One by one, journalists, commentators and at least one active NBA player made apologies on social media for underestimating the Toronto Raptors in the wake of their second straight playoff victory against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It’s nothing new for the Raptors, who the NBA’s chattering class also said would not beat Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semi-final.
CBS Sports went as far as to ask in an online poll, with only four teams remaining, who would win the NBA title in 2016, but only included options for Golden State, Oklahoma City or the Cleveland Cavaliers or “other,” instead of the Raptors.
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith apologized “to Canadians everywhere” and later said he and others were “literally wondering whether or not (Cleveland) can win this series.”
"I gotta be a man of my word and just apologize to Canada — all Canadians everywhere."
— ESPN (@espn) May 24, 2016
ICYMI: Stephen A. on Game 4: https://t.co/XerNnB93Eg
Sixteen hours earlier, Smith tweeted this discussion video, which implied Cleveland’s appearance in the NBA finals was a foregone conclusion:
Even if OKC beats Golden State @KDTrey5 has to close vs. LeBron. https://t.co/1vjcJteeJJ
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 23, 2016
NBA analyst Zach Lowe had this to say about the Raptors after the buzzer on Monday night:
What a job by the Raptors. I did not expect them to win both at home. I don't know many who did. They proved us wrong. Great effort.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) May 24, 2016
After the Raptors fell 84-115 to the Cavs in Game 1, Orlando Magic shooting guard and France international Evan Fournier tweeted this:
The Raptors have 0 chance to win a single game man. Sorry
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) May 18, 2016
But after Game 4, he apologized:
Well I was wrong. Toronto is playing with a lot of heart. My bad
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) May 24, 2016
Kurt Helin, a basketball analyst for NBC tweeted Monday night that the Raptors far exceeded his expectations in Games 3 and 4:
I'll own up to it: Raptors have played a lot better these last two games at home than I thought they could this series. Earned home wins.
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) May 24, 2016
Washington Post NBA writer Tim Bontemps had this to say after Game 4:
I've given the Raptors plenty of stick, but the past two games validate their run. Impressive to see them turn things around at home.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 24, 2016
Game 5 in Cleveland gets underway at the Quicken Loans Arena at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.