The Toronto Raptors are going back to the NBA Playoffs after a six-year absence after they defeated the Boston Celtics 105-103 on Friday night.
''It's a satisfying, kind of overwhelming feeling,'' veteran center Amir Johnson told The Associated Press via Yahoo Sports after scoring the winning putback with seven seconds left. ''But at the same time, you know you've still got a lot more to accomplish.''
The Raptors have been out of the playoffs for six years, last making it in 2008 where they were booted out by the Orlando Magic in the first round. In 19 seasons in the league, the franchise has only been in the postseason six times.
The playoff berth was particularly sweet for All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who spent his first four years in the league watching the playoffs at home. "It makes it feel all worth it, honestly,'' he said. ''The hard work, the struggles, the nights going home where you're just frustrated and don't want to turn on sports. It really shows you that if you stick at it and don't give up, not to sound cliched, but it definitely pays off.''
''This team has worked so hard,'' Johnson added. ''It was a good game tonight and we deserved it.''
Johnson and DeRozan have been in the line-up for the longest time, and coach Dwane Casey said the two players deserve to be credited for leading the Raptors back to the playoffs. ''They've been through thick and thin, through good times and bad times,'' he said.
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