.
Sports is filled with underdog Champions. No matter what the pundits project....never count out the underdog.
I'm rooting for the Raptors John
Steve, you'd be amazed at the support the Raptors get in Toronto, and not just now. Obviously the excitement has been elevated this year, but their base support has been there for quite some time.
Absolutely!yes, but this year was different, they needed to prove they could win when it matters most ... the playoffs.
And that they have, so no matter what happens, a stepping stone ... best Raptor season to date.
Absolutely!
I hate to say it, but it's true. Canadian teams (Raptors, Blue Jays) need to win a championship first before they are taken somewhat seriously by the U.S.press, and even then they don't get the respect they deserve. I understand it though, as there is a patriotism bias involved and Canadians aren't immune to those views either, but they should take a hint from NHL hockey. Views and opinions from pundits on both sides of the border are much more evenly balanced and based on performance.
Sorry...my rant for today!
Very valid observations. Results will also ... result in top players not considering playing for Canadians cities like a demotion or even an exile... If the NBA and other sports want to globalize their league it is one stigma they need to work on. The Best players want to play for a winner, Toronto needs to win something and more often (Did the Blue Jays ever win a World Series BTW?)
Yes! They won back-to-back World Series in 1992 and 1993. They've certainly earned their stripes and are again (woohoo) a team to be recognized with.
The EXPOS lost that opportunity for a World Series run in that strike-shortened season.
Sad, but true!speaking of memory, I still remember the lame expansion deal ... Raptor should have received the 1996 first round pick, but the league had made an "expansion agreement" in which the Raptors and or Grizzlies could not pick 1st from 96-98. Later, when the NBA expanded within the US, that "deal" was nullified. (sigh)