Dominant Raptors win first-round series — and believers

If you’ve been paying attention to the Toronto Raptors for even a few of their 24 seasons, you’ve probably picked up on a common thread that runs through their short history.

From the electrifying rise of Vince Carter to that landmark run to the Eastern Conference final a few years back, no matter the level of local love and optimism, Toronto’s NBA team has always been doused with a consistent stream of skepticism.