The Raptors were right with the Jazz Sunday afternoon in Toronto before eventually falling 109-101. But that's what the Jazz do as they have now won 11 straight now and continue to creep up the standings in the Western Conference. As it usually is with Utah, their system and having the discipline to stay within the system helped them pull out the victory. The Jazz head to Indiana tomorrow just four wins shy of the franchise record of 15 consecutive victories sporting its longest win streak in 10 years.
Utah point guard Deron Williams had a terrific second half scoring 18 of his 25 points on seven of nine shooting from the floor while adding five assists. For Raptor fans who point to the same old story regarding the Raptors being broken down by an opponents point man, just remember, that was Deron Williams and many have fallen victim to his abilities. The problem was twofold for Toronto late in the game. Defensively, they couldn't get stops against one of best teams at executing its offense late in the game. Williams' decision making in Utah's screen roll game was exquisite as under his direction, the Jazz shot 50% from the floor in the final frame. Offensively for Toronto, there were too many turnovers late in the game as the Raptors coughed up the ball five times in the final quarter.
Toronto is currently at the point where it needs a win to boost confidence. The pattern has been the same for the Raptors over the last five losses where they are in the game and then a few critical moments in the second half puts them in a hole from which they never recover.
Don't look now but the Charlotte Bobcats have won a franchise record six straight games. While many teams at the bottom of the east are holding out hope of going on a run to grab the final playoff spot, the Bobcats are putting that run together. Call it the 'Larry Brown Effect' but it's a familiar pattern with him and his team's development. He demands things at the beginning of the season and while they may not always be able to deliver, he continues to teach and demand and eventually wins start to follow. After taking their lumps early in the season, the 'Cats are clawing their way up the standings and 12 of their final 19 games will see them match up with teams that currently have a sub .500 record. Don't scoff at the notion of seeing Charlotte in the playoffs.
At the other end of the playoff picture, the race for the top seed in the east is heating up. With Orlando's win over Boston yesterday, the top three teams (Cleveland, Boston, Orlando) are separated by only 3 games. Following yesterday's loss to the Magic, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers openly second-guessed his decision to start Stephon Marbury over Eddie House as Rajon Rondo could not go because of a sprained ankle.
It looks like the Celtics could have Kevin Garnett back as early as next week. Garnett has been out with a knee injury and as valuable as he has been to Boston, Rondo's health is also a big key in Boston's hopes toward a repeat title. Rondo is hoping to play when the Celtics meet the Miami Heat.
