Why a Game 6 Win Would be the One of the Most Important in Raptors’ History
A Game 6 victory tonight would be near the top of the most significant wins in the history of the Toronto Raptors.
LeBron James is somewhere in Akron, OH, with his legs up, laughing after reading that. As many of us have probably heard, the King surpassed legendary power forward Tim Duncan to claim the throne for most series sweeps.
King James, we haven’t had the luxury of having a generational talent like you on our team. So come to Toronto!
Now, that we got my weak attempt to recruit LeBron to the 6 out of the way, let’s get serious.
History for the Raps With a Win Tonight
Tonight, the Toronto Raptors have the chance to perform an unprecedented feat.
They have the opportunity to close out a series without having to go the distance. All three of the Franchise’s series wins have gone down to a “winner takes all game”.
In 2001, the Raps won their first ever playoff series against the New York Knicks. It took them five games to outlast New York at a time where all opening round series were first to three.
Then, the Raps barely survived two game sevens in last year’s post-season run. This is likely still fresh in your memory.
They defeated the Indiana Pacers in a game 7 thriller that ended a 15 year playoff series win drought. Following this, they scrapped with the Miami Heat for seven games, coming out on top with a pretty convincing win to seal the series.
Thus, a win tonight in BMO Harris Bradley Centre, would be immortalized in history books.
However, there are more practical reasons why the Raps should come out with a sense of urgency tonight.
Game 7- An Unpredictable Arena
A game 6 win would logically mean that there would no need for game 7. A loss would force a game 7. Game Sevens should be avoided at all costs because there’s no preparation that can be an adequate simulation.
By this, I mean many players may believe they have ice water in their veins, but few actually do. Legends prevail, while the majority of players falter under the enormous pressure.
In this way, Game Sevens are the site of incomparable euphoria for the winning side, and regret, heartbreak and nightmares for those who lose. It is this uncertainty that makes game Sevens scary.
An arduous season can often boil down to one turnover, one blown whistle, one missed rebound.
We don’t have to look to far back to see how unpredictable a single elimination games can be.
The March Madness tournament epitomizes the extent to which luck and other uncontrollable factors can impact a game. Such games are places where favorites to win it all, are eliminated by visibly less-talented teams that outplayed them on that particular night.
Last Year’s Game 7 Victories are Fool’s Gold
Don’t let the inexperience of this Bucks team might lead you to believe that they would struggle in a game 7. They have demonstrated over the course of this series that they are fearless and poised. Despite their youth, these are traits that can lend well to winning a game 7.
They also have a blossoming young star in Giannis Antetokounmpo, who can be the difference in coming out on top. He has a Macgyver skill set. The Greek Freak has ability to provide whatever his team is lacking.
Although, the Raps gained valuable experience from winning two game 7’s last year, they should not play game 6 tonight with a nonchalant demeanor. Playing in such a way is playing with fire.
I hope Raptors head coach Dwane Casey shows the team film of the game 7 loss to Brooklyn in 2014 before tonight’s game. This might be beneficial in reminding the team not to get comfortable.
Second, a game 6 win would be huge because it would only be the second time the Raptors close out a series on the road. Road wins are the sign of a truly elite contender. This is especially true in the post-season and even more significant to close out a series in the playoffs.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Raptors will see the best Bucks team tonight. It will take every ounce of effort and focus to end the series.
A road win to advance can develop an incomparable confidence and camaraderie that can pay dividends in beginning a deep postseason run.
Conclusion
The Raptors must treat tonight’s game as if their season is on the line. Unlike teams with championship pedigree, the Raptors don’t have the luxury of just “flipping the switch”.
Instead, it will take an effort and focus from the whole team to lock in and get a victory. Unfortunately, the Raptors are not like Harvey Specter in Suits. They don’t just get wins seamlessly, effortlessly and unscathed.
Rather, this TV drama is not scripted. The actors are players and they write the script. And if Toronto can write up effort, toughness, and urgency, there will be no surprise ending. Only one that ends with:
Raps in 6.