So when Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey was asked before Friday night's victory over the Washington Wizards if this year's version of the Raptors was the best one he'd coached during his six-plus seasons with the franchise, it was interesting to hear how he phrased his response.
"The numbers say it," Casey said. "Sometimes the most talented teams are not the best teams, but the numbers show it out. I don't think we're a finished product. There's still room for improvement in different areas, in different individuals.
The numbers do back Toronto's claim. After Friday night's 102-95 win at Capital One Arena over the Wizards, the Raptors are 44-17 — the best record in the East, and the third best in the NBA.