Raptors clinch Atlantic division title despite loss
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, April 12, 2014
Toronto Raptors clinched the Atlantic division title for the second time in franchise history despite losing 108-100 to New York Knicks on Friday night.
Starting the game, Toronto needed either a victory over New York or a Brooklyn loss to Atlanta to clinch the division.
In spite of Friday loss, Brooklyn fell to Atlanta meaning the 46-33 Raptors were division champions and were also guaranteed to finish third or fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto's only other Atlantic division title occurred in the 2006-07 season when the team won a franchise-best 47 wins.
"I'm excited about it, it's great for the fans," said Raptors head coach Dwane Casey following the game. "It's good for us, but I'm more concerned about getting better and continuing to play."
Finishing in the top four positions guarantees home-court advantage in the first round, something Toronto has also secured.
"Whoever we play, if it's going to be Brooklyn, being at home will help," Casey added. "It's not the answer, it's not a cure-all. It's not going to win the game for us."
Since a players swap with Sacramento on Dec. 9, Toronto holds the best record in the Eastern Conference at 39-21.
Despite the success since the trade, Toronto has taken a step back in the recent weeks. Toronto's defense has struggled as of late, allowing opposing teams to score an average of 102.8 points in 15 games since March 16.
Prior to March 16, Toronto had conceded 97.0 points per game.
"We have three games left and we want to get it tight before the playoffs," said Raptors guard Kyle Lowry following the game. "We have three games to fix it and get our concepts and get it right."
Raptors All-Star DeMar DeRozan hopes the team can find their groove and make a deep playoff run.
"The feeling is we are still anxious, we want more, we aren't satisfied with anything," said DeRozan following the loss.
The first round of the NBA playoffs begin on April 19. Toronto Raptors will play their first game at Toronto's Air Canada Centre on either April 19 or 20.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)