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The Associated Press reports on the undermanned Toronto Raptors beating the Charlotte Bobcats:

Kris Humphries and Carlos Delfino both scored 17 points, Joey Graham added 13 and the Toronto Raptors shrugged off injuries to three top players to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 98-79 on Monday night.

Toronto played without forwards Chris Bosh (strained groin) and Andrea Bargnani (hyper-extended left knee) and guard T.J. Ford (left thumb).

My Quick Take: Chemistry beats talent. It’s the motto of every old-school coach who ever stood on a sideline.

The Toronto Raptors are validating the Bobby Knights, Larry Browns, and Sam Mitchells of this world. In the past eighteen months, the dinosaurs have become contenders by playing unselfish basketball.

Today’s game against Charlotte was a perfect example of Toronto’s collectivist approach. The Raps’ easily beat the Bobcats despite missing Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh, and T.J. Ford.

Teams without their best players typically fold faster than Allen Iverson handling the rock in the open court. However, the Raptors weathered the adversity and beat a struggling Charlotte side to push their record to 10-8.

So what’s their secret north of the border?

• Toronto uses all fifteen players. For example, Joey Graham and Kris Humphries made major contributions in Monday’s win despite barely playing all season.

• They play hard. The NBA is plagued by guaranteed contracts; some players loaf through eighty-two games and steal every cent of their salary. Not the Raptors. Their coach, Sam Mitchell, bounced around a half-dozen professional league before making the NBA and won’t allow players to slack.

• Their stars are accountable. Chris Bosh listens to coach Mitchell, so others follow his lead. This creates an unselfish, team-first attitude. For example, emerging star T.J. Ford returned from injury and volunteered to come off the bench because Calderon was thriving as the starter.

• Finally, the Raps’ scouting staff has uncovered several hidden gems. Two years ago, they freed Humphries from the shackles of Sloan’s bench in Utah and now they’ve found another contributor in former Harlem Globetrotter Jamario Moon.

(Get to know Moon)There is still much work to be done. But the Raptors will continue to improve due to their chemistry.

What do you think of the Raptors? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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