The North showed up in Southern California, Raptors go 1-1 in LA
It is only the second month of the NBA season and the league has already been plagued with injuries and drama. We have seen stars like Steph Curry and Gordon Hayward sustain serious injuries that will prevent them from being on the court for, likely, the rest of the season. The anticipated debut and dominance from Zion Williamson is also on hold as a result of a lateral meniscus surgery, and it is now unlikely that Klay Thompson will be active this season.
There have also been multiple drug related suspensions such as Dion Waiters’ ten game sanction for his consumption and odd reaction to cannabis edibles, which is against league rules. The controversy about “load management” has also been huge, as Kawhi Leonard is maintaining the same resting schedule as last season. Players like LeBron James and James Harden, and current team owner Michael Jordan, all weighed in, saying that players should play when scheduled to unless they are injured. The most memorable and meme-worthy event so far has been the KAT vs Embiid fight, which, frankly, neither won, as they both looked like clowns after taking it to social media.
For those of you in fantasy leagues, I am sure you are feeling the effects of team dynamics and injuries. I know some competitors in my league are whining about the number of super star injuries and their decreased odds of winning. Luckily for me, a rookie to the NBA Fantasy world, beginners’ luck is on my side. Not only did I get to draft Anthony Davis and Siakam, but I am a perfect 3-0 and currently ranked third, only under the guys that won the last two seasons. I have to also give credit to my partner, whom I have appointed as my GM, because if it wasn’t for him, I would forget to set my weekly line up and switch up the injury slots.
For Raptors fans, the strong return of the 2019 Champions under a Kyle Lowry-Pascal Siakam leadership has been exciting and comforting. Many NBA analysts and the users of the dark web that is r/NBA had predicted that the Raptors would not be the same without Kawhi and Danny Green and that the team would likely be a bubble playoff team.
True fans, however, have expressed high hopes in this new Raptors team. Multiple players have explained their “next man up” mentality, a philosophy which helped guide them to a championship, and one they hope will continue through the 2020 playoffs on the way to another Larry O’B.
While the transition with some of the new guys hasn’t been easy, Coach Nurse has been very straightforward about his vision for the team and the role he wants the new players to adapt to. Veterans like Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell have also been more consistent in their contributions to each game.
Prior to the LA road trip, the Raptors were 6-2 overall and undefeated at home. There was a lot of talk going into the back-to-back LA games as the new Raptors team would be facing the newest super teams and their former teammates.
While the Raps only came away with one victory (their 113-104 win against the Lakers), both performances speak volumes to the development of the depth of the team and affirms that the Raptors are still a playoff quality team. The King (LeBron) himself recognized that the Raptors “still got guys that are championship DNA players”. That says a lot, considering that the only other team the Lakers have lost to this season is the Kawhi-led Clippers.
While it was nice to see Kawhi reflect about his time in Toronto and his experience with Canadian fans prior to the Clippers vs Raptors game, the Raptors wanted a victory on both nights and their efforts showed. Toronto was ultimately defeated, but held the Clippers to under 100 points for the first time this season. They also kept Kawhi in check, allowing a season-low twelve points while forcing him to make nine turnovers. If the Raptors proved anything in these games, it is that as defending champions, they still have a winning mentality and all their guys are ready to step up despite the injuries and added pressure.
While we are many games away from the first ever Raptors Christmas Day game, Raptors fans’ Christmas wish should be for the team to continue to play well and get some wins while Lowry, Serge Ibaka and now OG Anunoby work back to full health.