The Raptors have been clawing and climbing back into the thick of the NBA Eastern Conference race, figuring it out as they go along with far more smooth stretches than rocky ones in the last couple of weeks.
They are, as coach Nick Nurse said, “trending upwards” as they regroup after an arduous but ultimately successful 4-2 six-game road trip.
The offence, a blip or two notwithstanding, has never operated with more quickness and efficiency this season than it has in the last 10 games or so.
The defence looks as frenetically good as perhaps possible, solid enough to keep them in many games, not the greatest but not the worst and that about sums up the team as whole.