The Toronto Raptors’ first-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers already hurt. Watching Cleveland battle Detroit in the second round makes it sting even more.
The Cavaliers are now one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals after taking a 3-2 series lead over the Detroit Pistons. Going into the playoffs, Cleveland was thought to be in the first tier of Eastern Conference contenders.
When it took seven games to beat the Toronto Raptors, people questioned Cleveland’s legitimacy as a contender. The Cavaliers are now showing they belong in that first tier in the East with their second-round battle against the first-seeded Detroit Pistons.
Toronto was closer than it felt
When a team loses in the first round, it is easy to view the season as a disappointment. That is especially true for a Raptors team that had a chance to beat Cleveland. However, this season was a resounding success for Toronto. They forced a Game 7, made the Cavaliers uncomfortable all series, and showed that their defensive identity could translate to postseason success.
The Raptors were not overwhelmed by the bright lights of the playoffs. They were not outclassed by what many thought was a better opponent. Toronto was so close to advancing. That should be frustrating. But it should also be encouraging.
Cleveland’s playoff run is proof that Toronto was not far away from making noise in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers had Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. They had significantly more proven players and experience. Toronto pushed them to the edge of elimination. Now, the Cavaliers are pushing Detroit to the edge of elimination.
Toronto cannot waste the lesson
The Raptors still need to improve. They need more reliable half-court offense. They need more reliable production from the center position. They need more shooting.
But the gap between them and the East contenders may not be as large as it looked going into the playoffs. If Cleveland can push the Pistons to the brink of elimination, what could the Raptors have done? How would the Raptors-Cavaliers series have been different if Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram were healthy?
The Raptors put the NBA world on notice by punching above their weight class in the postseason. Now it is up to the front office to ensure the team continues to improve.
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