Deep rotation
Considering how the Raptors have gone three and five since winning 11 straight matches spanning the end of February and the middle of March, fans have cause to argue that they’re in a slump. Not that the losses were dealt by patsies; on paper, there’s no shame bowing to such notables as the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavaliers. Meanwhile, their doubledigit setback against the Clippers was deemed “just one of those nights. You can’t play how you want to play every single night,” All- Star DeMar DeRozan argued. Still, their goal to build momentum heading into the playoffs has effectively been stunted, and their last five regular-season outings may well determine their final seeding.
Certainly, the Raptors aren’t coasting. Even if the Celtics haven’t exceeded expectations by closing in on them despite the absence of top dog Kyrie Irving, they look to stay consistent in their effort, in large measure a reflection of head coach Dwane Casey’s belief that competitiveness is enhanced by culture. It’s why he deconstructed their star- driven system and went to a deep rotation early in the 20172018 campaign; he wanted all and sundry, DeRozan and starting point guard Kyle Lowry included, to be comfortable with the notion that only if they’re greater than the sum of their parts can they bolster their title hopes.
Which, for all intents, is why Casey insists on sticking to his substitution patterns even though the bench — hitherto a big reason for the Raptors’ success — has not been up to snuff of late. He saw how his previous predilections for isolation sets led to disappointment, and believes that staying the course is the only way they can upend the familiar beasts in the East, let alone stand toe to toe with the best of the West. A gamble? Sure. But from his vantage point, all the other options available to him are far riskier. Insanity, after all, is doing the same thing again and again in expectation of a different result.
In the aftermath of the Raptors’ second consecutive defeat at the hands of the Cavaliers’ yesterday, Casey expressed confidence his charges will right the ship on time. He noted that the challenges — today’s homestand against the Celtics, most especially — will help them build character and toughen them up for what lies ahead. All things considered, it’s the right perspective; else, complacency can set it, and all they’ll be doing is setting themselves up for yet another early exit.
In the aftermath of the Raptors’ second consecutive defeat at the hands of the Cavaliers’ yesterday, Casey expressed confidence his charges will right the ship on time. He noted that the challenges — today’s homestand against the Celtics, most especially — will help them build character and toughen them up for what lies ahead. All things considered, it’s the right perspective; else, complacency can set it, and all they’ll be doing is setting themselves up for yet another early exit.