Raptors have to refocus for Playoffs

JEREMY JAMES FOKUOH
April 7, 2015

With five games remaining on the Toronto Raptors schedule, coach Dwane Casey wants his team to remained focus on finishing the season strong as they prepare for the playoffs.

The Toronto Raptors have had a genuinely strong season. They clinched the Atlantic Division title for a second year in a row and could win a franchise high 50 games if they go undefeated in the remaining games. Point guard Kyle Lowry was a NBA All Star starter and Demar Derozan continues to solidify himself as an NBA star. Even with all the success throughout the year, the Raptors find themselves in a struggle. Kyle Lowry remains out of commission due to multiple injuries and starter Amir Johnson has been sidelined because of a nagging ankle injury. With two close losses to the Brooklyn Nets (114-109) and the Boston Celtics (117-116), Casey said he wants his team to remain mentally focused even though the season seems to be over.

“It is a learning experience,” said Casey during Monday’s practice. “Guys are learning. You hate to lose, but both games we had a two-point lead with 30 seconds to go. It wasn’t anything schematically or game planned. It was just mental mistakes that we can’t afford to make in those situations.”

Center Jonas Valanciunas views the losses as experience for the playoffs.

“It’s good to have those kind of games because it’s like a playoff game,” said Valanciunas. “There close games, hard games, intense games. I think its good preparation for the playoffs.”

With the playoffs approaching, the Raptors have to consider that time could be running out to develop a sense of urgency. They currently hold the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference but have the chance to move into third. That would put them in a playoff matchup against either the Washington Wizards or the Milwaukee Bucks. Both teams are considered tough and gritty compared to an inconsistent and predictable Raptors team.

NBA fan Mark Machikicho doesn’t think the Raptors will excel in the playoffs if they don’t step up.

“I don’t see them getting past the first round,” said Machikicho. “If they keep playing like this, I don’t see them winning a playoff series. They’ve become so predictable that I know what they’re going to do before they even do it. If I can see what’s going to happen, I’m sure a NBA head coach and his coaching team can see it way faster.”

The Raptors end their regular season on April 15 vs the Charlotte Hornets.