New-look Raptors, same old problems. Even with Kawhi Leonard and Marc Gasol breathing some new life into the team, they were off to a slow start against the Orlando Magic, and a second-half comeback effort fell just short in a 104-101 loss.
This is a familiar spot for the Raptors, who fall to 2-14 all-time in Game 1s. They won last year’s first round Game 1 against the Washington Wizards, but that was, improbably, a franchise first. (Their other Game 1 win came in the second round of the 2001 playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers.)
While Raptors fans were likely hoping for a different result with Kawhi in town, it was more of the same, and it certainly didn’t help matters that Lowry finished scoreless on seven shots and two free throw attempts. Meanwhile, his matchup, D.J. Augustin, tied Kawhi’s game-high with 25 points as well as the game-winner.
The Raptors will hope for a better result in Tuesday’s Game 2, but here’s how the basketball world is reacting as the Magic go up one in the series.
