The Toronto Raptors had the best regular season in franchise history, and many believed this was finally the year that they found a way to get over the hump. In the end, it was an all too familiar ending with the Raptors getting bounced by the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third year in a row.

In Game 1 against the Cavaliers, the Raptors dominated the first quarter, and things were looking really good for the team from the North. A late collapse let the game get to overtime, and the Cavaliers won the game by one point.

That was the turning point in the series, and Raptors GM Masai Ujiri thinks the series could have had a whole different outcome if it wasn't for that one loss. Via Uproxx.com

Yes, to me, it was disappointing for us. I’m a black and white guy. This is the truth, it was disappointing. That’s the thin line in the NBA. That’s the margin right there, and that Game 1 loss hurt us. It was very disappointing for us, and whatever the cause was, it took a turn and we couldn’t just get it back.

As the leader of the organization I have to look at the last five years and where we’ve come. So the assessment is not just four games, honestly. It’s the five years and where we’ve come and where does it go. So the loss is unfortunate, but I’m not a reaction person like that. I really have to evaluate from that time to now and the future as well.

With Dwane Casey now gone, it will be interesting to watch this summer if Ujiri decides to make any more big moves. The Raptors explored a DeMar DeRozan trade last offseason, and it wouldn't be surprising for them to at least get a feel for interest from other teams this summer again.

If the Raptors would have won Game 1, we could be having a whole different conversation right now, maybe it would be the Raptors and the Celtics playing for the Eastern Conference Finals.