After only three weeks of an intensely competitive NBA season, the Toronto Raptors entered their 20th year with vigour, almost instantly dominating first place in both the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division. As a determined team with a devoted fan base, it is easy to see how this team is one of the most undefeated in the league so far, breaking franchise records for the most wins in the first ten games of the season.
The Raptors were quick to pick up right where they left off last season after receiving the title of Atlantic Division champions; however, they are still far from being an elite team. Head coach Dwayne Casey can be accredited to much of the Raptors’ success, as he constantly focuses on improvement and progress to propel the team’s intensity on the court.
Toronto fans would agree that re-signing star player Kyle Lowry, for the next four years sets a solid base for the Raptors’ success. The powerful backcourt duo of Lowry and 2014 All-Star DeMar DeRozan has lead the team to their best start in franchise history. As the core of the team, both DeRozan and Lowry proved their skill during their first 20th anniversary night when facing the Washington Wizards.
Along with re-introducing the bright purple Jurassic-inspired jerseys, the Raptors hosted their very first 20th anniversary night, while defeating the Washington Wizards at the Air Canada Centre by 19 points. Not only did the debut of the throwback jerseys hype up Toronto fans, but the unbelievable success of the team had the ACC in awe.
While facing Washington, Lowry was able to pass alumni player Damon Stoudamire for the most triple doubles as a Raptor with four, after getting his first triple double of the season. Following Lowry’s achievements, DeRozan scored a high 25 points for the team, Terrence Ross scored a season-high 18 points, and rookie to the team, Lou Williams, had 13 points. Analyzing the statistics validates how well the Raptors dominated their first anniversary night game, and with six more anniversary nights to follow, fans have high expectations from the team.
As Lowry and DeRozan are known to destroy while on the court, the recent additions into the Raptors family have proven to be just as forceful. The Raptors have already begun to rely heavily on additions Lou Williams and James Johnson who were initially chosen to help immunize the team against possible injuries. However, both players have shown exceptional hustle acting as threats on the court.
It is true that the Raptors have made tremendous efforts in providing their fans with unforgettable experiences. Including efforts made by Toronto-based rapper Drake, the Raptors’ fans have been given several monumental occasions to remember with their beloved home team. After earning the title as “Global Ambassador” of the team, Drake has been instrumental in promoting the Raptors. Drake’s long term involvement will help shape the team’s brand and positively encourage the players and the audience with his presence as a fellow Raptor.
Although the Raptors currently carry an 8-2 winning streak while upholding the reputation of a team that comes alive in the fourth quarter, the journey is far from over. However, early on in the game, consistency is a strength the Raptors must sustain in order to prosper. With 82 games in the NBA season, the team has a long way until the playoffs, and several things to prove as a team acclaimed “The North”.
The Raptors were quick to pick up right where they left off last season after receiving the title of Atlantic Division champions; however, they are still far from being an elite team. Head coach Dwayne Casey can be accredited to much of the Raptors’ success, as he constantly focuses on improvement and progress to propel the team’s intensity on the court.
Toronto fans would agree that re-signing star player Kyle Lowry, for the next four years sets a solid base for the Raptors’ success. The powerful backcourt duo of Lowry and 2014 All-Star DeMar DeRozan has lead the team to their best start in franchise history. As the core of the team, both DeRozan and Lowry proved their skill during their first 20th anniversary night when facing the Washington Wizards.
Along with re-introducing the bright purple Jurassic-inspired jerseys, the Raptors hosted their very first 20th anniversary night, while defeating the Washington Wizards at the Air Canada Centre by 19 points. Not only did the debut of the throwback jerseys hype up Toronto fans, but the unbelievable success of the team had the ACC in awe.
While facing Washington, Lowry was able to pass alumni player Damon Stoudamire for the most triple doubles as a Raptor with four, after getting his first triple double of the season. Following Lowry’s achievements, DeRozan scored a high 25 points for the team, Terrence Ross scored a season-high 18 points, and rookie to the team, Lou Williams, had 13 points. Analyzing the statistics validates how well the Raptors dominated their first anniversary night game, and with six more anniversary nights to follow, fans have high expectations from the team.
As Lowry and DeRozan are known to destroy while on the court, the recent additions into the Raptors family have proven to be just as forceful. The Raptors have already begun to rely heavily on additions Lou Williams and James Johnson who were initially chosen to help immunize the team against possible injuries. However, both players have shown exceptional hustle acting as threats on the court.
It is true that the Raptors have made tremendous efforts in providing their fans with unforgettable experiences. Including efforts made by Toronto-based rapper Drake, the Raptors’ fans have been given several monumental occasions to remember with their beloved home team. After earning the title as “Global Ambassador” of the team, Drake has been instrumental in promoting the Raptors. Drake’s long term involvement will help shape the team’s brand and positively encourage the players and the audience with his presence as a fellow Raptor.
Although the Raptors currently carry an 8-2 winning streak while upholding the reputation of a team that comes alive in the fourth quarter, the journey is far from over. However, early on in the game, consistency is a strength the Raptors must sustain in order to prosper. With 82 games in the NBA season, the team has a long way until the playoffs, and several things to prove as a team acclaimed “The North”.