• For users coming over from tmlfans.ca your username will remain the same but you will need to use the password reset feature (check your spam folder) on the login page in order to set your password. If you encounter issues, email Rick couchmanrick@gmail.com

2018-2019 Toronto Raptors Thread: "In Kawhi (& Danny) We Trust!"

hockeyfan1

New member
New coach, new star players, a young squad, some veterans.  Results?  That remains to be seen.

In his zeal to continue building a strong contender (make that playoff contender), Raptor President Masai Ujiri's tenure practically rides on the success of the DeRozan for Leonard/Green trade.
Ujiiri has said he has every confidence that the acquisition of Leonard & Green will give the team that edge so often missing in their quest in the post-season.

Of course, we all know what "The Claw" and Green can do.  The Claw??!  Ah, that is Kawhi Leonard's nickname on account of his large hands and grip of the basketball.  Add to that he being among one of the best defensive forwards in the game, a veteran superstar who knows his game and can add a dimension or two to a team's lineup.

Danny Green is another important piece of the trade acquisition here as he gives the Raptors plenty of presence up front.  Leonard and Green are enthusiastic in what they've seen so far in practicing with the team during this period of training camp, and the Raptors will be showcasing themselves in their first pre-season game versus the Portland Trail Blazers tomorrow.

The Raptors regular season game begins October 17 versus the Cleveland Cavs.

Until then, let's get familiar once again with the 2018-2019 pre-season roster:
https://www.nba.com/raptors/roster


Toronto Raptors Schedule:
https://www.nba.com/raptors/schedule
 
Good win by the Raptors 116-104 over the Cleveland Cavs, at the ScotiaBank Arena here in Toronto, on Opening Night.

In case anyone was wondering, Kawhie Leonard recieved an ovation from the Raptor fans, chanting "MVP!, MVP!".  Leonard obviously felt the love from the faithful as he racked up 24  points & 13 rebounds.
Kyle Lowry too had a strong showing in garnering 27 points and went 5/6 on the free throw.

The win was a total team effort and Raptor coach Nick Nurse's first NBA win in his debut.  Lowry & Leonard sure give the team a steong 1-2 combo out there as everyone could see.  The team played with greater fluidity and ball movement though in the last six minutes of the fourth quarter, the Raptors allowed the Cavs to close in on the score before rebounding and putting the game out of reach for good.

Having Leonard there gives them presence on the wing, not to mention Danny Green who provided 11 points and had 5 rebounds.

All in all so far so good.  Of course, the next oponent will prove quite different from the Cavs, as the Raptors play the Boston Celtics on Friday here.

https://www.nba.com/raptors/video/teams/raptors/2018/10/18/2299521/1539830683455-nba-web-181017-gamehighlightsdigital-2299521

GO RAPTORS GO!
 
Celtics 101  Raptirs 116

"Kawhi! Kawhi!"  As long as Kawhi Leonard flies on fhe court, we'll be hearing his name chanted with the words "MVP!" attached to it.  And maybe so.

Leonard led Toronto with 31 points and 10 rebounds on the night, but he was not alone.  Leading in the double digits points column we can add Serge Ibaka with 21, Lowry with 15,  Danny Green with 14 and Fred VanVleet with 11.

The Raptors stayed ahead of the  Celtics on the scoreboard (with the exception of the First Quarter) and were more than a match for their opponents who plan on challenging Toronto atop the Eastern Conference pedestal.  The Raptors, namely Lowry & Green, were sharp in garnering several three point shots, while Leonard not only provided the offence but was a stalwart on defence getting in the Celtics way.


https://youtu.be/OMsGcRxAvQA
 
The Raptors whitewashed the Charlotte Hornets 127-106 here at the ScotiaBank Arena last night.

Kawhie Leonard led Toronto 22 points and several assists, rebounds and steals.  Lowry and Ibaka with 16 pts.each and Danny Green with 14 were the other contributors.

Coming off the  bench, Jonas Valenciunas contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds and was 7/8 in the FG category.

https://ca.nba.com/videos/game-recap-raptors-127-hornets-106/hn7rqmxa4s1710tw6voujwz60

Nice dunk Mr.Powell:
https://ca.nba.com/videos/dunk-of-the-night-norman-powell/hxa0p6f6auq71tmy3mm2kweg7

Some details on the win:
https://ca.nba.com/news/takeaways-raptors-vs-hornets-kawhi-leonard-kyle-lowry-danny-green-fast-break-passing/1ssq7ry5syjlx15eb9e4sevzs7

This was the Raptors fourth straight win, having come off a 117-113 road win over the Washington Wizards Saturday night.  In that game, with Leonard resring and not in uniform, Lowry took the mantle with 28 points and added 12 rebounds to lead Toronto to victory.

GO RAPTORS!
 
I am surprised that there is not more Raptors talk going on here. I would consider myself to be only a casual fan, but have watched all 4 games so far this year. From what I can see, this Raptors team is built much better to be a playoff team than the previous few years. Lots to be excited about for Toronto.
 
Michael said:
I am surprised that there is not more Raptors talk going on here. I would consider myself to be only a casual fan, but have watched all 4 games so far this year. From what I can see, this Raptors team is built much better to be a playoff team than the previous few years. Lots to be excited about for Toronto.

I think that until Kawhi signs a long term deal in Toronto, most casual fans are a little skeptical to jump onto what may be a very short ride.
 
Frank E said:
Michael said:
I am surprised that there is not more Raptors talk going on here. I would consider myself to be only a casual fan, but have watched all 4 games so far this year. From what I can see, this Raptors team is built much better to be a playoff team than the previous few years. Lots to be excited about for Toronto.

I think that until Kawhi signs a long term deal in Toronto, most casual fans are a little skeptical to jump onto what may be a very short ride.

Even if its a short ride, it looks like it could be the ride of a Raptors fan's life.
 
Coco-puffs said:
Frank E said:
Michael said:
I am surprised that there is not more Raptors talk going on here. I would consider myself to be only a casual fan, but have watched all 4 games so far this year. From what I can see, this Raptors team is built much better to be a playoff team than the previous few years. Lots to be excited about for Toronto.

I think that until Kawhi signs a long term deal in Toronto, most casual fans are a little skeptical to jump onto what may be a very short ride.

Even if its a short ride, it looks like it could be the ride of a Raptors fan's life.

Kawhi is so good. He has the highest win percentage of all time. He has a 76% win rate. That's bonkers.  8)

Magic Johnson is second at 73%.
 
Michael said:
I am surprised that there is not more Raptors talk going on here. I would consider myself to be only a casual fan, but have watched all 4 games so far this year. From what I can see, this Raptors team is built much better to be a playoff team than the previous few years. Lots to be excited about for Toronto.

I certainly don't mean anything negative here but the reality is, as someone who's been sort of trying to talk Raptors here for a while, the interest is pretty casual all-around. Nothing wrong with that, it's a hockey board, but what that leaves is a mix of casually interested people and a few more-than-casually interested people who talk about it a little more in-depth elsewhere.
 
When I watch Raptors games I envy that crowd and wish that they could all come to a Leafs game now and again. If Raptors fans make that much noise and if the country embraces this team like they have before in a playoff run it will make things interesting for Kawhi, regardless of where he is from and where he thinks he might want to go.
 
Raptors defeated the Minnesota Timbervoles 112-105 here at home tonight, and are now 5-0 on the year -- their best start to the season in franchise history.

Kawhi Leonard did everything (but fly, literally!) and led the team with 35 points on the night.  Once again, Leonard was on fire out there at both ends of the hardwood. 

Big JV and Serge Ibaka provided 16 and 15 pts., respectively as well as 9 rebounds for Valenciunas and 7 for Ibaka.  It didn't stop there as Lowry put in 13 pts., and with several assists, plus three steals. Toronto got contributions off the bench unit mainly Anunoby & Powell.

Chalk it up as another team effort as has been the norm in most of these wins.

Also, the Raptors own the largest margin of victory so far this season in the Eastern Conference.

[tweet]1055287804740026368[/tweet]


https://www.nba.com/raptors/video/teams/raptors/2018/10/25/2309073/1540434252400-nba-hil-181024-min-tordigital-2309073

GO RAPTORS!
 
hockeyfan1 said:
Raptors defeated the Minnesota Timbervoles 112-105 here at home tonight, and are now 5-0 on the year -- their best start to the season in franchise history.

Kawhi Leonard did everything (but fly, literally!) and led the team with 35 points on the night.  Once again, Leonard was a fire out there at both ends of the hardwood. 

Big JV and Serge Ibaka provided 16 and 15 pts., respectively as well as 9 rebounds for Valenciunas and 7 for Ibaka.  It didn't stop there as Lowry put in 13 pts., and with several assists, plus three stealsToronto got contributions off the bench unit mainly Anunoby & Powell.

Chalk it up as another team effort as has been the norm in most of these wins.

Also, the Raptors own the largest of victory so far this season in the Eastern Conference.

[tweet]1055287804740026368[/tweet]


https://www.nba.com/raptors/video/teams/raptors/2018/10/25/2309073/1540434252400-nba-hil-181024-min-tordigital-2309073

GO RAPTORS!
I actually watched a little bit last night and it wasn't bad. I might get on this bandwagon. Leonard seems to be the real deal. Hopefully, they have a successful season and he stays.

TFC and Marlies championships and now a fantastic Raptors and Leafs team. GO MLSE GO! What a turn around. Props to Tim Leiweke for investing in TFC and hiring Shanahan.

EDIT: Leiweke also hired Masai Ujiri.
 
Best start in franchise history as the Raptors defeat the Dallas Mavericks tonight here at home by a score of 116-107 -- going a perfect 6-0 on the year.

Kawhi Leonard led with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while  Lowry had 20 pts., and his fourth consecutive double-double game. Valenciunas contributed 17 points & 8 rebounds, while Danny Green and Serge Ibaka had 15 and 11 points, each with 8 rebounds.
Pascal Siakam & Miles were the other Raptors with double digit pts. (10 & 11).


https://www.nba.com/raptors/video/teams/raptors/2018/10/27/2312537/1540607744817-nba-hil-181026-dal-tordigital-2312537


GO RAPTORS!
 
I am really enjoying these games and find myself looking forward to the Monday game between Raps and Bucks far more than the Leafs and Flames.
 
The Raptors defeated the Utah Jazz 124-111, their third game in four nights on this Western road swing.  In place of the injured Leonard,  OG Anunoby shone contributing 17 points and several steals. Serge Ibaka with another strong game, Danny Green, and Lowry who continues to set franchise records.
He's the NBA's current assists leader.

A much better, more balanced effort from the bench unit, especially Pascal Siakam who also provided some excellent defensive output.

http://www.nba.com/video/2018/11/05/0021800146-tor-uta-recaps

Coupled with Friday's win over the Suns, and Sunday's victory over LeBron James & the L.A. Lakers, Toronto is now 10-1.


Serge Ibaka's 34 pt night (Raptors over the Lakers 121-107)

http://www.nba.com/video/2018/11/04/0021800139-tor-lal-recap
 
Milwaukee beat Golden State last night and Stef Curry was hurt late in the game. He walked off and needs an MRI today.

Raptors vs. Golden State coming up Nov 29th  ;D
 
I'll bet a testicle we win that game handily, with or without Curry. There is no bigger or more longstanding supporter of Curry than myself, but these Raptors aren't even in 5th gear yet. That's downright impressive.

hockeyfan1 said:
Best start in franchise history as the Raptors defeat the Dallas Mavericks tonight here at home by a score of 116-107 -- going a perfect 6-0 on the year.

Kawhi Leonard led with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while  Lowry had 20 pts., and his fourth consecutive double-double game. Valenciunas contributed 17 points & 8 rebounds, while Danny Green and Serge Ibaka had 15 and 11 points, each with 8 rebounds.
Pascal Siakam & Miles were the other Raptors with double digit pts. (10 & 11).


https://www.nba.com/raptors/video/teams/raptors/2018/10/27/2312537/1540607744817-nba-hil-181026-dal-tordigital-2312537


GO RAPTORS!

I know i'm going to regret saying this, but that, as well as the Knicks game, were both off-nights. This team can win at a medium pace. I've never been happier to have a Tracy McGrady jersey in storage somewhere on the outskirts of Toronto.

This start is no fluke. Ujiri hit ahome run and if we can't win this year, we never will.
 
I don't know who or what is a Demar whiner but I don't think anyone with any real sense of the game doubted that Leonard was, you know, good. He was a finals MVP and 1st team All-Star.

The questions with him were always more about his durability and whether or not this would be more than a one year thing.
 
Back
Top