The regular season, in the winning cities and the lost ones, can feel like a chore. It’s one reason the NBA is trying to gussy the whole thing up with a mid-season tournament and play-in games and anything to break up the monotony, as it stretches from fall through winter to spring. Maybe it’s worth a shot.
And then there’s Toronto. Most nights, beyond the talent on this team, you get the residue of a champion. It’s been a big reason this Raptors season has been a sheer delight: expectations were lowered, even internally, and they have exceeded them with all the things you can admire.