Toronto Raptors: A look back at other firsts in franchise history
The First Postseason
Carter’s breakout season was the first time the Toronto Raptors made the playoffs, finishing sixth place in the East with a 45-37 record. Toronto faced Patrick Ewing and the third-seed New York Knicks, but were no match for this veteran club even though they kept the games close.
New York swept Toronto in the best-of-five series.
GAME 1: Knicks 92 Raptors 88
GAME 2: Knicks 84 Raptors 83
GAME 3: Knicks 87 Raptors 80
The loss to the Knicks was an anti-climatic end to a season that saw the Raptors check off a lot of franchise firsts. The 1999-2000 season was a real breakout year for the team – first All-Star, first slam-dunk winner, first season over .500, and the first playoff appearance.
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“Vinsanity” was in full effect in Toronto and Carter would help lead the Raptors to three consecutive playoff appearances.
After their historical 2017-18 season, the Raptors are looking to add a few more franchise firsts this postseason.
Whether this team has what it takes to be the best in the East throughout the playoffs remains to be seen.
But Game 1 on Saturday gives the Raptors the chance to win their opening game of the playoffs for the first time ever. (They are 0-9 all time.)
Next: Raptors prepare for their date with destiny
What is your favourite Toronto Raptors memory? Does this team have a chance to go far in the postseason? Let us know in the comments below.