Warriors vs Raptors Gameday Thread: Raps Host Reeling Warriors at ACC

Golden State Warriors vs. Toronto Raptors

January 28, 2013

TSN - 7:00 PM EST

To go along with the Laker failures, and Aaron Gray's jam, the success of the Golden State Warriors has been one of the biggest surprises to come out of the first half of this season.

They currently sit at 26-17, good enough for 6th in the West, and have already topped the win total from their 2011-12 campaign. If you remember - and I'm sure you do - the Warriors went full tank-mode last year, winning just three of their final 20 games to finish off the season. Looking back, the Warriors did what the Raptors should have - lost A LOT, and it clearly worked out for them.

They've built their core through draft (Curry, Barnes, Thompson), and off-season trades (Lee, Bogut, Jack), and as a result currently hold one of the brightest futures in the NBA.

Bryan Colangelo and the Raptors' front office need to grab a clip board and take notes, because this is how you build a good team.

Despite their impressive record, the Warriors have fallen down to earth lately; losing their last two games, and four of their last seven.

The Raptors have proved they can hang with the NBA's top teams, but have struggled to get over the hump and get the win (Spurs game an exception). Late game execution and tough defense will be the key in this one.

GO RAPS!!!