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Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to series vs. Magic

By Jonathan Turco

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 1: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 1: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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The 2019 NBA Playoffs begin this weekend, and the Toronto Raptors are one of the top contenders to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy. Here are five keys to their first round playoff series against the Orlando Magic

Successful regular NBA season after successful regular NBA season, the Toronto Raptors have come up short in the past against opponents who finish with a lower seed than them.

This isn’t yesteryear’s team, and after an injury-riddled, squad-swapping and load management-filled season, they were able to clinch the 2-seed in the Eastern Conference and second-best record in the association with a 58-win campaign. Having won an average of 48 games over the past six years is a huge achievement; they just haven’t been followed up by similar postseason success, except for that brief Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2016.

The franchise’s playoff history overall, to put it plainly, has been a bewilderment to their fans. Play well in the regular season, and in theory, it should translate to success in the postseason. As most basketball aficionados know, though, the playoffs are whole different kind of animal.

The pace slows down, every possession becomes even more important and strategies against your team’s top talent are deployed to defer them from their strengths and exploit their weaknesses. Yesteryear’s team would have their All-Stars exploited in a series, and minimize their newfound offensive ball movement.

Well, that team had a non-3-point shooting All-Star as it main offensive weapon, lackluster clutch performers and a stubborn coach who refused to make timely in-game changes, all equating to difficulties winning series against the best the league had to offer. This year’s team has new key cogs in Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Marc Gasol, added to their continuous development of their young core, budding All-Star Kyle Lowry and Ma Fuzzy Chef, Serge Ibaka.

Regardless of how previous postseasons ended, this is the same Raptors team of old, and without a doubt, it’s the best squad in franchise history with a real chance at the championship.

However, before we skip ahead to June, their first round opponent is a team that’s been surging since the All-Star break, the Orlando Magic. Here are five keys to success against them.

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