In completing the greatest season in franchise history, the Toronto Raptors have plenty to take away from the 2018-19 season.
It’s incredible how different one team can feel after just 365 days have passed. At this time last season, the Toronto Raptors were coming off another disappointing second round exit at the hands of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. They had fired Coach of the Year Dwane Casey and would soon ship away fan favorite DeMar DeRozan for one year of Kawhi Leonard.
Throughout the playoffs, it was clear that Kawhi was the driving force in leading the Raptors to their first ever appearance in the NBA Finals. He’s earned the title of the best player in the world with big-time performances, clutch shot-making and lockdown defense.
Once there, it was the remainder of the team that stepped up to bring home the trophy, with six players averaging double figures. Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and more all had their moments. It was the all-around effort that helped slay the mighty Golden State Warriors, bringing the first NBA championship north of the border.
Life is about making the most of the opportunities presented, and Toronto certainly did just that. Leonard was a noticeable difference-maker at both ends of the floor in winning Finals MVP. The acquisition of Marc Gasol proved to be well worth the asking price, as the Spaniard infused the offense with a new dimension.
Whatever happens this summer, the 2018-19 season will stand out in its own unique way among its contemporaries. Raptors fans are on cloud nine and the city of Toronto is at the top of the basketball world — quite a distinction compared to last year when a title seemed as far away as ever. Here are five takeaways from this unforgettable year.