Raptors beat Spurs for first time in five years

Toronto Raptors defeated San Antonio Spurs 87-82 to snap a seven-game losing streak against San Antonio in Sunday night NBA action.

Toronto's last victory against the reigning NBA champions took place on Jan. 3, 2010 in a 91-86 home win. Toronto's all-time record against San Antonio improved to 10-27.

With the victory, Toronto have won eight of their last 10 games and improved to 35-17 on the season to maintain their second place ranking in the Eastern Conference.

Having beaten two tough Western Conference opponents in the Clippers and Spurs, Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is proud of his team's recent performance.

"Guys came in and played, made tough plays, physical plays, plays with force, on both ends of the floor," said Casey following the win. "That's where you have to play to beat a championship team like that."

Toronto's effort held San Antonio to a season-low 33 percent shooting from the field. Despite this fact, Casey is still not satisfied with short-term results.

"We can't get too excited about winning and we can't get too low about losing at this time of the year," said Casey. "It's a great effort, a great one of 82 (games). We just have to continue to build and keep going."

To Casey, consistency is the most important element for his team's long-term success.

"Offence, defence, execution, whatever it is, we got to build consistency," said Casey, who hopes his team can reach the calibre of the Spurs.

San Antonio has reached the playoffs in 24 of the last 25 seasons, including 15 division championships and five NBA championships.

"That program right there is where everybody is trying to get to. You know what game you're going to get against the San Antonio Spurs and that's what we're trying to build on both ends of the floor." Endi