I don't care how you feel about somebody, you have to respect them if they work hard and show grit and determination. Newton is definitely one of those guys. Most teams counted him out after the surgery. He proved them wrong. That's what sports is all about. I respect that.
I agree, it's more fun to beat the teams you hate when those teams are good. The Pats win against the Bills to clinch the AFC East last year was extra satisfying, but Swiharts Ghost probably thought it was lame because the Pats only won by 6 and looked "soft."
I don't hate the Raptors, but it was more fun to beat them in 7 hard fought games than it would have been if OG Anunoby's prayer hadn't gone in to win game 3. I;m assuming the Celtics would have won in 4 or 5 if that shot didn't drop, and while that would have been less strain on my nerves, it also wouldn't have felt as rewarding. You gotta love the dogfight, because you appreciate the outcome more, no matter who wins.