The dinosaur is finally off their backs. Powered by six double-digit scorers, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Washington Wizards 114-106 to win Game 1 of their playoff series.
But the victory also ended a problematic streak for Toronto. Entering the game, the current core of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry had dropped seven consecutive Game 1s in the postseason — all of which happened in the previous four years.
Thanks to the balanced offensive effort, though, the Raptors ended a streak that dated back to 2001. Overall, the franchise had lost 10 straight opening games, also falling in 2002, 2007 and 2008.
Twitter users mixed in lighthearted jabs with some well-deserved praise for top-seeded Toronto.
Congratulations to the Toronto Raptors on winning the Game 1 Championship.
— Steve HSL (@SteveLN6) April 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/JFergusonAU/status/985308130388185088
Delon Wright the reason the Game 1 curse will end for the Raptors? That's why the playoffs are great.
— Warren Shaw 🇯🇲 (@ShawSportsNBA) April 14, 2018
It's been 17 years since the Raptors won a game 1…. the curse is finally over🙌🏾🙌🏾
— Munna (@munnaaden) April 15, 2018
The Raptors after finally winning Game 1 in a playoff series pic.twitter.com/mqMuYF0FGM
— Abdisalam Hassan (@AbdiHassan3) April 15, 2018
Only the Wizards could help the Raptors end this Game 1 jinx
— Despair, Repair (@hangerbm) April 15, 2018
The Raptors…. are about to win Game 1….. at home……. in the playoffs.
— Raptors HQ (@RaptorsHQ) April 15, 2018
Toronto won a Game 1, and Kyle Lowry properly pronounced Nogueira’s name post-game, so go ahead and send the Larry O’Brien Trophy to customs.
— Rory Masterson (@rorymasterson) April 15, 2018
11th time is a charm for the #Raptors
— FRS Hoopz (@FRS_Hoopz) April 15, 2018
Drake is going to throw a parade in Toronto just because the Raptors finally won a Game 1
— Pat Ralph (@Pat_Ralph) April 15, 2018