/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49589185/usa-today-9291199.0.jpg)
As a matter of course, the Raptors do not make things easy. They've never in their history been in firm control of a playoff series. You can look through the record books but you'll never find a line anywhere that says "Raptors up 3-1" or "Raptors dominate, take early 2-0 lead." It just hasn't happened.
They've won Game 5s though. When they were done 3-1 to the Nets in 2007, they staved off elimination at home. When they needed to take control of the Brooklyn series in 2014, they did it (for a time). And of course, the Raptors first ever series win came in a Game 5 against the New York Knicks.
Why do I mention all this? Because, again, the Raptors never make things easy and Game 6 has almost never been kind. (The lone exception to this: the Raptors forcing a Game 7 against the Sixers in 2001. I believe we all know how that went.) In 2007, Game 6 was the final nail in the Raptors' coffin. In 2014 it was the beginning of the end. This year, after a raucous Game 5 comeback, the Raptors gave away Game 6 to the Pacers. And now, here we are again.
Toronto has a 3-2 series lead on the Miami Heat and a chance to close the series. Both teams are playing short-handed without their centres, both teams have forwards dealing with left wrist injuries, both teams have played some stunningly ugly basketball at times. Both teams... can win.
How do you feel about it?