Stop Walking and Run

Over the last five games, it's clear that the Raptors' biggest weakness has been exposed for the world to see. No, it's not rebounding, transition defence, fast break points or lack of a slasher. It's the Raps' inability to put together runs. It's really been there the entire year, but weaknesses show up in losses, not wins.

Individual games this season are really shaping up the way the Blue Jays' 2005 season went. For most of the season they didn't record a winning or losing streak longer than five games (out of 162, remember). They did record one 9-game losing streak which was the main reason they ended the season below .500. But that journey seems to perfectly reflect the Raptors in every individual journey so far this season. The Raptors are almost never out of the game in the first half, they're too talented for that. but over and over, you see a decisive third- or fourth-quarter run that does the Raptors in. In last night's game against the Cavs, they completely dominated the third quarter en route to a blowout win.

You always hear the announcers and colour guys talk about how "good teams will always make their run". And it's true - think about the times the Raptors have been up big in the third or fourth (seems like a long time ago, doesn't it?). Against New Jersey the Raptors had a three possession lead with a minute and a half to go, and against Atlanta we had a nine-point lead that was cut to three with a minute left. Whether it's the coaching staff, the motivation they give, or something else, the Raptors have to learn to focus - that means everyone, as a team - and put together some runs. If these guys are willing to trail by a wide margin going into every fourth quarter, it's the only way to pick up Ws.