espn insider: Raps back in playoff hunt

[Jval17]

New article regarding the raptors but need to be an espn insider to view it. Any insiders care to share?
http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyPage=PerDiem-130107

[GJC]

3. Toronto Raptors

With the Boston Celtics showing signs of life during the weekend by sweeping Indiana and Atlanta, the odds of a surprise playoff team in the Eastern Conference got longer. If one of the conference's top eight teams does stumble, and the 76ers don't get Andrew Bynum back, there's an interesting battle brewing between the Raptors and the Detroit Pistons and who might take advantage. The two teams have been essentially identical during the season, but give Toronto the slight edge because a playoff run looked possible before the season. In the wake of a solid first season under Dwane Casey and the addition of Lowry, SCHOENE pegged the Raptors for a near-.500 record -- 10 games better than the Pistons.

A month ago, anyone suggesting Toronto might make the playoffs was in for a Jim Mora-style rant. A road-heavy early schedule has evened out, and the Raptors have taken full advantage, winning eight of their past 12 games.

While Toronto fans have credited the absence of Andrea Bargnani for improved defense, the Raptors are really winning with efficient offense. Per NBA.com, they rank third in the league in offensive rating since Dec. 10. An increased dosage of small ball has helped, as has the return of glue guy Alan Anderson, who has the team's best net plus-minus rating.

[Jval17]

3. Toronto Raptors

With the Boston Celtics showing signs of life during the weekend by sweeping Indiana and Atlanta, the odds of a surprise playoff team in the Eastern Conference got longer. If one of the conference's top eight teams does stumble, and the 76ers don't get Andrew Bynum back, there's an interesting battle brewing between the Raptors and the Detroit Pistons and who might take advantage. The two teams have been essentially identical during the season, but give Toronto the slight edge because a playoff run looked possible before the season. In the wake of a solid first season under Dwane Casey and the addition of Lowry, SCHOENE pegged the Raptors for a near-.500 record -- 10 games better than the Pistons.

A month ago, anyone suggesting Toronto might make the playoffs was in for a Jim Mora-style rant. A road-heavy early schedule has evened out, and the Raptors have taken full advantage, winning eight of their past 12 games.

While Toronto fans have credited the absence of Andrea Bargnani for improved defense, the Raptors are really winning with efficient offense. Per NBA.com, they rank third in the league in offensive rating since Dec. 10. An increased dosage of small ball has helped, as has the return of glue guy Alan Anderson, who has the team's best net plus-minus rating.

Appreciated!! Interesting that not only the "Bc apologists" believe we have a CHANCE

[bonjovi0308]

Did we win really becoz of small ball? I bet less 2pg lineup helped too

[Hero]

That's allowed? copy and pasting from ESPN insider?

[pkiskool]

When was this written?
Surely it doesn't look possible anymore with the 2 game drop at home and more to come...

[Indeed]

Did we win really becoz of small ball? I bet less 2pg lineup helped too

We played Alan Anderson at PF. He improved our perimeter defense by guarding one of the best offensive players, and he was scoring against his man. Also, our schedule was top 5 (based on SOS ranking) easiest against sub .500 teams.

I doubt we can sustain the offense, because most of them are jump shots (catch and shoot), but we shall see if we can get Lowry and Anderson to create.

[CoachJReturns]

I never expected us to make a run at the playoffs, so while I've been pleasantly surprised at the team's play recently, I won't mind at all if they finish around 10-12 in the conference. I'd prefer it because we all know BC will be extended if this team overachieves.

[DonMega]

That's allowed? copy and pasting from ESPN insider?

You forgot the green font.

Thanks for the tidbit.

[God Squad]

One week at a time. But ya its possible.