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Jay Triano says six years as colour analyst of the expansion doormat Vancouver Grizzlies probably helped him more than working with a winning team.
"In the grand scheme of things I hate losing," Triano said when the experience was equated to his current post with the struggling Raptors. "But I sat through loss after loss and I think that helped me more than watching them win would have. Because you're always trying to find ways to get better.
"There's something about losing for me, being a competitive person, that stings. Maybe you relax a little more if you win, but I don't, so (watching losses) will only make you better. Even though I'm broadcasting, I'm taking down mental notes, writing things. In the course of six years and 82 games, that helps develop who you are. I wasn't thinking (bad) pass here, (bad) pass there and bemoaning and complaining about losing games, I was thinking of strategies that I might use somewhere down the line."
THREE'S A BIG CROWD
The Raptors have come to realize that more wins won't be possible unless a supporting cast picks up where big men Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani leave off. Those two are playing some of their best ball of the season, but help isn't always there.
"That's a given with the Killer B's, they'll get their baskets and their touches," forward Joey Graham said. "But it's up to everyone else to pick up the slack, either play defence or score the rest of the points.""
TOUGH FIGHt
Triano warned the Philadelphia 76ers will be tough to keep up with tonight.
"This is the No. 1 or 2 fast-breaking team in the NBA. They're tops at offensive rebounds and fast breaks."
