Toronto Raptors: 15 greatest NBA playoff moments

13. 2008 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Game 3 vs. Magic

The Chris Bosh playoff era was primarily a disappointment. Surrounded by a cast of misfits, Bosh made the postseason just twice during his Raptors career, both times exiting in the first round without much of a fight.

In 2008, the Raptors qualified as the six-seed with a record of just 41-41. Even more than a decade ago, the bottom of the Eastern Conference was still a complete dumpster fire.

The Raptors were a scrappy bunch centered around Bosh and not much else. Toronto ranked ninth in offense and 13th in defense that season. Unfortunately, they were also 15-27 in games decided by 10 points or less.

Game 1 and Game 2 went pretty much how you would expect. Bosh averaged 25 and eight, but the Orlando Magic found a way to win, taking the series advantage, 2-0

In Game 3, Toronto found its rhythm as a team. Instead of a one-man effort from Bosh, everyone was involved. Toronto put up 51 first-half points and received big scoring nights from guys like T.J. Ford, Jose Calderon and Jason Kapono. Who knows what was in the Raptors water that night, but across the board, everyone on the team was feeling it.

Toronto taking Game 3 at home put a legitimate fear into center Dwight Howard and the eventual Eastern Conference Champion Magic. If a couple of things had broken right in a series which was much more highly contested than the 4-1 record would indicate. Who knows? It might have very well been the Raptors who have advanced to the second round or further.