The Toronto Raptors entered the NBA as an expansion team in the 1995-96 season. They started out with nothing — just a bunch of scrappy players trying to make it.

But over the years, the Raptors have turned into one of the most successful organizations in sports. They have drafted the best prospects, became legitimate playoff contenders, and became champions. So to celebrate the organization's young, yet rich narrative below are the five greatest moments in Toronto Raptors history.

5.) Vince Carter Drops 50 points in Game 3 of the 2001 Eastern Conference Semifinals Against the Philadelphia 76ers

The 2001 Playoffs was the Raptors' second postseason appearance in franchise history. And they had an opportunity to prove their worth against the best the Allen Iverson-led Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. The 76ers were the kings of the East then. With the odds stacked against the Raptors, rising star Vince Carter dropped 50 points in their Game 3 victory.

While they ended up losing the series in seven games, Carter's explosion signified that the Raptors were right in trading for him in the NBA Draft. Not only was Carter's 50 points the first in franchise history, but it also signaled the making of a legend.

4.) Beat the 72-win Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in First NBA Season

The 1995-96 season marked the Raptors' NBA debut. They were basically an expansion team — no notable players and no All-Stars. Just a bunch of players trying their best to stay in the NBA. Perhaps the only key player they had was Damon Stoudamire who was their seventh overall pick in the NBA Draft.

The Bulls had already pummeled the Raptors in their three prior meetings. So people didn't expect much from the Raptors on March 24, 1996. At that time, the Bulls' record stood at 60-7. No one in the world expected an expansion team to beat the almighty Bulls. But the scrappy Raptors did just that. And it's forever forged in NBA history.

3.) Vince Carter Wins Slam Dunk Contest

In the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest, Vince Carter established himself as the best dunker of all time. His performance was so great that in the succeeding Slam Dunk Contests, Carter's dunks have been replayed over and over again. And no matter how many times you've seen it, they Carter's windmills, elbow dunk, and between-the-legs slam always leave you in awe.

From the perspective of the Raptors organization, they are nothing but proud that Carter put on one of the finest sports feats in history donning that classic purple, red, white, and black jersey.

2.) Kawhi Leonard's Game Winner Over Philly

Kawhi Leonard's game-winner in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals is probably the most epic buzzer-beater in recent memory. The situation itself is nail-biter: Game 7, three seconds left, tied game. The Raptors and the 76ers had already gone through a tough and tiresome battle. Both parties are desperate to end the series and more importantly, make it to the NBA Finals.

The Raptors seemed to have the advantage as they have the ball on offense. However, the 76ers are almost a hundred percent certain that the last shot belongs to Kawhi Leonard. Now, all they have to do is either deny him the ball or challenge his shot. As NBA fans have seen over and over again, the 76ers forced Leonard to run to the corner and heave up a prayer. You can't classify that as a good shot. But lady luck was simply on the Raptors' side.

1.) 2018-19 NBA Champions

The 2019 Larry O'Brien Trophy is the first in the Raptors' relatively young history. As always, what made that title special is the story behind it. Prior to the 2018-19 season, the Raptors legitimate playoff contender in the East. But time and time again, they were stonewalled by none other than LeBron James.

In the summer of 2019, the Raptors were given an opportunity to shake up their roster. Kawhi Leonard was available on the trade block. But they had to give up DeMar DeRozan — their all-star for the past few seasons. What made matters more difficult was that Leonard was set to become a free agent next season. This means that if Leonard leaves, then the Raptors will practically be left empty-handed. But lo and behold, all the trials, tribulations, and risks paid off. The Raptors snagged their first-ever title, also ending the Golden State Warriors dynasty in the process.