The 2015-2016 season shows great promise for a young team
Setting a Franchise Record
With a win against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, the Toronto Raptors set a new franchise record with 50 wins. This season the Raptors, who have arguably had one of the strongest and most consistent rosters in the league, have proven to be an elite team. Specifically, with a phenomenal record against Western Conference teams and a positive win percentage on the road, it seems that the Raptors have finally set up a roster that has the ability to make a deep playoff run.
[pullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]…one of the strongest backcourts in the NBA…[/pullquote]
While reaching 50 wins for the first time in franchise history is a milestone, it is clear that the Raptors, as well as the dedicated fan base, hope the regular season success translates into the playoffs. Since their inaugural season in 1995, the Toronto Raptors have failed, on multiple occasions, to move past the first round of the playoffs. Currently, after clinching the second seed in the Eastern conference, the Raptors are poised and determined to build of the momentum of the regular season.
In an interview with CBC News after their victory against the Hawks, Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry spoke on the importance of staying focused and looking ahead.
“I think everyone in this organization that’s been here has built it up to be a winning organization,” said Lowry. “I think we’ve been on the right track and continuing to grow. We’re not just satisfied with 50 wins. It’s a great benchmark to get, but at the end of the day we still want to be playing as long as possible: as close as possible to the end of the whole NBA season.”
2016 Playoff Preview
Amidst rumours of Gregg Popovich, the legendary and enigmatic coach of the San Antonio Spurs, telling Raptors head coach Dwayne Casey that the Canadian franchise would make the finals, questions arise regarding who will square off in the first round. Specifically, potential matchups for the Raptors include the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, and the Chicago Bulls. While the Raptors have generally been able to perform well against these teams throughout the season, the Bulls have beaten the Raptors three times—a troublesome statistic for those concerned about playoff jitters and poor matchups.
In terms of the roster and their performance, the Raptors are continuing to bolster one of the strongest backcourts in the NBA with Kyle Lowry and Demar DeRozan. Raptors fans have also been eagerly awaiting the return of Demarre Carroll, a strong, gritty defender who will bring toughness alongside the ability to spread the floor and create space for others. This year, however, the additions to the Raptors bench, alongside the growth and maturity of younger players, has truly added depth and versatility to the team. Specifically, the addition of Corey Joseph, and the development of Norman Powell have made the Raptors a team to fear this upcoming postseason.