#ProveEm Playoffs – 7 Thoughts Heading Down the Final Stretch

‘Started From the Bottom Now We’re Here’  – The No.1 Seed in the East

As if the Raptors didn’t already have enough pressure on them heading into these #ProveEm playoffs.

Winding up the top seed in the East would, on top of representing a historic franchise achievement, crank up the pressure exponentially. Nevermind the perceived lack of respect they garner south of the border, NOW imagine the disappointment if they faltered as the conference’s top dog?

It would be nice for Toronto to end the regular season with the East’s best record. There is no need to outline the obvious benefits associated with such a feat. It would mark yet another extraordinary achievement for the organization. Such accomplishments have become common practice in this era of Raptors basketball.

But as important as the pursuit of No.1 may seem, results, not seeding, are all that matters. Where the games take place will ultimately be immaterial. Champions need to win on the road.

Rather than treat their fan base to a first-round nail-biting six or seven-game series, how about easily dispatching the opposition in four, or five?

Toronto needs to play like a top dog in the playoffs. Do that, and seeding suddenly mean very little.

"“I got one goal, that’s to be in June, us having a parade.” – CJ Miles (via The Athletic – subscription required)"