DeRozan uses relationship analogy to explain Raptors' ups and downs

Aside from the brilliant emergence of Norman Powell, the Toronto Raptors can thank a "heated film session" for their resurgence over the last two games.

A 27-point blowout in Game 3 left the Raptors searching for answers, and the team was able to hash out its problems in a spirited meeting the following day. That paved the way for two wins by 11 and 25 points to seize the reins away from the Milwaukee Bucks.

Battling ups and downs is perfectly natural in all walks of life, DeRozan explained to reporters on Tuesday, drawing an analogy to being in a relationship.

"Not to be all personal, but do you have a significant other?" DeRozan asked. "Y'all argue, right? The next day you say, 'Baby let me take you out to a nice dinner.' You have a great evening, a great day, and time after that be smooth until the next roller coaster.

"It happens. We together more than our own families ... there's nothing wrong with it, it's just part of the game. It's something we build from and we respond from it. So it's never nothing too serious that you guys, the media, may make of it. Sometimes it's just needed."

DeRozan's sentiments echoed those of DeMarre Carroll, who also argued that laying out all the cards had a positive influence on the team.

"A lot of times when you get in a heated film session, it can go one of two ways - it can go bad or it could go good. I feel like we came together, we saw the problem and we just try to keep building from this," Carroll said.