The Toronto Raptors are having a rollercoaster of a season, marked by some impressive victories and some concerning losses. They've managed to win 27 games by double digits, tying them for fourth in the Eastern Conference, which is a solid feat.
However, they've also dropped 20 games by double digits, more than any other playoff-bound team in the East. It's a puzzling pattern that has fans scratching their heads.
In an 82-game season, blowouts happen. But for the Raptors, these lopsided losses have become alarmingly frequent.
March has been particularly rough, with six losses, five of which were by double figures. When the Raptors lose, they tend to do so decisively, and it's often apparent early in the game which version of the team has shown up.
So, what's the solution? The Raptors clearly have some issues, but their tendency to fall out of contention in games could be the most pressing. In the playoffs, where four losses spell elimination, they can't afford to give away games like this.
The Raptors need to find a way to stay competitive. If they don't address this issue soon, it's hard to see things improving as the season winds down. Their 19-27 record against teams with a .500 record or better doesn't help their playoff prospects either.
Postseason basketball is unpredictable, and the Raptors have enough talent to potentially win a series. But for that to happen, Darko Rajaković's squad needs to remain competitive every night.
Is it a matter of effort at the start of games? Poor game planning?
Or something else entirely?
There's been a silver lining lately, as the Raptors have shown some improvement in the fourth quarter. They're not setting the world on fire (ranking 18th in net rating over the past 10 games), but they're no longer at rock bottom.
The challenge now is ensuring they reach the fourth quarter with a fighting chance. Unfortunately, recent games against the Clippers and Suns didn't go that way.
Raptors fans understand that the team is still a piece or two away from being true NBA Finals contenders. That's not their ceiling this year. But an Eastern Conference Finals run isn't out of the question-if they can just get out of their own way and maintain consistency.