1. The Return to Toronto
The Raptors made their first official return to Scotiabank Arena in a preseason game against the 76ers and a regular season home opener against the Wizards. While they took down Philadelphia, they fell to an improved Washington team and their suddenly solid defense.
The results of the games were almost inconsequential. At least there was one glimpse of normalcy in the chaotic times we’re living in. Toronto was at a unique disadvantage last season due to their geography, so winning as many games as they did is a minor miracle.
The Toronto Raptors made their return to Canada.
The Raptors essentially had to play 82 road games in 2020-21. They were practicing in hotel conference rooms and getting stuck in hotels. While Tampa did everything they could to make the situation tolerable, the Raptors needed to be at their home digs in Toronto in order to get back on the right track.
The Raptors might not contend for a championship this season, but the energy that comes with playing in front of a rowdy crowd of home fans is better than going to war at a neutral site in front of a bunch of generic NBA supporters that just needed something to do on a Saturday night.
It’s good to be back.