At long last we can all say it once again…Raptors basketball is finally back!

The Toronto Raptors return to the hardwood marks a milestone with the 2024/25 season being their 30 year anniversary since being established in the NBA back in 1994/95. The theme for the team coming into the year is all about throwing it back to the golden days of the late 90s and early 2000s, and in doing so the Raptors unveiled their throwback purple jerseys they will wear throughout the season starting on opening day.

In terms of expectations this season, it’s no surprise to anyone that Toronto is still deep in their rebuild phase after moving key pieces of their old core last season to clear cap space and overall become a much younger team in order to fully focus on building around their all-star Scottie Barnes. New additions to the squad this year include guard Davion Mitchell, who was brought in from Sacramento in exchange for Jalen McDaniels over the summer. Along with Mitchell, other additions that were acquired are both draft prospects selected by Toronto in the 2024 draft, Jakobe Walter and Jonathon Mogbo. Although Walter did not suit up for opening night, both Mitchell and Mogbo would make their Raptors debut against the Cavaliers.

Cleveland comes into the season riding a successful 2023/24 campaign, despite coming up short in the second round of the playoffs after falling to the eventual champions in the Boston Celtics. Following their playoff loss, the Cavs are looking to get off to a hot start to begin the new year, while Toronto is trying to steal a win on their home floor and start their season in the right direction. The game itself was nothing to write home about for Raps fans, as the Cavaliers took care of business on the road winning in a blowout 136-106. Scottie Barnes had a lacklustre night, only notching nine points and six rebounds while Clevelands Evan Mobley dominated scoring 25 points along with grabbing eight rebounds and dishing three assists. Points to take away from this game for Toronto, Gradey Dick looked impressive in being the team’s second highest scorer and it would not be a surprise if he took a massive leap in his sophomore season. Also, Mogbo and Davion Mitchell both got onto the score sheet with Mogbo tallying seven points and Mitchell landing eight points and three assists. Both of these additions will be very valuable to the Raptors core going forward as they will fit in great as key depth pieces off the bench. Toronto continues their home stand to begin the season against Philadelphia when the 76ers come to town, and both teams will be battling to achieve that all important first win of the year.