Keys for a Long Playoff Run

With the postseason only a couple of weeks away, more now than ever, teams are hoping to build the kind of momentum that may give them that extra boost needed for a long playoff run. The Raptors, who are currently boasting the longest win streak in the Eastern Conference even with Lowry sidelined, know just how important the playoffs are, particularly considering the uncertainty of players’ contracts in the upcoming off-season. So how can the Raptors best ensure themselves continued success in the second season?

Everything starts and ends with Kyle Lowry and his status heading into the playoffs. As the vocal leader on the team and the engine that keeps everything running on the offensive end, the reintegration of Lowry into the starting lineup is something to keep an eye on. There is an obvious need for his ability to stretch the floor with his 3pt shooting, scoring, rebounding, drive and kick game, but like last post-season, it's the intangibles that make him a truly special player: his ability to bring a sense of calm to the team, his vocal leadership style and his hustle for loose balls. Even a Lowry at less than 100% may make the difference between a short and long playoff run.

"Defense wins championships" is a mantra coaches have sung since the beginning of time, and couldn’t ring truer for any team more than these Raptors. Of the top 4 teams in the Eastern Conference, the Raptors have the top ranked defense since the All-star break, with newcomers Ibaka and Tucker clearly leaving their fingerprints on the team. With the league seeing an increase in scoring, primarily due to increases in both pace and 3pt shooting, the importance of defense will be paramount come playoff time, and should be a continued focus of the Raptors identity.

Turnovers are the biggest gripe for any coach, as it not only kills offensive momentum but also puts defense at a disadvantage. The Raptors play at one of the slower paces in the league, and also have one of the lower team assist numbers in the league; all to say that there simply aren't enough possessions in a given game for this team to afford costly turnovers. Taking care of the ball might be what makes or breaks this team against high octane offensive teams.

Lastly, shrinking the rotation will be an interesting development, as teams usually only play 8-9 players during the playoffs. The Raptors rotation is currently 10-men deep, and that's without Lowry in the fold. NBA coaches these days get the bulk of the blame when things go sour, so it’s not an exaggeration to say that Casey will be under a microscope when he puts together his combination of players.Masai Ujiri has given Casey the most versatile roster to date both offensively and defensively; it might finally be time to see if Casey is the person to lead this group for seasons to come.