Resilient Raptors shedding doormat reputation

The unexpected success of the long-suffering Toronto Raptors this season has instilled a rare bout of optimism on a team that is suddenly turning heads.

Long considered a National Basketball Association doormat, the Raptors were not on anyone's radar when the season opened five months ago. But they have already clinched their first playoff berth in six years and look anything but complacent.

With starting guard Kyle Lowry sidelined with a knee injury and forward Amir Johnson forced to leave in the first quarter of Wednesday's game with a sore ankle, Toronto battled to a 107-103 win over a Houston Rockets squad that is fourth in the competitive Western Conference.