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Frank Gunn/Associated Press

There may be no bigger surprise in the NBA than the 22-7 Toronto Raptors holding down the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference past the quarter mark of the 2014-15 regular season.

While it doesn't hold the respect of what a similar position in the more revered Western Conference would garner, it's still a commendable feat for a franchise that is hoping to maintain a level of consistency atop the standings.

The schedule has been a blessing in disguise up to this point. Going 14-3 at the Air Canada Centre (the most home games for any team in the East) and owning a 15-2 record against teams under .500 has made the Raptors' basketball lives all the more easier.

Their current six-game road trip against some of the best the league has to offer, which began with a 129-120 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 22, is their toughest test to date. How they emerge from this stretch shouldn't define their year by any means, however. Even so, it's a challenge that guard Greivis Vasquez knows his teammates are ready to face head on, per Steven Loung of Sportsnet.ca: “It’s important that we play good teams because it’s really going to test our character. We haven’t really faced adversity and everything right now is great, but I think we’re ready for a couple of premium tests.”

While the journey to first place has been full of memorable moments and revelations, it hasn't been devoid of setbacks either.

The following will best put into perspective just how far this team and its players have come, as well as what/who has faltered along the way.