Tessera

Sean Woodley @woodleysean.bsky.social · last mo.

Marina Mabrey's breakout always felt like a matter of when, not if. Turns out the timing of it all came together perfectly with the Toronto Tempo. Words on the first-time WNBA All-Star and how she's evolved as a player this season. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/07/10/t...

‘Timing’: How Marina Mabrey became an All-Star in Toronto - Raptors Republic

Toronto Tempo star Marina Mabrey has evolved her game, and it's led to her first-ever all-star selection. A nod that's come after a winding journey.

raptorsrepublic.com

New @lockedonraptors.bsky.social where @zulfisheikh.bsky.social joined me to talk about the Raptors bench and why it might rock. 🏀CMB for 6MOY? 🏀Shead & Walter: the next beloved Raps bench duo? 🏀Battle, Graves, Anderson, Martin & the 9th man competition youtu.be/3RsjLAYbQGE

RAPTORS ANALYSIS: Why the Toronto Raptors bench has the JUICE to cover for any Kawhi Leonard injury

YouTube video by Locked On Raptors

youtu.be

I'd be lying if I said I didn't always feel pressure when writing. It's still different when it's about the Greatest Raptor of all time. But if Kyle Lowry's time in Toronto taught me anything, it's how belief can inspire a story. Welcome home, GROAT. ❤️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/07/07/w...

Why Kyle Lowry is the Greatest Raptor of all time - Raptors Republic

From North Philly to your city, Kyle Lowry became the Toronto Raptors greatest player.

raptorsrepublic.com

Free agency may not be what it once was, but it's called the Never Boring Association for a reason. The landscape has shifted yet again, and it's time to navigate the new terrain. My big winners and losers of NBA free agency. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

NBA free agency winners and losers: 76ers revamp, Pistons stagnate

With superstar swaps, picks passed around and free-agent signings, the landscape of the NBA has shifted yet again. Sportsnet's Zulfi Sheikh breaks down the winners and losers of the NBA off-season.

sportsnet.ca

Zulfi Sheikh @zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 2mo ago

All eyes will be on Kawhi Leonard this season, but the ball will be in RJ Barrett's court. The hometown hero and his Toronto Raptors stand to benefit greatly if they can lift each other to new heights. Words on how the two sides need each other. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/07/03/r...

Raptors, RJ Barrett need each other now more than ever - Raptors Republic

On two sides hoping to lift each other to new heights.

raptorsrepublic.com

Wanted to play a part in telling @leighellis.bsky.social’s story since I started my career. With him back in Toronto, the time finally came! Spoke with the travelling hooper about the story of Basketball Passport and what to expect at his Thursday pickup run. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/06/16/t...

Travelling hooper Leigh Ellis brings ‘Basketball Passport’ back to Toronto - Raptors Republic

On Thursday, the Aussie reconnects with the city where it all began.

raptorsrepublic.com

Zulfi Sheikh @zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 2mo ago

They say history often has a way of repeating itself. And now the Spurs and Knicks will put that theory to the test, one way or another. My preview of an NBA Finals rematch 27 years in the making. www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

NBA Finals preview: Knicks-Spurs rematch nearly 30 years in the making

History may not always repeat itself, but it often rhymes. This Knicks-Spurs matchup is an NBA Finals 27 years or six months in the making, but either way, storylines are ripe in what projects to be a...

sportsnet.ca

Tempo's million-dollar backcourt through 5 games (WNBA ranks): Brittney Sykes: 25.6 pts (2nd), 4.8 ast (15th), 2.2 stl (4th) Marina Mabrey: 20.8 pts (8th), 1.4 stl (25th), 3.6 3PM (2nd) youtu.be/Al5PImRu_Ts?...

Tempo WIN Back-To-Back Games Thanks To Slim, Marina And Rookies | Full Game Analysis + Recap

YouTube video by Raptors Republic

youtu.be

It'll be hard for this series to live up to Thunder-Spurs, but there is plenty of intrigue heading into Knicks-Cavaliers, with the end of the runway nearing for both teams. My preview on the Eastern Conference Finals and why it might be now or never. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

NBA Eastern Conference Finals preview: Now or never for Knicks, Cavaliers

The Conference Finals always comes with heavy pressure, such is the nature of the beast. But there's an added element for the Cavaliers and Knicks, both of whom may be nearing the end of their runway ...

sportsnet.ca

Doc Naismith @docnaismith.bsky.social · 3mo ago

A lot can happen in 10 WNBA seasons. Just ask Brittney Sykes. I sat down with the vet to understand her evolution from Sykes to Slim and the decade-long introspective journey that shaped her into a leader for the Toronto Tempo. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/05/14/s...

Sykes to Slim: How 10 WNBA seasons shaped a Tempo leader - Raptors Republic

On a decade-long journey from stubborn star to franchise figurehead for Toronto.

raptorsrepublic.com

Great sneak peek of tonight’s regular season Tempo tip-off courtesy of @zulfisheikh.bsky.social. Good stuff! 👇🏻 #TorontoTempo

Zulfi Sheikh@zulfisheikh.bsky.social · 3mo ago

The Toronto Tempo's historic inaugural season will finally get underway tonight. To get folks prepped, I've put together some preview-esque thoughts. Starting with takeaways from pre-season play raptorsrepublic.com/2026/05/08/t...

Tempo Takeaways: Observations from pre-season play - Raptors Republic

The time to focus on hoops has arrived, and for fans to lock in with the Toronto Tempo for their inaugural season.

raptorsrepublic.com

The Raptors spent the season as a feel-good story, but have since earned the right to play for more than plaudits. The right to continue winning basketball games, like Game 7 against the Cavaliers. Some thoughts to preview the winner-take-all matchup ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Five burning questions heading into Raptors-Cavaliers Game 7

The Raptors have earned the right to continue winning basketball games. To get you set for Sunday's winner-take-all Game 7 against the Cavaliers, Zulfi Sheikh provides five burning questions that co...

sportsnet.ca

With just one week until the Toronto Tempo's inaugural season begins, there's plenty of uncertainty but also much that has been learned. Words on some takeaways from training camp, media day and Wednesday's pre-season opener, for @torontoraptor.bsky.social ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/05/01/t...

Tempo Takeaways: Identity shaping, fandom in full effect - Raptors Republic

With one week until Opening Night of the 2026 WNBA season, what can fans expect from the Toronto Tempo — Canada's first WNBA team?

raptorsrepublic.com

Darko Rajakovic has shown the poise of a coach who’s been there and done that in the playoffs, even if it is his first time. "I don't feel that I'm a rookie in this situation at all." ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/04/29/r...

Raptors’ Rajakovic pushing right buttons, earning trust - Raptors Republic

Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic has quickly proven he's not "a rookie" in the playoffs by showcasing his poise.

raptorsrepublic.com

If nothing else, the Raptors have learned Collin Murray-Boyles belongs. Not just on the court but next to Scottie Barnes. Thoughts on the rookie's efforts, and why he could be the second load-bearing beam needed to prop up Toronto's identity. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles cementing spot beside Raptors' best

Watch Collin Murray-Boyles play, and it's hard not to be reminded of a young Scottie Barnes. And after a Game 3 win, the rookie seems right at home among the Raptors' best, writes Sportsnet's Zulfi Sh...

sportsnet.ca

The Raptors are trying to overcome multiple problems vs. the Cavaliers. And while Collin Murray-Boyles has his own set of deficiencies, he also offers more solutions than others. My thoughts on why the rookie deserves to do more in Game 3 and beyond. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/04/22/n...

Raptors’ Murray-Boyles deserves lion’s share of minutes in Game 3 - Raptors Republic

The rookie has proven that on the court is where he belongs most during the playoffs.

raptorsrepublic.com

Chatted with Canada's Mandel Nallo ahead of his UFC debut on Saturday, even getting some insight from Tristar teammate Aiemann Zahabi. On Mandel's "odd" journey and a nickname as unconventional but interesting as his fight game. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/...

Why Mandel Nallo embraced 'Rat Garbage' nickname on journey to UFC

Not often does a fighter embrace a nickname as unflattering as "Rat Garbage," but Mandel Nallo is as unconventional as they come. Zulfi Sheikh caught up with the Canadian ahead of his UFC debut in Wi...

sportsnet.ca

Not often does a fighter embrace a nickname as unflattering as "Rat Garbage," but Mandel Nallo is as unconventional as they come. I caught up with the Canadian ahead of his UFC debut in Winnipeg on Saturday. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/...

Why Mandel Nallo embraced 'Rat Garbage' nickname on journey to UFC

sportsnet.ca

The Raptors are back in the playoffs, and just like last time, it's against a four seed that added James Harden at the deadline. Dealing with the Cavaliers' savvy guard is one of six key matchups I dove into that could determine the series. ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Six key matchups to watch in Raptors-Cavaliers series

There's little to gather from the Raptors' regular-season sweep of the Cavaliers since it was before the addition of James Harden. Handling the savvy vet is one of six factors Zulfi Sheikh dives int...

sportsnet.ca

All 30 NBA teams will play on Sunday to determine nine unsettled post-season spots, and among those jockeying for seeding will be Toronto. I broke down the Raptors big game against the Nets, and the multiple paths forward toward a return to the playoffs. www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Road to the Playoffs: Raptors chasing finale win to secure playoff berth

The final nine playoff spots will be determined Sunday when all 30 teams are in action. That includes the Raptors, who need a win in the finale to avoid the Play-In, writes Zulfi Sheikh.

sportsnet.ca

UFC 327 features promising title contenders who can shake up their divisions with standout performances. I broke down fighters in the spotlight this week in Miami, looking to make good on that promise. For Sportsnet ⤵️ www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/...

Azamat Murzakanov, Loopy Godinez among UFC 327 fighters in spotlight

UFC 327 features a handful of promising title contenders who can shake up their respective divisions with standout performances in Miami this weekend.

sportsnet.ca

The Raptors 905's playoff run ended sooner than most had hoped. Still, it was a season worth admiring, and one where the team and players got to reach for their own ceilings. On why a season-ending loss "doesn't diminish" their year-long effort. ⤵️ raptorsrepublic.com/2026/04/03/w...

Why playoff exit ‘doesn’t diminish’ season for Raptors 905 - Raptors Republic

Thoughts on a Raptors 905 season worth admiring, even after an early playoff exit.

raptorsrepublic.com

Turned my piece on Ja'Kobe Walter's ascension since the All-Star break into a short video essay! Dove into what's driven the sophomore's success and how it has me believing he's ready to do it in the NBA playoffs. For @raptorsrepublic.bsky.social ⤵️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhny...

The NBA Playoff X-Factor NO ONE Is Talking About

YouTube video by Raptors Republic

youtube.com

While it's worth celebrating the Raptors 905 making the G League playoffs for the first time since 2022, head coach Drew Jones has made it clear that's "the floor." I broke down some key storylines heading into Tuesday's first-round matchup for Sportsnet. www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Raptors 905 storylines ahead of return to G League playoffs

With the Raptors 905 making their much-anticipated return to the G League playoffs, Zulfi Sheikh takes a look at the key storylines to keep an eye on.

sportsnet.ca

Ja'Kobe Walter's known his path to consistent minutes for some time. And by embracing that role for the Raptors, he's not only earned a rotation spot, but also the right to do even more in the post-season. My latest on the sophomore's stellar run of play. www.raptorsrepublic.com/2026/03/26/c...

Can Ja’Kobe Walter be Raptors playoff X-Factor? - Raptors Republic

The sophomore has embraced his role but may just be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

raptorsrepublic.com

The Raptors 905 have fostered a "family vibe" in Mississauga for over 10 years. An effort that culminated in a historic new facility, continuing their legacy as a one-of-a-kind G League organization. My latest on the grand opening and what it meant. ⤵️ www.raptorsrepublic.com/2026/03/16/r...

Raptors 905, Mississauga strengthen ‘family vibe’ with historic practice facility - Raptors Republic

The Raptors 905 unveiled their first-ever practice facility in Mississauga, Ont., and it was a testament to their legacy as a one-of-a-kind organization.

raptorsrepublic.com

ICYMI — The Raptors left Washington with a win, but it took some help from the Wizards and overcoming their Jekyll-and-Hyde play. My takeaways on the Raps search for consistency, a strong game for Quickley and Poeltl and shouting out the Tri-City area. www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/...

Raptors continue search for consistency after Jekyll-and-Hyde win

Being able to put together quality efforts for full 48-minute games, as many times as possible through 82 games in a season, is what separates the upper-echelon of the league from the teams below that...

sportsnet.ca