The Toronto Raptors are only five games into the 2018-19 season, but what a five-game run it’s been. They are the only team to begin the season with a 5-0 record (three others could still accomplish it) and if they win one more against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, they’ll set a new franchise record for best start to a season.
After a whirlwind offseason, fans appear to be buying the hype — TV turnout numbers are up significantly over last season.
Considering that the previous iteration of the Raptors led by Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan had brought the team to new heights, both in terms of success and viewership, it can only be a good sign that the team continues to go above and beyond after trading for Kawhi Leonard.
While the trade for Leonard in the summer came with the risk of seeing him walk after this season as a free agent, the Raptors are making a strong early case for him to stay so far. Certainly, the team has never employed a player in the conversation for top-5 or top-10 as is the case with Kawhi.
Not many players in the NBA can turn a steal into must-see TV, but when Leonard pulled off an incredible no-look steal against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, you can understand why fans are so hyped about this guy.
