For a team that invented “Load Management” the Toronto Raptors turned to “Load Overload” in their first game as NBA defending champions.
Coach Nick Nurse is going to need to eventually find nine or 10 players he can trust and will use on a regular basis, but the search is not near completion yet.
On an emotional night that began with a stirring ring ceremony and banner unveiling, the Raptors used only eight players for any significant amount of time in a dramatic 130-122 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.