That’s A Rap #110: Post-Game 5 vs. Celtics Reaction

The Raptors are on the brink of elimination!

And I couldn’t be more excited!!

Granted, this was a demoralizing loss that will sting. But if this team has shown anything this season, it’s that you can never underestimate the heart of a champion. Think about all the times the Raptors were doubted — pre-season, after each injury, before the re-start, after Game 2 — more often than not, they responded.

Check out the latest episode, not to wallow in self-pity, but to discover hope in what’s to come. The amount of despair from this loss will only make a Game 6 victory that much sweeter!

In This Episode:

1:45 — Tired

If you told me after Game 2 that the Raptors would need Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet to log 80+ minutes in Games 3 and 4 victories, only to be too exhausted to show up to Game 5... I’d take that in a heartbeat.

5:20 — Lid on the rim

Wary minds and wary legs lead to wary shots. Toronto simply couldn’t buy a bucket in the first half.

6:45 — Win the first, win the game

As great as both these teams’ defenses are, a trend has emerged in each game: the team that looks better in the first is the team that will win. It was clear from the tip-off that this wasn’t going to be a good game for Toronto.

8:25 — Adjustments

Like a broken record from Game 1, the message will sound the same. Scores don’t carry over. If Toronto makes the necessary adjustments, they’ll have a chance to win. More aggression is needed in the paint, as Boston outscored Toronto in the paint and doubled the amount of free throws taken. Matt Thomas may be threatening Norman Powell for 7th man minutes. The benefit of this blowout was that the starters could reduce their minutes and come out fresh on Wednesday.

14:15 — Excitement on the horizon

Once the sadness subsides from this loss, it’s not hard to get excited for Wednesday. “Game 6 Lowry” will return. Nick Nurse will un-earth all of the tricks from his endless playbook. Knocking out any opponent is typically the hardest one to capture — imagine how much more difficult it’ll be against the reigning, defending champions!