Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Raptors: Almost Ordained to Come Down to Game 7

By Paul Taylor

Apr 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The Toronto Raptors player celebrate on the bench after scoring against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The Toronto Raptors player celebrate on the bench after scoring against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With the stakes raised, do Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and the rest of the Toronto Raptors have what it takes to prove they’re a genuine contender?

No one ever said it’s easy being a Toronto Raptors fan. (In fact, you can argue it’s tough being a Toronto sports fan in general.) In that respect, maybe it was fate their first round matchup with the Indiana Pacers would go all the way to the wire.

More from Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are coming off the best regular season in franchise history, a magical ride which took them to the heady heights of 56 wins and the second seed in the East. And yet, one more challenge awaits, before they can truly say they’ve arrived as a genuine contender.

As has been quoted repeatedly these past two days, Toronto is 1-3 all-time in deciding games. However, what specifically needs to be pointed out, is the fact that one win came in a five-game series.

Winning a game 7 is uncharted territory for the 20-year old franchise. The question is, do Dwane Casey’s men have what it takes to finally get over the hump?

In theory, the answer should be a resounding yes. Unfortunately, as has been shown during the last couple of weeks, any regular season success has been effectively neutralized in the playoffs.

Of course, this hasn’t been helped by Kyle Lowry clearly being affected by his sore elbow, no matter what he tells you publically. When your team leader is struggling, it’s going to have an impact on your fortunes.

Arguably of more concern, has been the shooting woes of DeMar DeRozan, who has no such excuse. Only once so far in this series has he lived up to the form which he hopes will secure him a max deal in the summer.

Toronto Raptors
Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) talks with forward Patrick Patterson (54) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and guard Norman Powell (24) and forward Jason Thompson (1) during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

It seems worth pointing out that part of what makes the Raptors so good, is their team camaraderie and strength in depth. In that respect, Jonas Valanciunas, DeMarre Carroll and Bismack Biyombo have all had their moments.

Ultimately though, the NBA is a star-driven league, with Lowry and DeRozan fitting this profile, albeit not on the same level of a LeBron James or a Kevin Durant. Regardless, this is the All-Star backcourt duo’s chance to show the world what they can do when the stakes are raised.

Along those lines, maybe it was ordained that the Raptors first round series with the Pacers would go all the way to a game 7. Find a way to win, and Lowry, DeRozan and their teammates will finally slay the demons of the last 20 years and officially announce their arrival on the playoff stage.

Next: Opportunity arises for DeRozan and Lowry

So here we go, it all comes down to this. Are the Raptors going to do it or not? And if not, how much change do you envision during the offseason? Let us know in the comments section below.

Home/Toronto Raptors