By Walter Dubowec

An entertaining game and a tough loss that was expected.

This isn’t what Raptor fans want to hear, but right now the Orlando Magic are simply a better team than the Raptors. This season, Orlando has a 4-1 record vs. Toronto. Orlando won 52 games, Raps won 41 games. The only stat that matters are 'W's' and the Magic have more than Toronto.

Like I said before the series started, the Raptors chances against the Magic weren't good. The problems that plagued the Raps down the stretch would continue to plague them in the playoffs. 

                     

We've seen this all before

The Raps get off to horrible starts and then are unable to close it out at the end, despite fighting back. Tonight they had their opportunity and couldn’t capitalize on their chances.

We've seen this script countless times before with the same unhappy ending. The Raps fought back from an 18 point deficit and then missed the game winning shot as time expired.

Of course, they didn't help themselves down the stretch. Carlos' missed free throw, Bosh's errant ball save to Orlando, the Raptors inability to grab a rebound on a couple of Magic misses and the non-call on Superman when he hacked Bosh across the arm were all key plays and blown opportunities in the final minute. 

Elite teams make those plays. The Raptors don’t.

On the final play the Raptors probably should have driven to the hole, but if they were going to end it on a jump shot then either Kapono or Calderon should have taken the final shot - not a dead tired Bosh.  Jason and Jose had the hot hands and they both could have won it for the Raps at the buzzer.

Overall, Bosh played his heart out and delivered despite the bashing he's getting from upset Raptor fans who feel compelled to blame somebody after every loss.

Calderon really stepped up in a critical game and proved he's a winner. Bargnani was luke warm, but had 5 key points to trigger the Raps late run. Tonight it was Good Delfino, which made a huge difference – despite missing what proved to be a key last minute free throw.

Bad habits don't magically disappear in the play-offs

Before the series started I expected the Raptors to lose because they spent the last month (even with a healthy line-up) struggling in first quarters and showing an inability to close-out close games. Additionally, the Raps have been poor defensively and have not rebounded well.

Despite what many who wear rose (aka red)-colored glasses said to the contrary, it was my opinion that these disturbing trends would not cure themselves come playoffs.

Guess what? These trends have continued through the first two games. For that reason alone, the loss was expected.

After losing the first two games, the Raps statistically have a slim 6% chance of winning the series.