I know it’s only the first game of the season but the Raptors victory last night was telling.

After a pregame ceremony where they received their ugly championship rings (thanks Drake), unveiled the 2019 Champions banner, and were basically in party-mode, they still managed to pull off the W.

The truth is that after an emotional start like that teams often fall flat.  But not our boys.

Spicy P had an excellent first game in terms of production until he fouled out, which is important after signing his new shiny deal.  Sure “The Claw” has left town but “The Clutch” Freddie VanVleet flexed his muscles yet again when it mattered most hitting a corner 3 that put the game away in OT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAy22CPbxp8&list=TLPQMjMxMDIwMTkKZgYsqB01Iw&index=1

I said it in the off-season and I’ll say it again here:  Pascal and Fred are the future of this franchise!

As defending champions who have virtually no expectations to repeat as champs the North are in the best possible position to do some real damage in the East.  The East is vulnerable, and the Raps although lacking a dynamic duo, are a solid all-around team.  This season may see Siakam and VanVleet become a dynamic duo.  Don’t forget Kyle Lowry is still around too.  But whatever, the TEAM is good.

The motivation to prove everyone wrong without any pressure whatsoever to do so makes the Toronto Raptors a legitimate threat.

If I were Nick Nurse I’d post on the bulletin board something like this:

“APPARENTLY WE AIN’T SHIT”

Gonzo’s prediction:  Raptors finish in the top 4 in the regular season standings and make the Eastern Conference Finals.  That’s as far as I’ll go for the time being.