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Raptors clinch second-straight NBA Atlantic division title

Xinhua, March 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

Toronto Raptors secured the Atlantic division title for the second consecutive season in Friday night's 94-83 victory over Los Angeles Lakers.

After clinching a playoff spot two days ago, Toronto captures their third division title in the franchise's 20-year history. Toronto also won the division in the 2006-07 season.

"It means a lot to me personally because I was here when we were last," said Raptors forward DeMar DeRozan, who has played his entire six-year career with Toronto. "It means a lot to be able to come out here and win it two years in a row."

This year's title comes fastest in Toronto's three division champions.

In the previous instances, the team accomplished the feat on April 5, 2007 and April 11, 2014 after 75 games and 79 games respectively. This season, Toronto accomplished the feat after 73 games and in the month of March for the first time.

The division win also assures Toronto of finishing no less than fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

"We had three goals. One was to make the playoffs, two was to win the division, and three was to continue on and win into the playoffs," said Raptors head coach Dwane Casey following the game.

Without All-Star Kyle Lowry, it has been challenging for Casey's squad to consistency accomplish the third goal. Toronto have a record of 3-4 without Lowry in the line-up.

Toronto has also struggled since a franchise-best 24-7 start to the season. Toronto have been 19-23 since the hot start, including 7-13 in their last 19 games.

"Tonight was a good start defensively, clamping down the way we did, but we have to continue doing it and make it a habit."

With ten games remaining, Casey hopes that Lowry's return will be imminent so that team can regain their momentum from the beginning of the season. Endi