For one Magic moment, the Raptors had the look of a team capable of making stops down the stretch and knocking down key jumpers.
For one Magical afternoon, the Raptors looked like a team that was mentally tough. In what is surely the team's biggest win of the season, the Raptors executed at both ends in crunch time, were sparked by Roko Ukic's energy and rode Anthony Parker's hot shooting hand en route to beating the Orlando Magic 108-102.
It was a quality win against a quality opponent, an encouraging sign that perhaps the Raptors have turned an important corner.
"We have to bring the same intensity, the same focus on defence and keep moving the ball on the offensive end,'' Chris Bosh said.
"We have to have the belief in our hearts that we can play with the best in the NBA."
There's plenty of work that awaits the Raptors, but in winning back-to-back games against Houston and Orlando, Toronto showed a work ethic that often has gone missing, an edge to their game that hasn't surfaced.
Both Jose Calderon (hamstring) and Jermaine O'Neal (knee) were no-gos, but several players stepped up. Parker came through with a much-needed breakout game, scoring a season-high 26 points.
