What's Happenin'? Raptors scratching heads, looks for answers

They had the momentum. They had the support. They had the Coach of the Year. They had an all-star starter. They were playing against a team that has faced more drama than most soap operas and one that also sustained several key areas with aging stars. On paper, the Raptors should have been a safe bet to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

So, What's Happenin'?

Two words: Vince Carter. While the Raptors are definitely a team that is on the rise with growing stars Chris Bosh, T.J. Ford, and Andrea Bargnani, the Nets have Carter and Jason Kidd, and while on the downsides of their careers, they still know how to get it done--when it counts. Much like many have said about Shaquille O'Neal, who really can hold off playing hard if at all until the playoffs, the crunch time of the NBA's elite brings out the best in Carter and Kidd. And as Raptors fans are well aware, Carter has a bit of a chip on his shoulder versus the Raptors, his former team that he left on very poor terms, so his motivation is even higher.

What is the answer? Well, there are two key areas the Raptors have to get better at--first of all, they are not scoring points--and these are where these two key areas lie. They've got to shoot the ball better from the arc--ln the two losses they shot a paltry 27% from downtown, and in the win they shot 43%. Also, they have got to distribute the ball more to get better looks--the Nets are averaging nearly 10 more assists per game. The formula is pretty simple to execute, because the Nets are not your prototypical defensive team.

So, Mr. Sam Mitchell, if you're reading, get your guys to get more passes, which will lead to more open three-pointer looks, which will basically increase shooting percentage and assists all at once. It's just that simple!!! (Yeah right....)

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What's Happenin'? Raptors scratching heads, looks for answers

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