Half-court launches help lift Raptors’ mood, snap losing streak

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Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey made a small change in preparing for his team's Monday night game in Philadelphia, and it seemed to help lift a cumbersome weight.

Instead of reviewing the scouting report like they normally do during a game-day shootaround, Casey decided to change things up for his team, which was tense and burdened by a five-game losing streak (including a fresh thrashing by the last-place New York Knicks). So the team engaged in a light-hearted shooting contest.

A squad that had been off its game enjoyed the change of pace. That night, the Raptors snapped the ugly losing streak by taking care of business – albeit against the lowly Philadelphia 76ers. Much like resting all-star point guard Kyle Lowry over the past two games, it's critical sometimes to slow down the train in the relentless 82-game season.

"We were coming in with so much pressure, trying to solve the situation and everyone was trying to find their own answer," said Greivis Vasquez after Tuesday's practice back in Toronto. "We were laughing, taking some half-court shots, and we went back to the hotel relaxed – and then went back and we won. We needed that: Everyone was tight and awkward. We're not used to losing five games in a row."

Casey played down the change, said the real fun came with competing and winning, and the team still got in some much-needed shooting practice.

"It's the time of year when monotony sets in, so we gave them a different format, nothing special," Casey said. "You have to make sure guys are enjoying coming to work."

Like the snow and unforgiving cold that plagues Toronto, the schedule won't offer the 38-22 Raptors a respite anytime soon as they try to maintain their grip on second place in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers visit on Wednesday, then the team heads back on the road to face the Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

Lowry remains day-to-day and was getting treatment during much of the team's Tuesday workout. The point guard and the club have kept his exact injuries vague, calling them bumps and bruises, or general soreness.

"It's all over, it's a combination … legs, upper body, lower body … head and shoulders, knees and toes," Casey said with a grin. "A couple of years ago, it would have been harder for him to accept sitting out and taking time out to rest his body, but I think it's good for him to do that and it's going to help him. A lot of teams do it. We did it in Dallas. I like taking time off now instead of waiting … I would rather rest Kyle now and ramp it up before the playoffs."

Lowry averaged 11.9 points on 34-per-cent shooting as he struggled through February, far below the 18 points on 41-per-cent shooting the all-star is averaging on the season.

"I was out for 21 games and he carried the load, so there's nothing wrong with it at all," DeMar DeRozan said of Lowry resting. "Nagging pains don't go away if you don't rest."

While the Raptors are playing only .500 ball through their 28 games so far in 2015, the Cavs have won 18 of their past 28, and have been thriving since acquiring Timofey Mozgov, Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith.

Toronto won the first meeting between the two teams this season; Cleveland took the past two.

The Raptors are 15-16 against teams over .500 this season, winning just one in their most recent five meetings against such foes. A win on Wednesday would be just the second for Toronto over a LeBron James-led team since 2009.