Toronto Raptors Report Week 6: Inconsistency Is Their Middle Name

From now on, I am going to use a new format for my Raptors weekly report, breaking it down by each game.

The Raptors had a pretty good week, winning two out of three games, and their four game home stand has come to an end.

The team has shown flashes of what they are capable of doing; they just can't seem to do it consistently.

Record: 2-1

Performance on a scale of 1-10: 7.5

Here is a recap of the three games.

Washington Wizards @ Toronto Raptors, W 127-108

Positives

The Raptors had their best offensive outing of the season, and everything seemed to be clicking for them. Their offense was balanced, their rebounding was good, and the Wizards were never really close.

Negatives

Not too much to complain about in this one, but the team let up 108 points, which isn't a good sign.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Toronto Raptors W 111-99

Positives

Many people are saying that the only reason we won this game was because Kevin Durant was out. This could have been a big reason, but this team played some good basketball. Defensively, they were solid, allowing just under 100 points. Offensively, it was another balanced attack. Andrea Bargnani was fantastic and his rebounding has picked up after Reggie Evans' injury. 

In the third quarter, the Raptors made a run and took the lead, and never looked back.

Negatives

Linas Kleiza was just awful, and he's been a huge disappointment.  

New York Knicks @ Toronto Raptors L 116-99

Positives

Jerryd Bayless has finally seemed to figure out how to play in Toronto, and he had his best game as a Raptor. Amir Johnson recorded a career high 16 rebounds, and has been fantastic as a starter. Reggie who?  

Negatives

Here's that inconsistency that I talked about. Andrea Bargnani wasn't too good, and this was a big reason why the Raps took the loss. Their defense was bad, offense was mediocre, and they got killed right out the gate, and could never recover.

Overall, this week was pretty good for the team and hopefully they can play with the same intensity on the road.

Ask Sachin

I'm starting a new section to my Raptors Report, where fans ask a question about the team, and I answer them in the next report.

"Do you think Jarryd Bayless is capable enough of being our future starting PG? Is he the real deal?" - Jamario Robinson, Raptors fan page on Facebook. 

Bayless has certainly showed flashes of his potential. If he continues to develop, he can be a starting point guard for the future. His game vs the Knicks was great. He's quick, aggressive, and assertive, but if he wants to be our starting point guard for the future, he needs to improve his playmaking.

"What do you think would be better off for Toronto? Play as hard as possible and hopefully make an impact in the playoffs with possibly earning interest from other players, or bombing and getting a high draft pick?" - Darryll Campbell-Brown, Raptors fan page on Facebook.

I don't believe in bombing. I always believe you have to try your best; it is unprofessional to bomb. Fans want to see a winning team, or at least a good effort. And what do you want to tell the players; don't win? This team is already young, just let them develop and play their best. The Raptors have tons of cap room this offseason, and if they want to sign a big name, making the playoffs would be the best thing. And the playoffs will help the development of the young players even more. Just let them play.

If you want to have your question answered in the next Raptors Report, be sure to leave your question in the comment section below.

GO RAPS!