Raptors Can't Stand Up

For the second time this weekend, the Raptors made a furious comeback to just watch a key victory slip away. On Friday, Toronto trailed Indiana by 24 points entering the fourth but pulled within one with a minute left before the Pacers sealed off the Raptors.

Sunday in Toronto, the Suns never really got out to a lead that seemed insurmountable but did hold a steady multiple-possession advantage throughout. But in the fourth, the Raps again tightened it up and pulled even halfway through the quarter. It stayed within five points the rest of the way, but Phoenix rode Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash to the finish line and came away with the 111-104 victory.

Toronto seems so close to fixing its season, but just can't find the right footing.

The Raptors have lost five straight. The largest margin: seven. The average margin: 5-1/2 points. Toronto's offense has been clicking despite the absences of Jose Calderon and Jermaine O'Neal. (Anthony Parker played the point today for Toronto. ... Yeah.) The defense (still bad) has been better than it was under Sam Mitchell early this season. Unlikely heroes have come up big, with Andrea Bargnani bursting into flames and Joey Graham throwing up a big point total (22) today. This team should be winning a few of these tight affairs.

The fact that O'Neal didn't play today is worrisome, too, with rumors circulating that Miami could be considering a deal for the big man. J.O. hasn't fit in at all in Toronto, and if a potentially dominant wing like Shawn Marion or Josh Howard is up for grabs, it helps the Raps immensely. But if O'Neal remains injured, no team will take on his $20 million salary.

Either way, Chris Bosh needs help. Something's got to give.