Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan runs up the court after scoring against the Magic at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 24, 2013. (FERNANDO MEDINA/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP)
ORLANDO - A closed-door meeting helped turn things around for the Raptors when all looked bleak earlier this season.
Will DeMar DeRozan’s memorable buzzer-beater and strong efforts against the champs and vaunted Los Angeles Lakers do the same for another portion of the schedule that appeared to be going off of the rails?
After fighting back to respectability following the embarrassing 4-19 start, the Raptors dropped six of eight to climb “back into a hole,” according to head coach Dwane Casey, before stunning the Lakers last Sunday and performing surprisingly well in Florida.
Though some strong clubs will be visiting, Toronto will play host in seven of the next 10 contests, giving the team a chance to start pecking away again.
That would allow the club to head into the all-star break in the middle of next month still feeling hopeful that the season is not yet lost.
