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
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide center Clifford Omoruyi (11) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
Ranking 5 best Kon Knueppel destinations in 2025 NBA DraftJulian Ojeda ·
Toronto Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan watched the game Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Scotiabank Arena
Why Brendan Shanahan’s exit from Maple Leafs could be good news for RaptorsAlex House ·
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it up
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it upJulian Ojeda ·
Collin Murray-Boyles, Noa Essengue, Khaman Maluach in the middle, Head coach Darko Rajakovic, and GM Bobby Webster around them, Toronto Raptors wallpaper in the background
Toronto Raptors’ 3 best options for No. 9 pick in 2025 NBA DraftEnzo Flojo ·
Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and Team President Masai Ujiri speaks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Area.
Raptors president Masai Ujiri’s ‘crazy’ realization after Mavericks land No. 1 pickJaren Kawada ·
Kevin Durant and RJ Barrett both in Mavericks jerseys
2 early Dallas Mavericks trade targets in 2025 NBA offseasonSpencer See ·

“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.