The Raptors have had no shortage of drama in their standout season. In the second round of the playoffs, against the Philadelphia 76ers, this drama presented itself in the most fantastical of ways.
It’s actually happened. The Toronto Raptors have beaten the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA finals, sealing the series 4-2 to claim their first ever championship.
As has been the story in these playoffs, the Raptors managed to take advantage by squeezing the most out of their resources. Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, with 22, was outscored by the imperious Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry – both with 26. Fred VanVleet, off the bench, also got 22. Collecting the ball off a free throw, with the game tied at 90-90, Leonard was forced wide along the arc by two defenders. He managed to eye a clearing and released his jumper just in time. The ball bounced on the near side of the rim, bounced on the other side, then again, and again, suspended in time long after the buzzer had gone. After four agonising plops it dropped into the hoop with the most satisfying of falls.
At the other end there was no player, starter or otherwise, that didn’t step up. Everybody put in the work, keeping the scoreboard perpetually grinding upwards. Vince Carter became the name synonymous with the Raptors. His electrifying play, which featured thrilling, game-winning shots and staggering dunks that no one had done before, brought much-needed excitement to the most overlooked team in the league. Although he still plays today, at the age of 42, his ball-through-the-legs, arm-in-the-hoop NBA Slam Dunk Contest performance is what most fans will remember him for.
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