Raptors Face Cavs in Playoffs, Coach Makes History

0:00It's April 13th, Calgary News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Corey with the story. Toronto Raptors are back in the NBA playoffs, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in a best of seven first round series, starting Saturday. It's their first postseason trip since the 2021-22 season when they fell to the Philadelphia Sixers in six games. They swept all three regular season matchups against Cleveland, but those wins came early from late October to late November before the Cavs landed. Hall of Famer James Hardin in a big trade on February 4th. This marks the fourth playoff clash between these teams, and Cleveland holds a dominant 12-to-2 edge from the prior three series. Back then, LeBron James led the Cavs to victories, including the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals four games to two, plus sweeps in the 20, 17 and 2018 Eastern semis. The Raptors were dealing with injuries heading into their final regular season game, but

1:00almost everyone suited up except Chuck E. Hepburn, who had knee, surgery, surgery. They blew out the Brooklyn Nets 136-101 on Sunday to clinch, and skipping the play in tournament gives them crucial rest heading. In, head coach Darko Rajakovic made history as the first European-born coach to guide an NBA team through a full season into the playoffs. The Serbian native credits the trailblazers from Yugoslavia, including national teams and club successes for paving his way. Jurassic Park tailgates are firing up again in Maple Leaf Square for home and away games, packed with entertainment, celebs, prizes, food, drinks, and merch. Fans are ready to roar as the Raptors chased that deep run.