5 Biggest Losses in Raptors Franchise History, Ranked

The Toronto Raptors boasted short championship basketball odds at sports betting sites throughout the 2010s, winning it all in 2019.

However, there have been plenty of instances in which Toronto has experienced considerable heartbreak, whether the Raptors’ odds of winning were favourable or not.

With that said, what are the five biggest losses in Raptors’ franchise history? Let’s find out.

Toronto Raptors Worst Losses Ever

5. Toronto Lose Game 5 to Cleveland Cavaliers (2016)

The Raptors defended home court to even up the Eastern Conference finals at 2-2, but essentially lost all of their momentum with a 116-78 Game 5 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Toronto lost the next game 113-87 to the eventual champions, but on a more positive note, this was the first time the franchise advanced past the second round of the playoffs.

4. Raptors Lose Game 1 to New Jersey Nets (2007)

The Raptors had a chance to defend home court against the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the playoffs, especially with fans booing Vince Carter into oblivion.

However, the Raptors were unable to capitalise on an underwhelming performance from their former franchise superstar, as Carter got hot later in the series and helped the Nets wrap things up in six games.

3. Toronto Lose Game 7 to Boston Celtics (2020)

Emotionally, this was a tough loss for Raptors fans to swallow, as they had just pulled off a 125-122 double-overtime victory and appeared to have all the momentum to at least get back to the conference finals.

Nevertheless, the Boston Celtics prevailed with a 92-87 Game 7 win, ending any hopes of back-to-back championships in Toronto.

2. Raptors Lose Game 7 to Brooklyn Nets (2014)

The Raptors had a chance at a game-winning shot to advance past the first round of the playoffs.

However, Kyle Lowry was met by a swarming Brooklyn Nets’ defence, as Paul Pierce swatted away Lowry’s layup attempt to clinch the Nets’ series win.

1. Raptors Lose Game 7 to Philadelphia 76ers (2001)

Carter had the rare luxury of graduating from college and playing a playoff basketball game on the same day.

Unfortunately, Carter bricked the game-winning shot attempt from the left corner in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals despite getting his defender to bite on a pump fake.