The Raptors need to cut down on their amount of lapes in the game

The Toronto Raptors are solid on D and are 6 games over .500 (32-26) and are 6-2 in their last 8 games but they will need to more mentally strong as like the other 29 NBA teams they have ups and downs in the game. The only problem is that when they hit the bottom of downs they can not fix the problem and the Raps allow 30 plus points in a quarter like last night against the wizards when they put up 36 points in the second quarter in a game that went three overtimes that they lost 134-129. Against the Bulls and gave up 31 points in the first quarter and the Bulls averaged 92 points a game and were down 10 after 12 minutes and battled back could never fight all the way back to win as they fell 94-92 in what felt like a playoff game. So by the time the playoffs happen the Raptors desperately need to figure out how to bounce back a lot quicker when they go flat because 12 minute ball will make sure you are laughed and the Raps have been laughed at for years. So a minute or two here and there is fine and will help hopefully double their playoffs series victory before they meet one of the two real teams in the Pacers or the heat. Dwayne Casey has a lot of teachable moments that he can use in video down the stretch as they do more video work and walk throughs instead of practices as the Players will need more rest so they do not ware down before the playoff starts anf allow Casey to show a different way of teaching his players and make him a better all around coach. Terrence Ross shutdown D will be huge in a playoff situation while Kyle Lowry if he continues to play within himself he will be more desirable to the rest of the league so he can go back south while laughing all the way to the bank. DeMar DeRozan will need to learn when to pass up a shot for someone else's better shot as he will be smothered by the opponents with double and triple teams and will need the three-pointing Lowry, Ross, along with Patterson, Salmons, and Vasquez off the bench. The Raptors D will be a strong point going into the playoffs with 5 guys on the floor knowing what to do on the very important defensive end Tom Mehegan s