Toronto Raptors: The five worst stretches of futility in team history
By Jason Mills
Raptors losing streak No. 2: February 12-March 19, 2002 (13 games)
The Raptors were a solid 29-21 when the All-Star break approached during the 2001/02 season. A month and 13 games later, they were five games under .500 at 29-34. Any hopes of a third straight playoff appearance were in jeopardy mainly because of Vince Carter’s knee.
Carter, the team star, would miss 22 games, and down the stretch of the season, the Raptors were without his 24.7 points per game average. It would be a tall order for the team to carry on without their superstar as the next best scorers on the team were Antonio Davis and Morris Peterson, with 14 points per game each.
The Raptors imploded in this stretch
Thankfully, a decision to operate on Carter’s left knee while unpleasant for him may have been a blessing for the team. Almost as if the entire roster realized he wasn’t coming back to lead them, the Raptors would win 12 of their final 14 games, winning nine straight to secure a playoff spot.
It resulted in facing the Detroit Pistons in the first round in a five-game series loss without Carter. The 2002 losing streak illustrates how good the Raptors could have been back then. Most teams who absorb a 13-games losing streak would have their season ruined, yet the Raptors managed to salvage at least a playoff appearance without their main star.