After Gregg Popovich avenged an NBA Finals loss to the Miami Heat last season, managing an incredibly balanced San Antonio Spurs team, other organizations around the league began to model their teams after his formula. One of those teams is the Toronto Raptors.
With no definitive superstar and a group of young, emerging talents, the Raptors have won five in a row and have proven to be a tough opponent. At 12-2, they have established themselves as the top team in the Eastern Conference. With the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers both experiencing their issues, the Raptors have sailed smoothly through the season. Last season, the Raptors lost a narrow seven-game series in the first round of the playoffs to the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets have struggled this season and, with the way teams shook up in the offseason, the Eastern Conference is looking more like the Raptors' to lose.
The Toronto Raptors are third in the NBA in points scored per game, averaging 106.7 per night behind Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. But while those two are the names that stand out, the Raptors' roster is balanced and relies on numerous contributors. Jonas Valanciunas is an emerging big man who is coming off of a 24-point effort against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. The second-year man out of Lithuania played well in the postseason series against the Nets and has been impressive this season. His offensive awareness has improved and his defense makes him a tough obstacle in the post. Terrence Ross is another young starter that has proved to be a strong asset. Also in his second year, Ross has a unique scoring ability and is comparable to a younger Andre Iguodala with his electrifying plays. The threat of a Lowry-to-Ross alley-oop adds another dimension to their offensive toolbox.
The Raptors also have a sturdy bench, which has always been an ingredient for success in the NBA. Louis Williams, who came over from the Atlanta Hawks, has been the most influential of bench players. Not only has he scored in double figures in most games that he has played in, he even dropped 36 in a recent game against the Cavaliers. Williams was acquired in a trade with the Hawks that sent John Salmons to Atlanta this offseason. The deal is working out in Toronto's favor as Williams, who played well for the Hawks last season, is continuing his success above the border. Tyler Hansbrough is out with an injured shoulder, but has served as an adequate backup at forward along with James Johnson. Greivis Vasquez and Patrick Patterson have also made contributions throughout the season.
Defense is another key point of emphasis. The Raptors are fourth in the NBA in forcing turnovers and the team-first mantra is behind their success. In their second year together as a group, the Dwane Casey-led squad has improved their teamwork on the floor and have given several potent offenses trouble. They forced 18 turnovers against the Cleveland Cavaliers, while holding LeBron James to 15 points. They forced the best team in basketball (at the time) to turn the ball over 13 times, handing the Memphis Grizzlies their second loss of the season.
The Raptors' only losses came at the hands of the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, both teams the Raptors could face in the playoffs. Although the overall strength of opponents has been rather weak, the lone Canadian team in the NBA appears to match up well against the league's top teams. The Raptors stand as the team to beat in the East and one of the strongest collective groups in the league with no i in team.