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Toronto Raptors storylines to watch: All eyes on Kawhi Leonard

By David Morassutti

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 (C) of the Toronto Raptors is introduced to the crowd prior to the first half of the NBA season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on October 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 (C) of the Toronto Raptors is introduced to the crowd prior to the first half of the NBA season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on October 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Kyle Lowry #7 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors look on during the first half against the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

Is this finally the year?

LeBron James is out west and the Raptors took steps to ensure they are better suited to contend than any other season.

What Leonard has done in the playoffs should give fans more peace of mind especially against the top teams in the East. Only the Boston Celtics have the championship pedigree in a player like Kyrie Irving but even he probably won’t be enough to get past the Raptors.

Right now, the Bucks and 76ers should be viewed as the biggest threats to a Raptors run in the playoffs. Then if it comes down to a seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors, Toronto should use the two games this season as reasons to be hopeful.

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They have the depth and two-way ability the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t have last season and the Warriors seem more vulnerable this year than in past seasons. At the same time, you cannot count out Kevin Durant, Steph Curry or Klay Thompson.

They know that it takes to get the job and as long as they are healthy, the Raptors will have their hands full. At the same time, there’s no guarantee Golden State gets there considering how the Houston Rockets have pushed them in the playoffs and this season.

If the Warriors get any competition from the Western Conference it will make a difference considering they have been able to bully their way in the past.

All the Raptors need to do is get to the Finals and from there they just need to take it one game at a time. Considering how Leonard’s main objective is to win and has shown it with one dominant performance after another, it would be tough to bet against the Raptors.

There will be skeptics especially from media south of the border but the Raptors have done a good job blocking that out. What it comes down to is the mental approach the team has when it matters most.

Next. Raptors New Year’s wish list for 2019. dark

Which storylines are you looking forward to watching in the second half? What are your expectations for the Raptors for the rest of the season? Let us know in the comments below. 

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