BUILT FOR THE LONG HAUL: WHY THE RAPTORS ARE POISED FOR PLAYOFF SUCCESS

The engineer

In the off-season, Masai Ujiri parted ways with Tyler Hansbrough, Landry Fields, Chuck Hayes, Amir Johnson, Greivis Vasquez and Lou Williams. Vasquez and Williams could score, but their defence lacked. So Toronto added defensive-focused guys and significant playoff experience, drafted some four-year NCAA stars and added a new NBA Development team to develop them. "I think we failed in the playoffs last year, and I take responsibility for that," Ujiri said. "Maybe our roster was flawed and defensively we just weren't good enough."

The all-star duo

Two years ago, Kyle Lowry had a little playoff experience from Houston but most of his Toronto teammates had never been there before, including DeMar DeRozan. Last season, each had injuries. This year, a slimmer, quicker Lowry and a more seasoned DeRozan both had All-Star seasons, career stats, better health and got more rest down the stretch. They've become one of the NBA's highest-scoring backcourt duos. "I had no clue about the playoffs [back then]. Guys could tell you what to look out for and how to prepare for the playoffs, but it's a different atmosphere," DeRozan said. "When you get out there, the intensity, every single second you're out there on the court, everything matters. You've got to be mentally locked in, because nothing is a secret. It's still exciting to be in this position but it's more of a focus thing this time. It's not the end of the season; it's the start of a new one."

Playoff-experienced newcomers

Reserve point guard Cory Joseph has helped keep Lowry fresh and been one of Toronto's top defenders, especially in fourth quarters. Coming from the San Antonio Spurs, Joseph's 41 playoff games are the most of any current Raptor, and he's won an NBA championship. "The Spurs weren't a team for speeches. We had such a routine there, such great vets, so from the start of the season, everything just naturally built toward the playoffs. It was like there was a speech that was never given, because when the postseason hit, everyone's demeanour just changed and they knew what it would take. I see similarities here in Toronto. We all really like each other, we're in a good rhythm, we feel confident, and we share the same goal."

DeMarre Carroll was on playoff teams in Utah and Atlanta, most notably defending LeBron James for the Hawks in last year's Eastern Conference Finals. He's just back from a three-month layoff after knee surgery, ready to offer his specialty: defending superstars like Indy's Paul George. "Coming out of this injury, the biggest sense of confidence comes from the way I was able to play in last year's playoffs versus guys like LeBron," Carroll said. "That helped me mentally in knowing what I'm capable of now."

Toronto's most impactful defensive addition has been Bismack Biyombo. The Congolese backup big man brings playoff experience from Charlotte, rim protection, shot blocking and rebounding. The high-motor player helps Toronto keep Jonas Valanciunas off the floor when bad defensive mismatches arise.

Luis Scola has 37 playoff games to his name from stints in Houston and Indiana. He was part of the Pacers team that went to the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals. The 35-year-old Argentinian Olympic gold medalist has filled a need for veteran leadership. "If you talk a lot, people get too used to your voice," Scola said. "I've learned to pick my speaking points wisely."

The big man

In his fourth NBA season, Jonas Valanciunas has averaged career stats in points and rebounds, despite missing significant time with a hand injury. Changes to Toronto's defensive scheme, along with improved movement have helped the Lithuanian seven-footer hone his long-standing weakness: defending the pick-and-roll.

Bursts off the bench

Ujiri tried to make the case that Toronto's bench should be considered for sixth man of the year honours, noting the importance of Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson to the team's success. James Johnson, while struggling with injuries, has been counted upon to defend opposing stars. While Patterson's scoring and rebounding stats are unspectacular, he has Toronto's best plus/minus. Ross struggled in his first two playoffs, but a move to the bench this year energized his game. "I feel this time like I haven't seen everything, but I have seen a lot," Ross said. "I feel more comfortable playing my style, and not hesitating."

The rookie

The Raptors drafted Norman Powell because they liked his four years of experience at UCLA, where he had played in three NCAA Tournaments and drew the toughest defensive assignments. He's stepped up big during Carroll's injury and is peaking in time for his first NBA postseason. "Cory has told me all about when he played against OKC in the western conference finals and how intense the atmosphere was," Powell said. "I think my college experience has helped prepare me for what this will be like."

The coaches

Dwane Casey's staff was remodeled– only assistants Nick Nurse and Jama Mahlalela were kept, while new blood was added. Andy Greer came from the Chicago Bulls to focus on defence, a disciple of both Tom Thibodeau and Jeff Van Gundy. Jerry Stackhouse took his first NBA coaching job after a 19-year playing career in which he played 75 playoff games. Rex Kalamian came from the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that repeatedly made the Western Conference semis and finals, as well as the 2012 NBA finals.

"In OKC, it started with how Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Nick Collison and Kendrick Perkins could identify an opponent's strengths and take them away," Kalamian said. "In close-out games, a desperate team will play any style and use any personnel necessary to survive, and they were prepared for anything and could close a team out. I learned from them as much as they learned from me."

Last year's Raptors finished ranked 25th of the NBA's 30 teams defensively. Right now, they're 11th, while ranking fifth offensively. "We're in a better place mentally and we're grittier than we were last year," Casey said. "Last year, we were like, 'We're going to outscore you' every game rather than 'I'm going to get a stop, I'm going to fight you for that loose ball or that rebound.' We didn't have that identity last year."