Toronto Raptors: The Rap Up
Jan 1, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors shooting guard Terrence Ross (31) celebrates a break away basket during the fourth quarter of a game against the Indiana Pacers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto won the game 95-82. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to the second edition of The Rap Up. Your weekly view of everything Toronto Raptors.
I start with a look at the week that just was, and move on to see the bigger picture with State of the Raptors.
Third I will profile a Toronto Raptor’s player whose performance stood out from the rest.
Fourth I will look at the upcoming week, keying in on specific match-ups that will make or break the game.
Finally, in light of this years super draft, I will profile a potential draft pick.
And so it goes.
Dec 30 – Jan 5
Games: 4 Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 16-16 (1st in Atlantic, 4th Seed)
Wins: CHI 85-79 IND 95-82 WAS 101-88
Losses: MIA 102-97
(Home games bolded)
I predicted that the team would go 2-2 with losses coming to the Heat and Pacers.
The Toronto Raptors started off the week, and ended the year, with a visit to the Chicago Bulls. The Derrick Rose-less team struggles offensively, and always needs an elite defence to keep them in games.
The Raptors were able to fight their way to victory after a mostly unremarkable game. You can find a full game recap here,
On the very next night, the Toronto Raptors started off the new year by hosting the East-leading Indiana Pacers.
With a team full of potential all-stars, and a legitimate MVP candidate in Paul George, I expected the Raptors to get throttled.
Instead they came out and played a physical game, the type of game that you would expect from the Pacers, not the Raptors.
The win pushed the Raptors to 15-15, and extended their win streak to 4 games. You can find the full recap here.
The Toronto Raptors travelled to Washington with a 6-1 record in their previous 7 road games.
The game shifted with a dominating run to start of the third quarter, and the Toronto Raptors outscored the Wizards 36-16 in the frame.
John Wall and Bradley Beal both struggled, and the Raptors came away with an easy victory. You can find the full recap here.
Finally, to end the week, the Raptors travelled to Miami, to take on the two-time defending champions in the Heat.
After the Pacers win, I had high expectations, and the Raptors did not disappoint. Even with the loss the team showed that it is more than capable of competing with any team.
The loss snapped the Raptors 5-game winning streak. You can find the full recap here.