The Raptors are better since the trade deadline, when they made two significant deals. But they're not beating the teams with better records. The lack of defence for three quarters last night was glaring, particularly given this is the time of the season that teams begin to clamp down at the defensive end. The bench becomes shorter. The game becomes more half-court.
Easy shots are hard to come by.
Not last night. The message the Raptors sent was that they aren't ready for the playoffs. Not yet, anyway. And yes, it is just one game. This time of year it's mental.