Raptors continue losing ways

During the end of Thursday’s practice, Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell participated in a three-on-three halfcourt game with his players.

Where was this comradery when the Raptors needed it most?

But it really doesn’t matter now since Mitchell has a better chance of changing water into wine than guiding the Raptors to the postseason.

At 23-42 this season, Toronto needs to win the rest of its games and receive help from other teams.

Not likely.

The Raptors have lost 10 of their last 13 games, including Wednesday’s 105-98 home setback to the Detroit Pistons. The setback guaranteed the Raptors a losing record for the fourth consecutive season.

The last time Toronto made the playoffs was during the 2001-02 season, that also was the last time they finished the season above .500 (42-40).

Mike James had 24 points and 11 assists against Detroit for Toronto, which saw its two-game winning streak come to an end. Morris Peterson added 23 points and Chris Bosh had 15 points and 11 boards for the Raptors.

The Raptors, who are 2-4 in their last six home games, own a 12-20 record at the Air Canada Centre this season. They will close out their brief two-game homestand against the Bucks.