Raptors Reaction: Dec 5 @ Sacramento Kings

I honestly feel like the Raptors are a better team than the Kings, but it sure didn't show last night. DeMarcus Cousins was his usual beastly self (even as his confidence is shot), and the Raptors just couldn't keep pace. Boy, I'm starting to think it could be a long season.

The Good:

• Kyle Lowry had a fantastic game, leading the team with 34 points. He added 11 assists and got to the line a ton (12-for-12), but ultimately it wasn't enough. I like Lowry a lot, but every now and then he takes a terrible three-pointer. Once he knocks that off, I'm getting a Lowry jersey (until then, I'll stick with the player tee).
• DeMar DeRozan's jump shot is the best it's ever been, and is constantly improving. I hated on the contract extension he was given earlier in the year, but man has he looked good this season. The one negative from his game last night was his inability to get to the line. He attempted only 2 free throws all night... and missed both.
• Ed Davis keeps giving the Raptors great minutes off the bench. He netted 13 points, added 11 rebounds and definitely outplayed the starting power forward (more on that later).
• Mickael Pietrus has somehow been a nice addition. I thought he was washed-up, but he's been pretty impressive. Apparently his name is floating around in trade rumors, but currently he's one of the best Raptors on the floor on any given night.

The Bad:

• I'm calling it: Andrea Bargnani needs to get shipped out of town. He was awful last night (again), shooting 3-for-14 from the floor (including 0-for-6 from beyond the arc) and allowing a ton of easy buckets on the defensive end. The worst part? Bargs was a team-worst -18, while back-up power forward Ed Davis was a team best +9.
• I'm going to spend another bullet point on this: over the last 4 games they've both appeared in, Davis is +18 while Bargnani is -43. I'd rather start Davis, and trade Bargs for 2 role players. Just sayin'...
• What the hell happened to Toronto's team defense? Last year the Raptors were 14th in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions. This year, they're 25th. Down low, in transition, in the half-court... it doesn't really matter. Toronto is an awful defensive team, and coach Dwane Casey has to get it figured out.

Up Next: December 7 @ Utah.