TORONTO - The mood alternated between embarrassment and introspection, trying to look ahead while mindful of what had just unfolded 24 hours earlier in as wretched a performance as one can possibly imagine.
As much as harder screens can be set, better looks provided when the ball is moving freely, limiting dribble penetration and rotating better on defence, the Raptors' internal leadership will now be put to its ultimate test.
How the team responds Wednesday night in Cleveland, how it competes against Indy on Friday and how it emerges from a four-game road trip that begins with a critical tip in Milwaukee will go a long way in revealing what kind of leadership exists on this particular group.
In the absence of a veteran familiar with the NBA’s ropes, one who demands instant respect and expects accountability, it’s incumbent on everyone to make amends from Monday’s regrettable loss to the visiting Washington Wizards.
