Raptors look to continue historic comeback attempt in Game 5

No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series. Fortunately for the Toronto Raptors, their 110-102 win over their Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 provided a glimmer of hope.

Thirteen NBA teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series. Sixers head coach Doc Rivers has blown three of those 3-1 leads, one in 2003 with the Orlando Magic, and two while coach of the Los Angeles Clippers in 2015 and 2020.

Raptors head coach Nick Nurse knows the history behind his team's deficit and believes they're up to the challenge, that continues Monday night in Philadelphia for Game 5. 

“It's a heckuva challenge. Well, somebody’s got to do it,” Nurse said about the 3-0 deficit. “And if it gets to 3-1, it’s not 3-0 any more. And 3-1 has been done.”

The Raptors have another advantage moving forward in the series, as 76ers star Joel Embiid is playing through a torn ligament in his right thumb that will require surgery after the season. Broadcaster Jack Armstrong made it clear that the Raptors need to take advantage of the MVP candidate not being at 100 per cent. 

"Everyone is hurt this time of year. Everyone is trying to play through something," Armstrong said on SC with Jay Onrait. "The 76ers showed no mercy when Scottie Barnes and Fred Vanvleet got hurt. This is a ruthless business.

"If you're the Raptors, every time Joel Embiid gets that ball in the post, you slap that finger as hard as you possibly can. If you're going to foul him, foul him hard. This is the playoffs."

Jack Armstrong (@HelloooJack) joins @JayOnrait to discuss Joel Embiid playing through his thumb injury. pic.twitter.com/qQSUgmNhdS

"I think Joel Embiid understand that as well," Armstrong said. "He's coming full force at you and you