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.