Toronto Raptors: 3 early takeaways from NBA playoff series vs Nets

Through the first two games of this opening NBA playoffs series, what are the takeaways for the Toronto Raptors in their two wins over the Brooklyn Nets?

In a semi-playoff rematch from the mid-2010s, the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors reunited for a first-round series as the No. 7 and No. 2 seeds respectively. The usual group of Raptors was in place from the regular season, but Brooklyn missed Spencer Dinwiddie, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan, leaving them with a roster of role players and late additions.

The Nets actually played adequately in the seeding games, finishing 5-3. Running into the Raptors has put them down 2-0, but both matchups have been competitive at certain points, including keeping Toronto trailing for most of the first half and into the third quarter. An upset special, a la what happened in the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers, seemed possible.

This is Toronto’s series to lose, though, after winning 134-110 and 104-99, and with three All-Star caliber players in the fold. Any other result would be a surprise, and they are now two games away from advancing to the second round and one small step closer in their quest to repeat as champions.

These first two games have been enough of a sample size to evaluate the Raptors. From impressive performances to strategies unfolding, takeaways from the action positively highlight the strong start to this seven-game series.

What has been learned so far? What could be next for head coach Nick Nurse and his team? Let’s take a look at the first two games of this series: