F FOR EFFORT

On a series closeout game, one of the most important in the history of this Raptors organization, the often gritty Toronto Raptors team did not show up. From the opening tip, the intensity and effort were never present for the road Raptors. For the Brooklyn Nets, it was target practice. Toronto's weak man defence, and even weaker help defence, had them scrambling on every possession. 

To achieve a different result in a do-or-die Game 7, here is what Toronto can do:

Start Landry Fields at the Small Forward position: Ross is giving the Raptors nothing on the offensive end. Which, other than a few solid cuts, is what Fields is worth. Yet, Fields plays hard, with veteran-like experience. Defensively, the Raptors need Fields' presence on Joe Johnson. As was the case in tonight's Game 6 loss, Toronto cannot afford to have Demar DeRozan guard him. Fields will provide the effort and tenacity on defence to allow Toronto's other four players to stay with their men, who are usually shooters on the perimeter.

Try a Zone Defence: While Brooklyn has a lot of great shooters, they are hesitant to take open three point looks. Deron Williams, Alan Anderson, Joe Johnson, and Paul Pierce have consistently passed up three point shots and have instead looked for more difficult drives to the basket. Toronto's weak rotations and interior defence, at all positions, has allowed for way too many easy looks at the rim. 

Another reason for attempting a Zone Defence is that Brooklyn has shot poorly from three point land thus far in the series. While the Nets have no doubt become familiar with Toronto's rims, the "Law of Averages" does not bode well for road teams from the three point line. Playing a zone defence would hopefully put a stop to the easy baskets that allowed Brooklyn a huge 1st half lead in Game 6. 

Don't Rest Your Starters, Dwane: This is it. Game 7. There is no tomorrow. Up next is a Miami team neither of these squads is capable of beating in a 7 game series. Casey has allowed his starters too much rest at key moments of the games. If players need a rest, call a timeout. The Raptors need to maximize every minute of play, and this cannot happen with Steve Novak, John Salmons, Chuck Hayes, or Tyler Hansbrough in the lineup. Tighten the rotation even further and force maximum effort from your star players on both ends. While the Raptors need Demar's scoring on offence, they need his defence, as well. 

This is the beginning of a process that will conclude with a contending Raptors team. For now, Raptors fans must remain patient as a young team gains the necessary experience to propel them to new heights. Nevertheless, if the Raptors are able to put their best foot forward, and leave it all out on the floor, they will leave Game 7 victorious. 

-Wes