Raptors become 2nd team to clinch playoff spot this season

Mar 6 2020, 3:03 pm

The Toronto Raptors made their way back to the Bay Area on Thursday night for a match up against the Golden State Warriors, that included the return of Steph Curry.

The game also marked the first time the Raptors faced the Warriors since last year’s NBA Finals.

And the Raps came out with a huge 121-113 victory over the Warriors, a win that also resulted in clinching a playoff spot.

The Raptors are the second team to clinch a postseason spot this season, and this is the earliest date and game in franchise history that the team has done it according to NBA Canada.

Thursday night’s game saw Norman Powell propelling the Raptors’ offence with a career-high 37 points, which included a 4-for-8 night from three-point range.

“They were playing very well, you know, I expected it to be a really close game going in there was no illusions in my mind at that,” said Raptors’ Head Coach Nick Nurse, speaking to media after the win. “It’s good for us to get this kind of effort. It was a good win.”

Having secured their playoff spot, the Raptors follow the Milwaukee Bucks, who clinched their playoff berth on February 24.

The 2020 playoffs are expected to begin on April 18.

The fourth game of the Raptors’ five-game western road trip is against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.

Daily Hive StaffDaily Hive Staff

+ Offside
+ Basketball
ADVERTISEMENT