Title: Too little, too late for Raptors: Play in potential Kyle Lowry swan song not enough to keep fighting
Date: March 24, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about a big Raptors victory against the Nuggets that ended a nine-game losing streak, didn’t change anything, and might have sent Kyle Lowry off on better terms.
“I could’ve gone home three hours ago, but I refuse to die.” – Sydney Sprague
For so long, the Toronto Raptors’ identity could be summed up with some version of refusing to die. Ever the underdog, always slept on, undrafted or underrated, that the Raptors always found a way was their calling card.
Up against a more experienced Brooklyn Nets team in a playoff series, instead of tanking as everyone expected? Take them down to the final possession of Game 7. Up against a potential tear-down following a playoff sweep? Make an unlikely run to the Eastern Conference finals and engage a fan base in such dramatic a way that LeBron James has to stop an interview to pay the crowd respect. Up against that same perceived ceiling two years later? Make the few moves, put it all on the line and win an NBA championship.
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 