Tip of the Tower
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Toronto Raptors put Boston Celtics on notice with dominant performance

By David Morassutti

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: The Toronto Raptors stand for the anthems prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: The Toronto Raptors stand for the anthems prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre on October 19, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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With the Eastern Conference up for grabs, the Toronto Raptors made it clear they have their eyes set on taking it from the Boston Celtics.

Ask anyone at the beginning of the season whether they expected the Toronto Raptors to beat the Boston Celtics 111-91 or that the Cleveland Cavaliers would be in free fall mode in February, there would have been many doubters.

So what changed? The Raptors embraced a new philosophy, the bench got an injection of youth and the stars continue to lead the way. There is still going to be doubt whether the team can maintain this style of play in the playoffs but Tuesday night should provide encouragement.

They have clearly learned from the disappointing loss to the Celtics back in November and a lot has gone right for the Raptors since then including a statement game against the Cavaliers.

Ball movement continues to be a point of emphasis for Toronto especially from the bench mob who have made their presence known especially Fred VanVleet, Delon Wright, Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poeltl and C.J. Miles.

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The Raptors have had a strong bench in past seasons, but this second unit has outperformed starting lineups at times this season. Sportsnet’s Michael Grange pointed out that the Raptors bench outscored the Celtics starting lineup 59-40.

It would be easy to expect fans to want the Raptors to make a deal at the trade deadline, in order to give this team every chance to make it to the Finals. The lack of flexibility with the luxury tax and assets to deal would make it tough, but Toronto might be in good enough shape to  stay the course.

With the Cavaliers struggling and falling in the standings and a great chance to pass Boston for first place in the Eastern Conference, this is the Raptors’ year to take that next step.

At this point, the chemistry that the bench has and the logjam of players in the rotation does not make it easy for the Toronto Raptors to bring in another player. There is no blockbuster trade to be made that makes sense, maybe a minor move to add a shooter.

Next: Raptors mourn the death of Rasual Butler

Embrace this Raptors’ team fans. This is their best chance to make noise especially if they can carry this play into the postseason, making them a tough team to matchup against.

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