It's fair to wonder whether the Toronto Raptors who got demolished by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night were truly were the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors that fell 144-99 played with no Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, or OG Anunoby. There was no Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, or Gary Trent Jr. either. It's not exactly a Ship of Theseus situation, but it feels pretty darn close as several unfamiliar faces took the court for the Canadian side.

Raptors head coach Nick Nurse wasn't particularly peeved at the result. He knows basically all his best players were out on the evening. But he still managed to find a nugget of wisdom hidden beneath the 45-point deficit that they were buried under.

Via Josh Lewenberg:

Article Continues Below
More Toronto Raptors News
The Raptors 2025 NBA Draft class hails from the SEC.
Toronto Raptors 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
Toronto Raptors forward Garrett Temple (17) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.
Raptors keeping veteran locker room voice with $3.6 million contractDavid Yapkowitz ·
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) at the end of the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Raptors rumors: Ben Simmons floated as potential target following Masai Ujiri departureDavid Yapkowitz ·
Toronto Raptors vice chairman and team president Masai Ujiri talks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Area.
Masai Ujiri, Raptors part ways after 2025 NBA DraftPreston Byers ·
Florida Gators guard Alijah Martin (15) speaks to the media during a press conference for the men's 2025 NCAA tournament at Alamodome.
Raptors’ Alijah Martin sets record straight on Vince Carter’s jersey numberRichard Pereira ·
Florida Gators guard Alijah Martin (15) reacts after a play against the Houston Cougars during the second half of the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
Raptors select Final Four history maker with No. 39 pickRichard Pereira ·

“This is a pretty good example of how hard it is to coach defence in this league,” said the Raptors coach. “It takes some guys, it takes some time & it takes some real discipline. If not, NBA guys are going to come out & score.”

Toronto has had three of their last five games postponed, with this latest contest making the case after the fact that it should have been, too. Asked about playing through the COVID-19 protocol issues, Nurse responded in support of the NBA's decision.

“It's a hard question to answer. I'm always trying to be part of solutions. We've got a big problem here, not just in basketball… Leaders make decisions and you try to ride with them, be positive and go do your job.”

The Raptors aren't the only team that's been ravaged by bouts with the health and safety protocols. But the losses still count all the same.