It has been a strange world since the Raptors won their first NBA championship three years ago. Kawhi Leonard was regarded as the best player in the world, Nick Nurse was a rookie head coach, and Fred VanVleet was just a role player.<\/p>\n
Toronto took a slight step back the following year, finishing 53-19 and losing Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Boston Celtics. The Raptors hit the bottom last season, finishing 12th in the East with a 27-45 record. It was an odd time for a variety of reasons but left a gigantic question mark heading into this season.<\/p>\n
After losing three of their first four games this season, Toronto appeared to be in trouble with the Eastern Conference being so deep. They have been sub .500 for most of the year but now things are beginning to take shape. Entering tonight\u2019s matchup with the Phoenix Suns, the Raptors are 20-17 and have won six consecutive games.<\/p>\n
Every team was forced to adjust to the odd circumstances over the past two seasons but no team has had it as bad as the Raptors. Last season they were unable to play their home games in Scotiabank Arena and instead played more than 3,000 miles away in Tampa Bay. They are back in Canada this season but are now playing in an empty arena without fans.<\/p>\n