Inside the Purple Room: We are switching things up and talking TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS surprisingly I know! I have to admit I can’t help but jump on the bandwagon. After nine years without a playoff birth I am official living on the edge with every call that goes against the Leafs. I am literally clutching fist in risky situations by the net and talking to my television set as if I am the coach. I feel the excitement in the city even if the Air Canada Centre has been sort of quiet when it comes to game time. The fans don’t look to be getting their hopes up but rather supporting their beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.

Always Looking Up in a Short Girl’s World presents: A disappointing playoff run for the Boston Celtics resulted in more questions then answers. The expectations placed upon this team were immense after the signing of Jason Terry. But then reality set in as their went through a third consecutive season injury riddled. Let’s not forget the Cs lack of rebounding forced them to dead last in the NBA. However, their run to the playoffs had the Celtics team believing they could outlast the Knicks they didn’t want to be called, “Underdogs.” But unfortunately expectations got punked by reality because they will now be considered a “rebuilding” squad.

Inside Purple 2012-13 GM81 & 82- So on my birthday I guess I can finally close the books on the 2012-13 Toronto Raptors season. In the words of Dwane Casey it felt like three different seasons. Let’s disregard the 4-19 start. But they made a run and attempt to turn the corner but final quarter would prove too much for the Raptors.

Always Looking Up in a Short Girl’s World presents: “Knicks Wear & Tear of the Season.” New York has gone through may hardships late in the season before stunning the world with their unreal start right out of the gate. Losing key pieces like Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler etc for periods of time didn’t seem to really effect their psyche. They literally had Iman Shumpert come back from injury and JR Smith play lights out coming off the bench. How can we forget the secret assassin Raymond Felton and Optimus Cope coming into his own. Pablo’s passing became contagious and Keyon Martin brought out his witty edge.

Inside Purple 2012-13 GM80- It is about pride and playing together for your team and the Raptors are doing just that. They are forming a bond and finally seeing the philosophies coach Casey has preached coming together. The Nets thought that they could jump on the Raptors have solidify an easy victory?! They thought wrong.

Inside Purple 2012-13 GM79- During the tail end of the season it has been the Chicago Bulls depleted and all sticking it to the great teams. But this team a less then great team stuck it to the Bulls. Early on the Raptors managed to stick with the game plan and execute with ease. Boozer did the job in the paint and Nate was helping the cause from beyond the arc but the Raptors were determined to keep their heads held high and they did just that.

Inside Purple 2012-13 GM78- The Raptors job to secure a victory was jump on the Bulls early. They have a roster which is depleted and in need of some help big time! Well, despite Rudy Gay’s poor shooting night the managed to rally and win the game. It was a much needed confidence boost as they wind down the season.

Inside Purple 2012-13 GM76-77- The NCAA tourney wrapped up yesterday and it was chalk full of fun. The Raptors only fun came against the T-Wolves before getting their ass whopped against the Bucks. But the walking wounded of the Bulls provide hope for the Raptors to steal one over in Chi-town.

Inside Purple 2012-13 GM75- Mark my words one day Jonas Valanciunas will be a consist double-double machine in this league. His improvements since the all-star break have been tremendous. You can also see how Quincy Acy has grown from being in the D-League having an opportunity to play significant minutes. With Bradley Beals the Raptors killer out for the season the Raptors didn’t have much trouble getting past the Wizards.

Inside Purple 2012-13 GM74- Jose Calderon was victorious on his return back to the ACC. The fans got to see the grit and confidence of a point guard with a tremendous upside we lost. He was a man of conviction and as coach Mark Jackson said he beat out other point guards that stood in his way to get what was rightfully his. As Calderon will be missed the Raptors continue to suffer through the end of the season.