Raptors clinch 2nd straight Atlantic crown with win over Lakers

For the second-straight year, the Toronto Raptors are the Atlantic Division champions.

Although it wasn't easy, the Raptors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 94-83 on Friday on the foundation of their floundering defense.

Coming into the game, the Raptors were the league's worst defensive squad since the All-Star break. And it showed early on. The Raptors allowed the Lakers to grab 12 offensive rebounds in the first half, despite the absence of both Jordan Hill and Carlos Boozer. The extra possessions gave the Lakers a two-point edge at halftime.

However, the Raptors managed to shore up the defensive glass in the second half. Instead of leaking out, DeMar DeRozan and James Johnson stayed back and helped crash. The two wings finished with 10 and six rebounds, respectively.

Terrence Ross also provided the Raptors with a surprising boost. The struggling third-year guard came alive in the third, scoring 10 points and finding Greivis Vasquez for a transition three to help the Raptors gain a seven-point edge in the frame.

Not to be overlooked, the Raptors' frontcourt were also solid. Amir Johnson and Patrick Patterson formed a formidable high-low pairing, while Jonas Valanciunas dominated down low, finishing with 19 points and seven rebounds.

Jeremy Lin led the way for Los Angeles. He finished with 18 points, but shot just 6-of-15 from the floor. As a team, the Lakers connected on just 34.5 percent of their shots.

Clinching the division means that the Raptors will finish no worse than fourth. However, should they have a worse record than the fifth seed, the Raptors would be the road team in that scenario.