RaptorsRapUp

The Toronto Raptors managed to bounce back this week going 2-1 on the week facing off against the Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, and Brooklyn Nets. This week had a huge highlight and that was Kawhi Leonard making his return to Toronto. It was an amazing spectacle as the Raptors had put up a great tribute video of all the Kawhi highlights, championship moments and his famous viral quotes. Kyle Lowry gifted Kawhi Leonard the ring as the Raptors' faithful gave him a standing ovation to welcome him back. He will always be known as the Raptors Legend and will never get booed in my opinion. He was just too great and special to this city. The Raptors were coming off a winless week and to get back to their winning ways, it was not going to be easy. Tune in for the full breakdown of the week.    If you want a breakdown of each game on a daily basis, please check out the RaptorsRapUp podcast on YouTube where I post post game rapups after every game.  Like, share and subscribe. 

The Toronto Raptors having a strong week and being undefeated at home go winless this week. They lose on their home floor twice and get absolutely dominated despite what the boxscores say. Pascal Siakam struggled all three games and when the team was finally healthy with Lowry back, the team can't put a win together. Tune in for the weekly rapup on this week's podcast.    Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp. Let me know what you guys thin. 

Starting off a new type of podcast with the weekly recaps of the Toronto Raptors.  This week we are covering the Raptors taking on the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Utah Jazz. The Raptors went 3-0 on the week as the Raptors dominated 2 of the 3 games, but struggled against the Magic. Raptors did a great job of emphasizing their will and executing down the stretch. Serge Ibaka makes his return in the last game of the week against the Jazz where he looked rusty, but was showing signs of him improving and getting into a rhythm. Norman Powell had a career night against the Magic which the Raptors needed as they were extremely poor scoring the basketball that night. And the Knicks are just a terrible franchise that no one had a feeling that the Knicks would win that game. Overall a solid and undefeated week. Tune in for the full breakdown and analysis.    Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp channel. For game by game quick reactions, tune into the RaptorsRapUp on YouTube. 

The Toronto Raptors did a great job of playing defense and fighting hard throughout the entire game. Raptors playing short-handed once again with Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, but managed to make enough baskets and stop the 76ers from scoring down the stretch. Story of the game will be the fact that Joel Embiid did not score one point. He went 0/11 from the field, 0/3 from the free throw line and 0/4 from 3-pt range. Raptors have been known to shut down opposing stars, but this was surprising to even me. The Raptors continue their strong undefeated record at home and undefeated streak of 32 home games with no losses. VanVleet and Siakam led the way in this one with Siakam hitting the game-winning basket and the game-saving steal. Amazing win with a playoff type atmosphere. Great Win! Onto the next one.    Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp podcast. 

The Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic have some recent playoff history and this game was tight throughout. This game could have went either way early but the Raptors' bench sparked a huge run and created some separation. The combination of RHJ, Davis and Boucher have become household names for Raptor fans. They have played with high energy and are relentless on the defensive end. The Magic were still fighting the Raptors all game long but after Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon both go down with ankle injuries, it seemed tough for a comeback. Fred VanVleet led the team with his solid play and was the best player on the floor. Tune in for the quick reaction and full breakdown. Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp. #raptors #magic #nba

The Toronto Raptors take care of business against the lowly Charlotte Hornets. Early on the Hornets were competing hard against the Raptors and kept the game close. However, the Raptors dominated the Hornets in the second half outscoring them 72-40. Seven different players in double-figures for the Raptors with three of those players off the bench. OG Anunoby led the team in scoring with 24 points and most of that came in the third quarter where he was on fire. Tune in for the quick reaction and full breakdown. Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp. #raptors #hornets #nba

The Toronto Raptors ended off their road trip against the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks were hot starting the season have seemed to cool off the past couple games. OG Anunoby returned for the Raptors in this one as this team starts to slowly get back to full health. Raptors did not start well, but changed things real fast before the end of the first half. After that it just went downhill, Raptors were unable to defend and score in the second half. Toronto clawed their way back into the game with a full-court press defensive style but could not get any closer than 2 points in the fourth quarter. Raptors lose and finish the road trip 3-2 which is still successful since you lost your main guys in the first road game. Tune in for the quick reaction and full breakdown. Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp. #raptors #mavericks #nba

The Toronto Raptors came into this game facing a Portland Trail Blazers team that was embarrassed the night before against the Sacramento Kings. Portland came out strong in the first quarter but the Raptors settled down and raised up the intensity. Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam were the best duo on the court tonight as CJ and Dame had no answers to the Raptors' suffocating defense. Tune in for the quick reaction and full breakdown. Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp channel. #raptors #blazers #nba

The Toronto Raptors came into this game after just playing the hottest team in the NBA less than 24 hours ago. Now the Raptors have been challenged to sweep both LA teams in a matter of two days short-handed. Toronto had a great chance to win this game, but came up short due to injuries and fatigue.  Tune in for the quick reaction and full breakdown.  Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp channel. 

The Toronto Raptors entered this game as double-digit underdogs against the streaking Los Angeles Lakers. The Raptors snapped the Lakers 7-game winning streak with incredible heart and defense. The Raptors weathered the early storm and marched back into the game in the second half. With efforts from players most people would not know, the Raptors' bench put in a tremendous effort and fight. Tune in for the full reaction and breakdown.   Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp.

The Toronto Raptors made sure that this game did not go down to the wire. The Raptors played harder, ran harder, and executed on both ends of the floor. Raptors come away with a good solid win but they paid a heavy price. Tune in for the full breakdown and analysis.

The Toronto Raptors manage to squeeze out the win after holding off the Kings' hot shooting from downtown. Fox and co. were doing their best to close the gap but were unable to stop the Raptors' offense. Toronto was well-rested for this game but there are still some issues with the Raptors despite the wins. Tune in for the full breakdown and analysis.   Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp.     #raptors #kings #nba

The Toronto Raptors had an opportunity to cement themselves as 2nd in the Eastern Conference but Milwaukee had other ideas. The Raptors were ambushed early and were down by as much as 26 points early in this one. Lowry and co. made a game out of this as they rallied back to close to two possession game late in the fourth quarter. Tune in to find out what happened and what I thought of the game. Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp channel. #raptors #bucks #highlights

The Toronto Raptors usually have trouble against their ex-head coach, Dwane Casey, however this time around the Pistons were missing their star player, Blake Griffin. The Raptors took advantage of the missing firepower and Pascal Siakam led the way. Spicy P went off in the third quarter with a variety of moves giving the fans everything they wanted tonight. Raptors pull away easily in the second half. Tune in for the full breakdown and analysis. Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp channel. #raptors #pistons #siakam

The Toronto Raptors in their throwback white and purple home uniforms were hosting the Orlando Magic.  The uniforms looked great and the court also had a new 90's look which made the game much more satisfying to watch.  The game started off great for the home team, but droughts throughout the game kept the Raptors from blowing the Magic out in this game. The Magic stuck around and made this game tough and had chances to steal one, but it came down to one guy willing the Raptors to the win.  Tune in for the full breakdown and analysis.  Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp channel. 

The Toronto Raptors did not follow up their loss the previous night with a poor performance.  They came out of the gate with some energy but it took them a while before creating enough separation.  Raptors blew the game open in the 3rd quarter with their defense.  Tune in for the full breakdown and analysis.  Like, share and subscribe for the RaptorsRapUp channel. 

The Toronto Raptors shot themselves in the foot multiple times in this game and could not put away a relentless Celtics team.  Big games from Siakam and Lowry was not enough as the Celtics manage to hold off the Raptors.  Tune in for the full breakdown and analysis.  Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp podcast. 

The Toronto Raptors Ring Night was unbelievable with fans in the audience receiving replica rings.  It was a special night and one that no one will forget with the banner being lifted up into the rafters. But the game was nowhere close to an easy one for the Raptors as it went into overtime to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans.  Tune in for the full breakdown and analysis.  Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp channel. 

The Toronto Raptors are the 2019-2020 NBA Champions!!! The upcoming season will be an interesting season for the Toronto Raptors. It will be our first opportunity to defend the crown.  Tune in for the Toronto Raptors expectations and what I believe the Raptors can do this year.  Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp podcast. 

Vince Carter, who is one of the greatest Raptors to ever don the jersey, was a free agent with the interests to sign with the Toronto Raptors. This was probably his final season in the NBA and he has played a total of 21 seasons so far. Tune in to the RaptorsRapUp podcast for the whole story and breakdown.

The Toronto Raptors after losing one superstar will have their sights on the next superstar in line, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak will enter free agency in the 2021 season and Masai and the Raptors feel like they have great odds. Tune in for the RaptorsRapUp podcast breakdown of the Giannis recruiting process. 

Listen in to the RaptorsRapUp podcast for all your Toronto Raptors news in a quick jolt of information on a weekly basis.  I breakdown the Raptors' moves and the Raptors depth to see how far this team can go. Also breaking down whether the Raptors have any available options to bolster this roster.  Stay tuned and listen up, Raptor Fans!  #WeAreTheChampions #WeTheNorth 

The Toronto Raptors come from behind in a gritty and tough game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Raptors allow a season-high 71 points in the first half to a Memphis Grizzlies team that only averages a little over a 100 points a game. The defense and effort the Raptors played with in the first half was disgraceful for a team that is competing to win a championship. Nick Nurse and the staff dug into the players and they responded big time in the second half allowing only 43 points in the 2nd half. Nurse was masterful with his substitutions, play-calling, timeouts and defensive schemes. In the 3rd quarter, they came out with a zone defense that shifted the game into the Raptors' hands. Excellent call and amazing second half. Fred VanVleet was exceptional in this game and is becoming the Steady Freddie that Raptor fans have been accustomed to love. Another solid win to pick up momentum going into one of the biggest games of the season against the Golden State Warriors who come to town Thursday night. 

The Toronto Raptors finish off the mini home-stand against the Miami Heat. Miami is a below .500 team but are a tough opponent whether the Raptors face them in the playoffs or in the regular season. The Heat were without Goran Dragic once again who remains sidelined with injuries so they were playing the point guard position as a collection of different guys. The Raptors did a great job pushing the pace and avoiding the need to beat this tough defensive team in the halfcourt. Kawhi and Siakam led the team in scoring and were key factors in getting easy baskets. Lowry found his teammates all game long and ended up with another double-double. Dwyane Wade turned back the clock in this game and dropped a season-high 35 points. He was on fire from the outside and inside as the Raptors struggle to keep the savvy veteran from scoring. But Wade's fantastic effort was not enough as the Raptors win by double-digits. Onto the next one, Raptors face-off against the strong Memphis Grizzlies on the road. 

The Toronto Raptors took care of business once again against the Washington Wizards. The Wizards starting to get their mojo going but still not perfect. The Raptors had OG and Miles return so the Raptors had a full 10-man rotation going and it was highly effective. The Bench Mob was fantastic tonight but Miles continues to struggle shooting the basketball. Nick Nurse managed a solid game and the Raptors allowed the Wizards to take the lead in the second half but settled down and shut the Wizards down after that. Kawhi Leonard led the team with 27 points and 10 rebounds and looked unstoppable tonight. Tune into the RaptorsRapUp for the full breakdown. 

The Toronto Raptors walk into Atlanta on a back-to-back and get the job done once again. Raptors are now 5-0 on back-to-back games this season. Kawhi Leonard sat this one out for rest purposes and Raptors were missing Miles, OG, and Norman due to injuries. Toronto won every quarter and did not look fazed after playing the other night. Kyle Lowry led the charge with a monster triple-double (21pts, 17asts, and 12 rebs). Another great game for the Raptors as they take care of one of the lower teams in the NBA. Onto the next one, keep it rolling. Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp channel. #raptorsrapup #raptors #hawks

The Toronto Raptors escaped by the skin of their teeth against the Orlando Magic. The Raptors have a poor shooting night from the outside and barely get to the free throw line but manage to squeeze out the win. Danny Green with the game winner leaving less than a second left on the clock. Raptors dominated the first half but let the Magic hang around and come back in the third quarter. Kawhi led the team with 18 points and Lowry with 9 assists. Raptors play Atlanta on the back-to-back. Another win and got to keep it rolling. Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp.

The Toronto Raptors win huge against the depleted Chicago Bulls. The Bulls came into this game missing 5 of their top 6 players. All of them sitting out with either injuries or illnesses. The Raptors rested Kawhi Leonard for this game, but also did not have CJ Miles, Norman Powell and OG who are all injured. The game did not start so well for the Raptors but they put this game to sleep after the second and third quarter. Lowry tweaked his ankle in the third quarter and did not return to this game. Lowry did return to the bench but was grimacing in pain. A couple days until the Raptors play on Tuesday might do them some good. The next 4 games for the Raptors are against .500 teams. Key note for this game was Fred VanVleet who started and played well. Tune into the RaptorsRapUp for the full breakdown. Like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp.

The Toronto Raptors lose another heartbreaker in Boston and had a chance to close this game in the fourth quarter but were unable to. The Celtics were able to take over in the overtime and that's all she wrote. Couple bad loose ball fouls by both Danny Green and Pascal Siakam proved to be costly and both guys got fouled out. Siakam's foul allowed Gordon Hayward to tie up the game with 24 seconds left in the game and Kawhi Leonard missed the game-winning basket which led to overtime. Kyrie Irving put on a show in this game with a season-high 43 points along with 11 assists to lead the Celtics to the big national televised win. Jayson Tatum played Robin to Kyrie's Batman with 21 points. A number of reasons why the Raptors lost this game and the Raptors suffer another injury in this game. This time the injured player was OG Anunoby who did not return to this game after his injury. Raptors have been hit by the injury bug quite often and will be a test of strength and endurance to see how they bounce back. The Raptors will have to recuperate and get their mindset as they fly to Chicago for their back-to-back. Strong effort but not a great finish. Proud of this team, but the finishing still needs improvement. 

The Toronto Raptors lose against their former coach, Dwane Casey, and the Detroit Pistons at the buzzer. Reggie Bullock slips free of the Toronto defense and scores in the paint with 1.2 seconds left in the game to steal one after the Raptors were up 19 in this game. The Raptors lost this game due to their poor fourth quarter performance allowing the Pistons to score 29 points and only putting up 16 points in retaliation. Blake Griffin led the charge with 30 points and 12 rebounds for the Detroit team. Kawhi Leonard with 26 points and 9 rebounds on the night, but the key turnover which the Pistons were able to take advantage of. Kawhi turned the ball over by dribbling it off his foot in the last seconds of the game. Dwane Casey outcoached Nick Nurse and stole a big win for his team and his personal revenge. Bittersweet moment as a Raptors fan, but this team has a lot of room to grow and improve. 

The Toronto Raptors were looking to continue their lead as they remained the only team in the NBA with one loss on their record. But the New Orleans Pelicans had other plans as they came into Scotiabank Arena and imposed their will on the game. The Pelicans pushed the pace and scored whenever they wanted to. The Raptors put up barely any resistance and the Pelicans had four players with monster numbers in the game: Moore, Holiday, Randle and Davis. Pelicans were without two starters and got the job done on the road 126-110. The Eastern Conference Player of the Week, Pascal Siakam, led the team in scoring again with 22 points as he continues his strong start to this NBA season. Lowry and Leonard struggled all game long with their offense. Nick Nurse tried to implement different lineups to spark the team but to no avail. Raptors have Dwane Casey returning on Wednesday as the Toronto Raptors host the Detroit Pistons. Good game to bounce back, but we will see if the Raptors continue to struggle. 

The Toronto Raptors start their greatest potential season tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers. One thing that most people might notice that this Cavs team has no LeBron James! Which has made Raptors breathe out a deep breath. Next, the Raptors will be trying out different lineups aganst the Cavs to see which lineups will work come playoff time. Toronto came out sloppy in areas and much better in other areas. Tune into the RaptorsRapUp podcast for your Post-Game RapUp.    Download and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp podcast for Post-Game RapUps after every Toronto Raptors game. 

The most anticipated season in Toronto Raptors franchise history is finally upon us. The Raptors led by both Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry will hope to make huge strides this year and make it to the NBA Finals. The Raptors will have their hands full even without LeBron James leaving to the Western Conference. Both the Celtics and 76ers will not hold back as their expectations are to make it to the NBA Finals as well. There are a few expectations for the Toronto Raptors and some big things to keep note of throughout the season. Listen to the RaptorsRapUp podcast to find out.    Subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp podcast and leave comments as well. I would love to debate your take on the Toronto Raptors' upcoming season. 

The Toronto Raptors play their fifth and final preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road. Toronto will face off against the Pelicans without 8 of their top 11 players due to rest and injury. Siakam, OG and Miles would have to carry the load and win a tough one on the road. This game was hard to predict and caught me by surprise. Find out why.    Remember to subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp Podcast for more Toronto Raptors news. 

The Toronto Raptors play their fourth preseason game in Montreal, Quebec against the visiting Brooklyn Nets. The Raptors started the game sloppy and careless which led to Brooklyn taking control of the game. The Raptors stayed within striking distance within the first half before picking up their defensive intensity at the start of the second half. Toronto won the third quarter 35-11 and cruised to the 118-91 point win. Listen to the podcast to see the good things and bad things that happened in this game. Definitely things that Nick Nurse and the crew need to control.    Subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp for updates on the Toronto Raptors after every game. 

The Toronto Raptors make their preseason home debut against Melbourne United. The Raptors came out to play against one of Australia's best teams and took this game over early in the 3rd quarter. Tons of highlights in this game, but a scary moment for Raptor fans in the second half. Find out what happened and what to take away from this game.    Subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp for updates on the Toronto Raptors after every game. 

The Toronto Raptors continue their preseason and continue to build on their team chemistry. The Raptors face off against the tough defensive-minded Utah Jazz team who lost in the second round of the playoffs similar to the Raptors last year. Both teams want to build on their success last year and see what their players can do this year. Kawhi Leonard gets another opportunity to prove his health and his ability to be one of the top five players in the game of basketball. I give a quick RapUp of what I seen from the Raptors, who was the best player on the court, what things they need to work on and what to take away from this game. Listen in and let me know what you think.    Like, Share and Subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp if you like what you hear. 

Kawhi Leonard makes his Toronto Raptors on-court debut along with Danny Green and Greg Monroe. The Toronto Raptors face off against the Portland Trail Blazers in Vancouver, British Columbia for their first preseason game of the season. Toronto will be looking to build chemistry with their newly acquired acquistions and it gives a glimpse to Raptor fans as what to expect from this team. Find out what I took away from the Raptors' first preseason game. Let me know what you guys think. Please like, share and subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp.

The Toronto Raptors have their first press conference with Kawhi Leonard speaking in front of the media for the first time since being traded to the Raptors for DeMar DeRozan this offseason. Nick Nurse, Masai Ujiri, Danny Green, and Kyle Lowry were the most notable press conference interviews on this day. What to take away from this awkward and thrilling Raptors Press Conference is what I'm talking about. Take a listen. Let me know if you guys think otherwise.    LIke, Share and Subscribe to the RaptorsRapUp Podcast. 

The Toronto Raptors have forever tried to either draft or trade for a wing player to support the likes of DeMar and Kyle. But now that DeMar has been traded for Kawhi Leonard, do the Raptors have a bonafide wing player? Find out what I think. Listen in on the RaptorsRapUp Podcast. 

The Toronto Raptors sign Greg Monroe through free agency for 1 year on the veteran's minimum. Monroe will get paid $2.2 million next season and will be the 4th big for the Toronto Raptors who have lost Jakob Poeltl in the DeRozan trade and does not look like they will re-sign Lucas Noguiera.  Listen in on the podcast to see what I think of the Raptors' newest addition. 

One of the biggest moments in Toronto Raptors franchise history where the most accomplished Toronto Raptors player has been traded for disgruntled superstar, Kawhi Leonard. It is sad day to be a Toronto Raptors fan, but man...it could have upside as well. Tremendous risk. Find out what I think of this trade and what the Raptors were thinking with this trade. 

The Toronto Raptors fresh off their playoff exit at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers started their offseason moves with the firing of Dwane Casey. Dwane Casey, who is favourite to win NBA Coach of the Year, is let go after 7 years of coaching this team. Right move or wrong move? 

The Toronto Raptors came into Game 4 with their backs against the walls with a 'Win or Go Home' situation and they couldn't get on the plane back home fast enough. They did not show up in Game 4 and were absolutely destroyed by 35 points in their final game of the season. Heartbreaking and disappointing finish to a historic season for the Toronto Raptors. Tons of questions to address going into the off-season and the Raptors will need look at themselves in the mirror to see what exactly what wrong. 

The Toronto Raptors lose in a heart-breaking fashion to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers once again. The Raptors come close once again and made huge plays with DeMar DeRozan on the bench for the 4th quarter, but unable to complete the comeback. Raptors now trail the series 0-3 and no team in NBA history has ever come back from such a feat. Will the Raptors be able to push the series to 7? Tune in to find out what happened in Game 3. 

The Toronto Raptors lose on their home floor for a second straight time. The Raptors go down 0-2 for the third time facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. Toronto will hear it from all the media and fans all night long as they travel towards Cleveland for Games 3 & 4 where the series might end. LeBron James is 23-0 after taking a 2-0 lead in the playoffs. Top 5 defense did not translate over from the regular season. The Coach of the Year candidate better have a better game plan than what they had tonight if they want to make this a series and avoid the sweep. 

The Toronto Raptors have now moved onto the Second Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Game 1 is in Toronto and the Raptors want to send a message early. Hear how the big Game 1 went down. 

The Toronto Raptors faced off against the Washington Wizards in the first opportunity to close out the series and the Raptors did just that. Behind the big performances from the Bench Mob, the Raptors were able to tire out the Washington Wizards and closed them out on the road. Game 6 is one to remember as the Toronto Raptors get their revenge for the 2015 season where the Toronto Raptors were swept by the Washington Wizards in the First Round of the playoffs. 

The Toronto Raptors versus the Washington Wizards in Game 5 of the 2018 NBA Playoffs First Round of the Eastern Conference. Find out what happened and what to expect for the next game in Washington. 

The Toronto Raptors fail to extend their 2-1 series lead against the Washington Wizards. Both teams able to take care of home court as the Raptors head back to Toronto to face off against the Wizards on Wednesday. DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors become stagnant on offense down the stretch and turn the ball over constantly. Wizards were able to take full advantage and both Beal and Wall shined bright when their team needed them most.