The Toronto Raptors tugged on fresh new T-shirts after Friday night's win that read simply: "Atlantic Claimed."
The Raptors secured their second consecutive Atlantic Division title, and third in franchise history, with their 94-83 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. It was finally something to celebrate, and perhaps a corner turned, the players said, on several weeks of frustration.
"I think I said last game, all we needed was something to get us back going and put us back in the right mood," said DeMar DeRozan. "Just knowing we've clinched the division, this could be the thing that pushes us over the hump, and gives us what we need to gain our swag back. That's all it is. Once we get back on track, we'll be right where we left off."
Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points, while Lou Williams added 18 for the Raptors (43-30), who were missing injured all-star Kyle Lowry. James Johnson added 17 points, Amir Johnson had 11, and Terrence Ross finished with 10.
"This is a small victory. We're not satisfied with this," said Raptors coach Dwane Casey, wearing his red T-shirt over his shirt and tie for the post-game news conference. "We've got to get this shadow, this cloud off our shoulder — you know, 'woe is me' — and think positive to build some small steps going forward.
"The guys picked up on that tonight."
Jeremy Lin topped the Lakers (19-52) with 18 points. Robert Sacre of North Vancouver, B.C., added seven points.
The Raptors have been desperate to shrug off their struggles and head into the post-season on a high note. At the other end of the spectrum, the Lakers have been eliminated from playoff contention.
But it wasn't until the fourth quarter that the Raptors finally broke open what had been a close game. They led 71-66 with one quarter left, but had stretched that to 17 points by the time Williams scored on a layup with 3:16 to play.
Williams called clinching the division a "small milestone."
"Especially with the past month or so we've been having just some ups and downs. It's great to accomplish something tonight," Williams said.
"We put so much pressure on ourselves to have a great season sometimes we just get lost...You know, just enjoying the small things. We have other goals we want to accomplish now so it was great to clinch the playoffs, it was great to clinch the division. Now our next step will be seeding and then trying to win the first round."
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