shookem

Coach encouraged by recent results

By MIKE KOREEN

Sam Mitchell is somewhere in between happy and sad -- but far closer to the happy side.

The Raptors coach has watched his team climb to first place in the sad-sack Atlantic Division, at 12-16, without the injured Chris Bosh (bruised left knee) for the past nine games. The Raptors have gone 5-4 in those games, including 2-2 on a just-completed West Coast swing, and that's anything but bad.

"Well, you're never completely happy if you're not .500 or better," Mitchell said. "But considering what we went through ... I'm not going to use the word happy. Just encouraged.

"Our team is looking better. Our young guys, who were expecting a lot, are improving every day."

Eight of the Raptors' 15 players have missed games because of injury this season. Bosh hopes to return this week, likely Saturday in Memphis against the Grizzlies after home games against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls tomorrow and Friday, respectively. Considering the Raptors have played an NBA-high 18 road games this season, Mitchell has to be pleased that his banged-up team has persevered through adversity.
Mitch is happy

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Ka-Bosh

He should be happy considering that Bosh has missed so many games, a lot of players have stepped up especially T.J Ford. There still first in the Atlantic division, and they won two close games in Portland and L.A, if that was last year they would of blown the game. Mitchell is doing a better job then the past few seasons.

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TRON

I still shake my head in disbelief when I pick up the papers and see T.O in first place by a game over NJ

Not to mention homecourt advantage in a potential first round matchup

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