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10 greatest moments in Raptors history

By Brian Boake

Toronto Raptors logo - (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors logo - (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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108. 24. 109. 81. Final

The Chicago Bulls were the class of the NBA in the ’90s. With GOAT Michael Jordan in the peak of his mind-boggling career, and a terrific supporting cast (led by Scottie Pippen, the best Robin ever!), the Bulls steamrolled all and sundry. They lost 10 games in 1995-96, and one of those was to the first-year Raptors.

I’m sure the Bulls thought they had the upstarts under control when they pulled ahead of the Raptors by four points entering Q4. However, Toronto’s 3-point shooting was not to be denied. They were 11 for 17, from only 3 players. Damon Stoudamire bolstered his Rookie of the Year credentials by hitting 6 of 8.

Toronto coach Brendan Malone, father of present-day Denver Nuggets coach Michael, was doing everything in his power to keep his job. He sensed an upset, and only seven players hit the floor. Two of them, Oliver Miller (soon to eat his way out of the league) and Tracy Murray, enjoyed double-doubles.

CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 22: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls goes to the basket against the Toronto Raptors on December 22, 1995 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 22: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls goes to the basket against the Toronto Raptors on December 22, 1995 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images) /

This remarkable victory seemed to galvanize Toronto sport fans. Is it possible this bunch of castoffs might be competitive?

As for the Bulls, they shrugged this one off. They rolled to a 15-3 playoff mark and another championship. Who was regular season and playoff MVP? Take a wild guess.

Finally, no, Brendan wasn’t invited back. The erratic Isiah Thomas canned him after a 21-61 season.

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