So much of the Toronto Raptors’ success this season came in spite of injuries, with six of their top seven rotation players missing at least a month. It’s the main reason why Nick Nurse deserves coach of the year for having this team at a better record through 67 games as compared to last year’s title team.
But to say the Raptors were unaffected by the injuries is untrue. The impact on wins and losses was minimized through deft coaching strategies and depth on the roster, but injuries disguised the true strength of Toronto’s roster: It boasts one of the best starting units in the league, and finally they are reunited.