After foul remark, Raptors at a loss

ByJAMES HERBERT
April 20, 2014, 1:30 AM

— -- TORONTO -- The stage was set for the Toronto Raptors to prove a point in their first playoff game since 2008, but Saturday's strongest statement was made by their general manager rather than the players in uniform.

Before Toronto's 94-87 loss in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets, Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri addressed rowdy Raptors fans in Maple Leafs Square, outside of the atrium of the Air Canada Centre. Given the lengthy playoff drought and perception that the Nets mailed in the last few games of the regular season in order to face Toronto, those in attendance hardly needed riling up. But Ujiri punctuated his closing remarks with, "F--- Brooklyn," adding more drama to a series that felt contentious before it even began.