If you, as an angst-riddled Raptors fan, happened to be looking for a metaphorical omen of the usual impending playoff doom in the lead-up to Saturday’s Game 1 against the Washington Wizards, there it was: As the opening tip was about to be lobbed, two referees huddled around a spot on the Bay Street baseline that was being incessantly wiped with towels. Outside, an ice storm was raging. Inside, the roof was leaking. Apparently the proprietors of the Air Canada Centre, which will turn 20 next year, had been lax on the household maintenance. So perhaps in mocking tribute to the historic post-season stat-lines of Raptors all-stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, the basketball world was shaking its head at a pathetic, inexcusable drip.Thankfully for the local hoop faithful, that wasn’t one of those punchline-inducing post-season nights. Instead of the roof caving in on the Raptors, figuratively or athletically, the home team steadied itself through some wobbly patches en route to a significant franchise milestone – Toronto’s first win in Game 1 of a first-round playoff season. It only took 10 tries. Now, thanks to a 114-106 victory, we can mercifully stop counting. “It’s out of the way now,” said DeRozan, the longest-serving Raptor. “Worry about Game 2.”DeRozan and Lowry have often been the post-season story for their failure to carry the offensive load, and Saturday was no exception. Except, while DeRozan scored an inefficient 17 points on 17 shots – and while Lowry managed just 11 points on nine field-goal attempts – they earned their coach’s post-game praise rather than the usual public scorn. It’s been a season-long theme in Raptorland – sharing the ball as a route to success. In the face of a Wizards defence that begged the rest of Toronto’s roster to beat them, Toronto’s all-stars were willing and effective passers. Lowry had nine assists; DeRozan had six.And Toront ...
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