Toronto Raptors: Looking Back on the First Part of the Season

Though the mathimatical halfway point of the 2014/15 NBA season has long past, tonight’s impressive triumph over the Atlanta Hawks marked what is often known as the second part of the season. The Toronto Raptors experienced the most successful first part of a season in franchise history, posting a 36-17 record. This record is not only good for second in the Eastern Conference, but also a projected 56-26 record by season’s end.

To add some context, the team’s best record ever was the 48-34 mark posted a year ago. 56 wins would usher in a whole new attitude for professional basketball in Toronto. It would give the team the confidence they have earned, but so seldom possessed this season. Further, it would make a team that has bought into an unselfish approach to basketball have the knowledge that they are capable of making a deep playoff push.

So, the first part of the season has been pretty incredible for the Raptors. Consider how much better it could have been had DeMar DeRozan not gone down with a serious groin injury. DeRozan missed 21 games throughout November, December and January, in which the team posted a still respectable 12-9 record. First time All-Star Kyle Lowry played on his head, anchoring his team and doing more than his fare share to replace DeRozan’s 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

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Without DeRozan’s unfortunate absence, the Raptors are a phenomenal 25-8, which equates to 64-18 when enlarged to 82 games. Obviously, there’s no way of knowing that something else wouldn’t have happened to hurt the team’s winning record had DeRozan stayed healthy. Still, those numbers are worth gawking at. They show just how important it has been to have the team’s two best players healthy. However, Lowry and DeRozan aren’t the only Raptors who have stepped up mightily throughout the first act of this season.

Summer additions Lou Williams and James Johnson have both found long-term homes in Toronto. Williams is on pace to have his best season ever, which is saying a lot for the 9-year veteran. Williams has become a fantastic sixth man for the Raps, scoring confidently against just about any opponent. He is capable of going off every time he touches the court. For example, he notched 26 points in tonight’s victory over the Hawks, pacing the Raptors and providing a heavy dose of energy off the bench.

Johnson has averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds on 61% shooting from the field. His stats can’t really describe how much of a contribution he has made to the team’s success. He offers pure effort and support for the Raps. Johnson is willing to fill any role to help his team succeed, whether that’s starting or coming off the bench. He has recorded huge highlights to inspire his team on the offensive and defensive sides of the court.

The Raptors still have a long way to go before the playoffs, but they have laid a solid foundation throughout the first part of the season. With good health, things should only get better. Let’s catch those Hawks.

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