Toronto Raptors: 3 Keys For Rest Of Season

Feb 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) is congratulated by guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after making a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Clippers 123-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 6, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) reacts at the end of a 113-107 loss to Houston Rockets at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

The Raptors are capable of playing championship level defense at times, but the consistency has not been there lately.

One of the main reasons the Raptors have been bounced out of the first round of the playoffs the last two years has been their inability to get stops when it matters. In a league where offense is often the primary focus, the old adage of defense winning championships remains true.

The Raptors are still ranked ninth in defensive efficiency for the season, but consistency has been lacking. They were bottom five in defensive efficiency in the month of February, but so far have been seventh in that metric for March.

But while it’s been better overall in March, there still have been times like against the Houston Rockets where the focus and dedication to that end of the floor has been lacking.

Another reason why the defense may have been improved was Bismack Biyombo spending some time in the starting lineup with Valanciunas sidelined. If they are going to stick with their current starting bigs, they are going to need to find a way to defend at the same level with Jonas that they did with Biyombo starting.

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