Analysis: The Raptors’ boom-or-bust NBA title pursuit hinges on one big bet
Kawhi Leonard posted career highs in scoring and rebounding during his first season with the Raptors but must now turn his attention to delivering the franchise's first NBA Finals trip. By Ben Golliver Ben Golliver NBA reporter Email Bio Follow April 18 at 11:30 AM The inherent risk of the Toronto Raptors’ daring vision took just one playoff game to manifest — at the worst possible time, no less.
Together, Leonard and Gasol are emblematic of both the Raptors’ ambition and their newness. Despite winning a franchise-record 59 games last season, Toronto fired coach of the year Dwane Casey, traded away beloved all-star guard DeMar DeRozan and replaced four members of its starting five.
“[Lowry] played well in [Game 2],” Leonard said of his teammate’s 22 points and seven assists. “He made shots. That’s [the only thing] he didn’t do in Game 1. He made shots and led us in intensity. He did a great job of bouncing back. He’s a pro. That’s what pros do.” The conservative strategy inspired some grumbles from fans and media observers, but it achieved its primary goal: Leonard, who averaged career highs of 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds to go with 3.3 assists per game, is ready for May and June.
Between their steady play and Leonard’s reticence with the media, the Raptors have largely avoided the free agency scrutiny generated by superstars such as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. That has been helpful because President Masai Ujiri and Webster are set for a busy summer. In addition to Leonard, who is reportedly a top target of the Los Angeles Clippers, Gasol and sharpshooting guard Danny Green could be free agents.
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