Closing November with a two-game losing streak stings a bit, but overall I’d still call the Raptors’ last month a success. Things looked pretty bleak after a modest 2-4 start in October, raising doubts about their winning prospects. However, they flipped the script dramatically, starting November with three straight wins before a tough loss to the 76ers on November 8. That setback was followed by nine consecutive victories, which definitely put the Raptors on the NBA map as a team to watch —though for some, it only deepened questions about whether Toronto is a true contender.
Overall, the Toronto Raptors finished November with a 12-3 record, undoubtedly a best-case scenario possible outcome given their struggles in October. After a rough start, I emphasized that overcoming the easier opponents in November was crucial to establishing themselves firmly into the playoff mix. From being near the play-in line to now claiming the third seed in the Eastern Conference, it has been an incredible turnaround. But as Kobe Bryant once said, "The job's not finished."
It's too early to say if this is a sign of Toronto's future in the Eastern Conference, but they’re in a strong position now and the real challenge is to prove that their November success was no fluke but the first step toward playoff contention, and in the context of fast-approaching goals, their NBA Cup ambitions. But let's look at what lies ahead in December for the Toronto Raptors.
A crucial December awaits the Raptors ... they can’t afford to slip up
The Raptors will enjoy a five-game home stand starting December 2 against the Trail Blazers. Despite Portland being the tenth seed in the West and dealing with injuries, they remain a tough gritty team capable of challenging the Raptors. The difficult schedule continues with subsequent games against the Lakers, Hornets (who just beat them), Celtics, and a high-stakes NBA Cup battle with the Knicks.
If the Raptors can topple the Knicks in the NBA Cup, they could add some other pivotal matchups in their December schedule. Their month also features games against the Bucks, a rematch with Boston, a third meeting with the Nets, a tough Miami Heat squad, a second battle with Washington, and a demanding stretch to close the year with games against Golden State, Orlando, and Denver.
Things went well for the Raptors in November, but the season's wheels keep on turning and complacency is definitely not an option. I'd bet Toronto’s franchise identity and core values would never let that happen, but their current two-game losing streak and injuries to RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl before their Knicks matchup pose real challenges. The Raptors should hope these setbacks are the only obstacles they face, because if more key players go down, the chemistry and positive vibes Scottie Barnes recently praised could take a serious hit.
The holiday season is hectic enough for us normal folks, but the Raptors need to keep their composure through it all.