Toronto Raptors: 5 Takeaways From Their Playoff Run

May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Recording artist Drake celebrates after Toronto Raptors score a basket in a 105-99 win over Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors fans in Jurassic Park outside the arena prior to the Raptors playing Cleveland Cavaliers in game three of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Toronto’s home court advantage is real.

The NBA playoffs are filled with incredible crowds that provide their teams with energy when they need at and cause fear and confusion for the opposition as they try to call out plays through the deafening chants of defense.

But perhaps no crowd stood out more in these playoffs than Toronto’s, with their arena overflow section that was affectionately dubbed “Jurassic Park.”

The Raptors went 7-3 at home in the playoffs, and 2-1 in elimination home games. After winning game six in Toronto, LeBron James credited the incredible crowd in Toronto:

"“First of all,” James says to Doris Burke, “do you hear this? Unbelievable respect and much respect to these fans, to this country – this is unbelievable. I’ve never been a part of something like this in my 13-year career. This is special and I really appreciate what this team did.”"

The passion for the game and the growth of basketball north of the border has been a rallying cry for Toronto with their “we the north” campaign.

From the crowds to the increase in Canadian NBA players and prospects on the way up, it’s evident how much of an impact the Raptors have had on the country.

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