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5 reasons Raptors fans can be optimistic for the playoffs

By Graeme Klayh

Mar 23, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; The Toronto Raptors players huddle prior to their game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; The Toronto Raptors players huddle prior to their game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) and forward Patrick Patterson (54) grab a rebound during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Chicago won 129-120. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) and forward Patrick Patterson (54) grab a rebound during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Chicago won 129-120. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Bench Brothers – Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson

How many first and third quarters have you watched and were waiting for the moment for Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson would enter to alleviate Scola and James Johnson? Far too many. The bright side of the inadequate starting lineup is the sterling bench brothers, ready to sweep up the lack of consistency from the 3 and 4.

Terrence Ross has established himself as a threat from anywhere on the court. He has always been known for his three-point shooting, but his in-between game has improved as much as his driving game has. At heart, he will always be a long range shooter with a buttery soft jump shot, but he has brought the intangibles to finally demand playing time over slow starters.

Patrick Patterson, who started the season very slowly, has earned himself the third-highest minutes per game on the team. His stretchy shooting is always a plus, but his defense is just incredible and is getting better. Patterson can guard 3s and 4s with relative ease. The large LeBron James’s and the stretchier Ryan Andersons are right in his wheel-house, and switching to smaller guards does not create a panic scenario.

The combo defense and offense these two bring every night is invaluable. The 1-2 punch will be a problem for incoming teams, as they will have to match up with the non-positional bench bros.

Next: Alas, the Dynamic Duo

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