Winning 7 of their last 8 games, one can say the Toronto Raptors are on somewhat of a roll here. The last 2 have come against formidable opponents and in each game the team relinquished a substantial lead but held on for the win. Sure fans should be concerned that they are still blowing leads, but previous versions of this team would crumble in such situations. This team seems ready to react rather than lay down and wave the white flag.

Coming into the season, the expectations were high. When the team sputtered out of the gates, fingers were being pointed in every direction. As the new year rolled around, the team came in on a 5 game win streak and the same fans that wanted an upheaval started to believe again. I have to admit I wasn’t sold but these past two wins have made me a believer. I’m not talking blind faith here… there is real change going on and it starts with team chemistry.

“Team Chemistry” was a phrase used a lot this summer as Bryan Colangelo pulled off a major overhaul of the Raptors. With 9 new faces, it wasn’t a matter of “if”, rather a matter of “when” this team would come together. Most were hoping for 20 games, but with injuries and a tough schedule that didn’t really happen. Game #36 was played last night and it was probably the first time all season that I could say this team had it. Chemistry that is. Knowing where your teammates like the ball. Talking on defense so your teammate is not left to out to dry. Moving the ball with purpose (31 assists v/s Orlando). These are all things teams that are on the same page do. Over the last couple of games the Toronto Raptors have looks like that kind of team.

This team has proven it is offensively potent. The next step is on the defensive end. The last 8 games have shown the team is capable and with the team chemistry improving so has the team D. At the start of the season, sitting by the Raptor bench, all I could hear was Micah Nori (Asst. coach) screaming out the defensive assignments. Slowly I began to hear Jack on D and now its become almost all the guys. Andrea is still too quiet for my liking, being the last line of D at the center position, but as his confidence grows so should his ability to do the little things like call out picks and such. Over the last couple of games the team has won on the heels of holding teams to a low shooting percentage. They are going into games with a defensive plan and sticking to it. Still not seeing much zone defense from the Raptors, which helps when you need to give teams different looks, but with more practice days in the next couple of months it should be on Jay Triano’s to-do list. This team is not going to be breaking any defensive records anytime soon but if they can pull themselves up to a middle of the road defensive team they will give themselves a chance to be in a good position for the post season.

Jose Calderon returned from injury at the perfect time. No one ever wishes a player to go down but it seemed to have helped the team that he was out. It gave the new players enough time to get used to playing with Bosh and as well as a chance to find their roles on this team. Jarrett Jack was trying to do too much at the start of the season but when he was relied on as the primary PG, he was able to settle down and bring a new dimension to the team. Hedo Turkoglu seemed lost at the start of the season. Under utilized and a non-factor in games, but with Jose sidelined got a chance to show his play making abilities and build a pick ‘n roll game with Bosh. With Jose the coaches know what they have. It took him being out for the coaches to figure out what they had in all these other players. Last night v/s Orlando, Jose came in off the bench and within minutes fans were reminded of what this guy can do. It was like he didn’t miss a beat. There is a sense of security with him on the floor and everything just seems to run smooth.

The defense is coming around and the offense is flowing. For all this to come together, the players have to accept their roles and embrace them. If you told me that Sonny Weems would be subbed in at the end of games for defensive purposes, I would have questioned your sanity. If you told me that Bargnani would be trusted to defend Dwight Howard without a double team, I would have questioned Jay Triano’s sanity. Thing is, slowly these guys are being put in positions to succeed which in turn helps confidence. Chris Bosh is the pillar but over the last few he hasn’t had to be the man. The supporting cast, the so called role players have found their role. Now it’s all about momentum. If this team has truly found an identity, they need to band together to build momentum and start making their push now rather than waiting for seasons end when all the other teams are thinking the same.

Elite teams keep their foot on the gas… the Toronto Raptors need to show they can keep up.

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