Raptors Break Streak in Bittersweet End

The Toronto Raptors are one of the rare organizations who practice equity as much as they champion it. In addition to the achievements made by the Raptors organization and Masai Ujiri, Toronto’s affiliate basketball broadcast, TSN, is now making similar strides towards racial and gender equity.

Tonight, versus the Denver Nuggets, the Toronto Raptors will be the first NBA team to feature an all-female broadcast during a regular season game. From the commentators to the reporters to the in-studio analysts, the entire telecast will feature prominent, experienced women in basketball. Hopefully, this is just the step towards a more regularly diverse television program that reflects the diversity of the league and its city.

Unfortunately, the all-female cast is coming at an incredibly dubious time in recent Raptors history. Franchise players like Kyle Lowry and Norman Powell likely will be parting ways with the organization prior to Thursday’s 3PM EST trade deadline. If anything, this may make the evening that much more special for Raptors fans; potentially the last night for them to watch Lowry playing in a Toronto uniform.

If Lowry and Powell aren’t traded ahead of tonight’s game, then you can expect the same starting line-up as the previous game.

The Raptors break their 9-game losing streak in epic fashion with a 135-111 win over the Denver Nuggets. From the tip-off this game felt special. The Toronto Raptors had an energy and heart that fueled their offence and their defence in tonight’s big win. The sad part is that this camaraderie and effort may have come as a long-hearted goodbye.

As Kyle Lowry exited the floor and threw up a pair of deuces, it seemed as though he was saying farewell – at least for now. With the trade deadline closing in tomorrow, it seems likely that Kyle will be moving onto greener pastures. The greatest Raptor in franchise history, an NBA champion, and the heart and soul of this franchise. If he does move on from the team tomorrow, I hope he comes back soon.