That’s A Rap #112: Post-Game 7 vs. Celtics Reaction

All good things must come to an end!

In a season full of critics underestimating them and Toronto responding, the Raptors came one heart-breaking response short in the final moments of Game 7. If Jayson Tatum doesn’t grab the offensive board or Marcus Smart doesn’t time his block perfectly or Grant Williams doesn’t channel his inner Kevin Love to Fred VanVleet’s Steph Curry, it’s Toronto that moves on to face the Miami Heat.

Alas, the season is over and we had to record a podcast. The emotions were raw, the voices were subdued, and the words were from the heart. Thank you for listening all season long. The podcast will continue running, but the season’s end is a great time for reflection. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed talking about this wonderful, unique season and are eternally grateful to all of you that have clicked, listened, or commented.

Remember: banners fly forever!

In This Episode:

1:30 — This was fun

It’s been said many times this season, but it bears repeating: this has been the most fun Raptors team to cover in franchise history. The championship season will always be the best season, but this year’s team was so loveable because of they embodied the rarest traits — underdog and defending champions!

5:15 — More to give

Kyle Lowry stated post-game that the team had more to give. He logged 94 and a half minutes over the last two games... and that still trailed VanVleet and Pascal Siakam! The Celtics were the better team in this series. With the series in doubt until the final seconds, there’s nothing but truth in Lowry’s statement.

10:10 — Differences were razor thin

With a game this tight, the margins for error were extremely slim. Toronto turned the ball over 18 times — their highest playoff total under Nick Nurse.

12:05 — Heart of a champion

This game was a microcosm of the season in that Toronto consistently fought back when facing adversity. In each of the four quarters, the Celtics built healthy leads of 12, 6, 9, and 10, respectively. In all of those instances, the Raptors fought back or, with the final deficit, have possession with a chance to retake the lead.

15:30 — Revenge season has already begun

While this season is over, the next one has already started. Nurse and Lowry were quick to point out that Siakam will grow from this. Pascal himself shouldered the blame and vowed to learn from his first season as the no. 1 option. Receipts are being collected and Siakam and the Raptors will be ready to respond next season!