The rituals of spring vary from place to place, tradition to tradition. In Toronto basketball, they have recently become routine: the existential panic, the changing of the starting lineup — like snow tires, reacting to the change of seasons — the badly designed free T-shirts, and the Kyle and DeMar Rorschach test. Every year, every year.
But sometimes, things are simple. The Raptors, when they play like themselves, are better than the Milwaukee Bucks. To play like themselves, they need confidence. When it comes, it’s a hell of a thing.
“No question. Seeing the ball go through the hole for everybody is contagious,” said coach Dwane Casey before Toronto’s 118-93 win over Milwaukee in Game 5, to take a 3-2 series lead.