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It goes unspoken, yet is very evident, that the Raptors are anxious and determined to show the league that they’re still a championship contender without Kawhi. The cold hard numbers are supporting this notion; they’re still living in the attic of the East at 7-3 and two nights ago toppled LeBron James and Anthony Davis without starters Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, both dealing with injuries. NBAReplaytv They may be shorthanded at the moment, yet the heart of a champion beats within Pascal Siakam, freshly named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, tough point guard Fred VanVleet, and a group of hungry youngsters trying to make their name.

For his part, Kawhi was characteristically stoic in this first meeting with the Raptors. Before the opening tip, he touched fists with just three former teammates; business as usual. There was little to no chatter during the game and hugs were saved until after the buzzer. NBAReplaytv He’s not one to luxuriate on memories, no matter how glorious. “We won. It’s the next chapter. I can’t live in the past. The team is different for them and me. They want to have that feeling and so do I.