The Toronto Raptors had the best win-loss record in the Eastern Conference during the 2017–18 NBA regular season. Toronto finished 59–23, giving the franchise its first-ever No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Raptors’ success came from a balanced roster and a major change in offensive style. Coach Dwane Casey encouraged more three-point shooting and ball movement, while Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan remained the team’s leading stars. Toronto also received important contributions from players such as Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Fred VanVleet.
The Raptors reached the second round of the playoffs but were swept by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. That disappointing postseason ended an outstanding regular season and contributed to Toronto’s decision to replace Casey with Nick Nurse. The following year, Toronto won its first NBA championship.