For the Toronto Raptors, the pat ten years have emcompassed the majority of the past decade. There haven't been a ton of bright spots so far in the young franchise's history, so most of this list consists of tough playoff losses, but there are accomplishments here as well.
10. May 2, 2002 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 5 at Detroit (Pistons 85, Raptors 82)
For a team missing Vince Carter due to injury, the 2002 Raptors nearly pulled off a huge comeback in this series over the Pistons. It was not to be, though, as the Pistons got 23 points off the bench from Corliss Williamson and took the series, 3-2.
9. April 26, 2000 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 2 at New York (Knicks 84, Raptors 83)
The second game in Toronto Raptor playoff history was a tough one, as the Raptors outplayed the then-mighty Knicks throughout, but New York's resilency came through in the end as they puleld out the win. Vince Carter outsocred LAtrell Spreewell 27-25, but it wasn't enough.
8. May 18, 2001 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 6 vs. Philadelphia (Raptors 101, 76ers 89)
Facing elimination in the Eartern Semifinals at home, Carter showed why he was the face of the franchise. 39 points on a ridiculous 17 of 31 shooting and Toronto forced a game seven back in Philadelphia, which we will see later on this list.
7. January 22, 2006 at LA Lakers (Lakers 122, Raptors 104)
A veyr ntoeworthy game if you are a Kobe Bryant fan, as this was the night Kobe scored 81 points and essentially won the game for the Lakers. A completely disgraceful night, as L.A. was clearly feeding Bryant the ball. Still, a pretty memorable game.
6. April 23, 2000 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 1 at New York (Knicks 92, Raptors 88)
This game is significant only in it was Toronto's first ever postseason game. They fell short against a suprerior Knick team as Vince Carter shot an absymel 3 for 20 and Spreewell and Allen Houston had 21 each for the Knicks.
5. May 4, 2007 Eastern Coference Quarterfinals Game 6 at New Jersey (Nets 98, Raptors 97)
Richard Jefferson scored the game iwnning basket with about 20 seconds left and an ill-advised pass by Jose Calderon ended Toronto's playoff season in 2007 as they were upset by the Nets. By far the most disappointing playoff series loss to date for Toronto.
4. May 1, 2007 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 5 vs. New Jersey (Raptors 98, Nets 96)
Just three days before, Toronto staved off elimination with a thrilling victory over New JErsey, as they nearly blew a lead they held all game at the end. Fortunatly, a game tying shot by Bosjtan Nachbar fell short and the series headed to the MEadowlands for Game 6.
3. April 6, 2007 at Philadelphia (Raptors 94, 76ers 85)
This is a game I'll definitly remember for al ong time, mostly because this is a game I actually attended, in Philadelphia. This was the night that the Raptors clinched their first ever Atlantic Division title. It was an incredible accomplishment for the franchise and I'm proud to have saved my ticket stub and have been there to see it.
2. May 4, 2001 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 5 at New York (Raptors 93, Knicks 89)
In my mind, this remains the greatest win in Toronto Raptor history. Carter scored 27 points as he never left the floor and Toronto completed a five game upset of the Knicks, a franchise that has never been the same again. This remains the lone playoff series win in Raptor history.
1. May 20, 2001 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7 at Philadelphia (76ers 88, Raptors 87)
This game still give me nightmares and I never looked at Vince Carter the same again. Long story short, Carter shot just 33% in the game and missed a series winning shot at the buzzer. The Carter Curse lives on to this day.
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