Well, here we are. The odds-defying Toronto Raptors find themselves facing their first elimination game since May 12, 2019.
It’s truly hard to grasp exactly what’s needed to get over a hump until you’re face to face with the ultimate consequences. For the Raptors, their offense looked uninspired in a Game 5 loss to the Boston Celtics. They shot an abysmal 38.8 percent from the field, their second lowest this series, and a below-average 30 percent from three. For a team that shrugged off fatigue as a concern for their starters, this game really woke them up after struggling on both ends and finding themselves down by as much as 30 points.