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NBA bubble: 3 teams who enjoyed their time in Orlando

By Luke Duffy

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a game winning three point basket against the LA Clippers during overtime in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a game winning three point basket against the LA Clippers during overtime in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
NBA bubble (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Toronto Raptors

Perhaps a strange choice to begin, but the Toronto Raptors had an excellent season in which they achieved most of what they set out to do, all while defying the expectations of those who said they would fall off badly without Kawhi Leonard (who himself could only make it as far as the conference semi-finals with the LA Clippers).

The Raptors talked before the season about defending their championship and doing their best to try and repeat as champions in the NBA bubble. Even if winning it all again seemed unlikely, the manner in which the Raptors went down fighting will have filled their fanbase with pride, while also giving the front office the necessary cache to now make changes if they see fit.

Led by Kyle Lowry, the Raptors made it all the way to a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics, despite being much the older team. In Lowry and Fred VanVleet, the Raptors also had an undersized backcourt that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were able to attack with ease. The fight they showed to get to that point was great to see, they are the definition of a crafty veteran unit.

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They could never be counted out all year, and now they can walk away with their heads held high because of the way in which they lost. They didn’t use Leonard leaving as an excuse. Behind the fantastic head coaching skills of Nick Nurse, the Raptors went to work. In doing so they remained darlings in Canada, their time in the bubble endearing them to people even more.

Losing in the manner in which they did also makes life much easier for the front office now. They tried to win it again with what they had, gave it a great go, and came up short. Fans can’t be too upset if key players like Lowry or Serge Ibaka are moved on. It is possible that the roster gets stripped down entirely and the organization goes for a full rebuild.

In Pascal Siakam, despite a quiet playoff, they have a young star that they can build around. Team president Masai Ujiri, who some think may not stick around much longer, spoke before about nearly rebuilding the team before walking into the Leonard trade. Perhaps now is the time? No matter what it was a great season that has the fans onside no matter what happens next.