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3 reasons why it’s time to buy in on the Toronto Raptors

By Duncan Smith

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Fred VanVleet #23 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors shake hands before a game against the Orlando Magic at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 5, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Fred VanVleet #23 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors shake hands before a game against the Orlando Magic at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 5, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Raptors have been good for longer than you think

The Raptors didn’t just start getting the job done. They’ve been winning all season and had a 15-game winning streak to boot (and they’re on a seven-game winning streak as we speak), and winning is essentially all they have done since the 2019-20 campaign began so long ago.

Since the beginning of the season, the Toronto Raptors have the league’s second-best net rating at +6.5 and the league’s second-best defensive rating at 104.5. Both of these marks trail only the mighty Milwaukee Bucks.

Their consistency has been remarkable. In October they had a +8.4 net rating, in November it was +8.2, December it dropped to a woeful +2.3, January back to +8.2, February +8.4, and in March dropped back to +3.1.

In the bubble, the Raptors are 3-0 against a lineup including the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic. Their offense has yet to click (it’s third-worst with an offensive rating of 105.2), but their defense has been stout with a league-best rating of 96.1.

Earlier in the season, it was fair to wonder when this fairy-tale would come to an end for the Toronto Raptors. By now, however, we’ve learned better.

This squad is a nightmare for anybody they face in the playoffs, from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Los Angeles Lakers or LA Clippers.

Next. Raptors: 3 x-factors to succeed in bubble. dark

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