Playoff-bound Raptors ‘take care of business’ against Pistons

TORONTO, Mar. 12 (Xinhua) —Toronto Raptors defeated the Detroit Pistons 101-87 to maintain their third place seed in the Eastern conference in NBA action on Wednesday night.

With the victory, Toronto improves to 36-27 on the season with 19 games remaining on the season and have nearly assured themselves of a playoff berth.

With an 11.5 game lead over the ninth place New York Knicks, ESPN’s Hollinger’s Playoff Odds system currently projects Toronto to make the post-season 100.0 percent of the time given the current standings and each team’s remaining schedule.

“We have to take care of our business,” said Raptors head coach Dwane Casey following the game.” It’s good, it’s exciting. Great for our fans, something our fans haven’t been through for a while.”

An appearance in the playoffs would be the franchise’s first in six seasons. Toronto’s last appearance was in the 2007-08 season when All-Star Chris Bosh was on the roster.

“If we were fortunate enough to make the playoffs, a lot of our guys haven’t been there,” Casey added. “Like I’ve always preached, it’s a different animal. Understand how hard it is getting there first and once you get there, it’s even harder.”

All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan has come a long way since being drafted by Toronto in 2009. The five-year-veteran is eager to add a playoff appearance to his list of NBA accomplishments.

“That’s why I work so hard, it always push me even further ,” said DeRozan after the game when asked about the team’s likeliness of reaching the post-season. ” It always bugs me going home early. Just sitting there and doing nothing.”

A playoff appearance would be beneficial to the entire starting line-up. Toronto’s starting five of Kyle Lowry, Terrence Ross, Amir Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas and DeRozan have played a combined 24 playoff games in three separate seasons.

For a line-up with an average age of 24.2, playoff experience will be invaluable for the team and each individual players’ development.

“Without a doubt,” DeRozan added. ” For myself and the organization, it definitely feels good that we’re moving in the right direction now.”

In the franchise’s 19-year history, Toronto has qualified for the playoffs in five of the previous eighteen seasons. They hold an all-time record of 11-20 in six total series played, with one series win in six attempts.

(not posted on Xinhua)