Are the Toronto Raptors the greatest one-and-done team ever?

The Ruling

The path for both teams was paved with formidable opponents, such is the nature of the NBA playoffs. It’s rare to find a team that isn’t, at least, a little competitive. The Mavericks, however, were challenged in every series. Better yet, they were viewed as underdogs in every series.

Even against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round, some analysts picked the Blazers to win the series. Whereas, the Raptors had no such detractors against the Magic. Even with the voodoo of their Game 1 curse lingering over them.

Having to take on the two-time defending champions in the second round and then sweeping them is something not many teams could accomplish. The Mavericks did that, though. Following that up with a win against an ultra-talented Thunder looking to make their mark with three players who would go on to win MVP awards.

Once again, they were clear underdogs.

Such was the case in the Finals too. Even if the Miami Heat hadn’t figured out all of the kinks, they still had James, Wade, and Bosh all on the court at the same time. No one else in the NBA had that sort of star power in their ranks.

The Mavericks taking down three teams as clear underdogs is just too much to discount.

Of course, the Raptors took on two of the most talented teams in the NBA before taking on the Warriors in the Finals. But, even if there is no asterisk beside the title – and there definitely shouldn’t be – it’s hard to look past the fact that the Warriors were banged up beyond belief.

That’s what it takes sometimes, though.

Both teams have arduous paths to their destiny, but with so much going against the Mavericks, it’s close but they may well be the greatest one-and-done team in NBA history. The Raptors aren’t far behind, though.