The ‘Cats owe a big thanks to their second unit for this win. Charlotte’s bench players drained all eight of their team’s 3-balls, which was three more than the entire Raps roster could muster. Byron Mullens, a non-factor last week in the Raps’ home victory, scored 25 points, including 3 of 4 from long distance. Jannero Pargo, the quintessential NBA journeyman, also was 3 for 4.

Mar 13, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey watches from the sideline as they take on the Boston Celtics during the second half at the TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 112-88. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Jonas Valanciunas seems to have finally earned the trust of coach Dwane Casey. He was strong all game, including the fourth quarter, and scored 18 points. JV hit all 6 of his free throws, which sends a message that hacking him isn’t a winning tactic. Hitting from the foul line wasn’t a problem last night; the Raps were perfect on 26 tries. However, 18 assists against 16 turnovers is ghastly. By contrast, the ‘Cats, who are no one’s idea of an efficient team, had a 21-12 ratio.

Amir Johnson was forced to sit earlier than desired because of foul trouble, and ended with a disappointing 8 points, though he did manage 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. DeMar DeRozan needed only 12 shots to score 19 points, but seemed to disappear (or his point guard wouldn’t pass to him) in crunch time. This pattern needs to change.

Mar 15, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center-forward Amir Johnson (15) tries to get control of the ball against the Charlotte Bobcats during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Raps got help last night from Atlanta, who defeated Milwaukee, but fumbled the chance to bring a little pressure to bear. We’re now in garbage time for the season, which continues this weekend with a home-and-home against the New York Knicks.

Brian Boake is a co-editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

Mar 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shoots after getting by Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) at the Air Canada Centre. Miami defeated Toronto 108-91. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The fans who do show up are likely in for some occasionally painful basketball.  The Raps’ playoff odds are just 1.4%, and although the ‘Cats started the season well enough, their playoff chances evaporated during a soul-destroying 18-game losing streak. Players and coaches on both sides are trying to save their jobs. Don’t be surprised at some selfish shot attempts and poor ball movement, as players on the bubble will feel compelled to pad their stats.

The Raps proved at home last week against Charlotte that even a wobbly effort should be sufficient for a win. We can hope that our team will take fewer than three quarters of the game to wake up, instead putting this match away early by:

• Limiting Charlotte’s shot attempts. Bobcats management should be dismayed at how poorly the team rebounds. Amir Johnson destroyed Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bismack Biyombo and the other members of Charlotte’s kiddie corps on the boards last week. If Amir and friends can compel lots of “one & done” Charlotte offense, the Raps will win easily.
• Forcing their guards to shoot from outside.I like Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson, but I don’t believe they can beat the Raps with jump shots,
  

  Mar 15, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (15) drives against Toronto Raptors forward-guard Alan Anderson (6) during the second half at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Charlotte 92-78. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

  assuming our guards defend with vigor.

• Making their front court defend. I saw little to nothing last week to persuade me that Charlotte can stand up to repeated assaults on their big men. Jonas Valanciunas should have lots of chances to utilize his growing repertoire of low post moves, and hopefully Amir’s bloody nose (suffered in the Heat game) won’t keep him out of action. Rudy Gay showed against Miami that he is capable of attacking the basket without losing the ball half the time. Hopefully DeMar DeRozan can snap out of his shooting funk, which will draw his defender further out and set up more chances to drive the lane.

Charlotte found some scoring on Monday night, pouring in 119 points in a defense-free victory over Washington, a result I think was a fluke. The Raps will out-muscle the ‘Cats to bring home a 99-85 win.

Brian Boake is a co-editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.