Raptors Clinch Fifth Seed with 136-101 Win Over Nets

Toronto's Scotiabank Arena buzzed with playoff anticipation on Sunday as the Raptors closed out their regular season with a decisive 136-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, securing the Eastern Conference's fifth seed and a return to the NBA postseason after a two-year absence. The win capped a 46-36 campaign, but much of the spotlight shifted to an unusual sight in the arena's courtside seats: those typically reserved for rapper Drake, the team's global ambassador, were adorned with icicles, serving as a clear promotional nod to his forthcoming album, Iceman.

The Raptors' triumph relied on their strong performance at home, where they controlled the game from the outset. The victory locked in a first-round matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET in Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The team's resurgence follows a challenging period, including a 30-win season in 2023-24 that left them near the bottom of the East. Under coach Darko Rajaković, the Raptors emphasized defensive pressure and transition scoring, ranking fifth in opponent turnovers forced and leading the league in fast-break points. Despite lingering concerns over...