Toronto Raptors: 15 takeaways from their 15-game winning streak

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 10: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during player introductions prior to an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Scotiabank Arena on February 10, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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4. Standing pat at the deadline

At this past trade deadline, the Toronto Raptors made the exceptionally bold move of doing nothing. Not that they couldn’t make a move, with their cadre of young players, all their own first-round draft picks and a little salary fodder to throw around, but they chose not to. Instead, the Raptors decided that this is the group they’re going to ride or die with in the playoffs. It takes moxie to stand firm and decide that these are your guys, and that’s exactly what team president Masai Ujiri did last week.

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3. Depth overcomes injuries

Generally, when a team rips off 15 straight wins, it’s a result of all the best players getting healthy at the same time and gelling. A team can do great things when all of its contributors are on the same page and on the same court. That’s not how it worked with the Raptors.

Kyle Lowry missed a game. Serge Ibaka missed a game. Fred VanVleet missed two games. Perennial NBA champion Patrick McCaw missed three games. Marc Gasol missed seven of the 15 games. If there’s a team that fits the “next man up” mantra, it’s the Toronto Raptors and the depth that allows them to overcome adversity brought about by injuries.

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