体坛英语新闻：Surging Raptors dominate Sixers to win fourth straight

TORONTO, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Toronto Raptors cruised past Philadelphia Sixers 96-76 to win their fourth straight game in Sunday night NBA action.

Raptors have now won nine of their last 12 games, improving to an overall record of 16-9 on the season. The 20-point victory was Toronto's biggest margin of victory of the season.

Despite the double-digit victory, Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is still looking for the team to put in a consistent effort for the full duration of the game, regardless of the opponent and size of lead.

"You think the game is over, but a couple of threes and it's a new ballgame," said Casey following the game. "You got to make sure you attend the business for all the minutes you are out there on the floor."

In the middle of the third quarter, Raptors were up by 20 points only to see Sixers cut the lead to six with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. Casey quickly called a timeout to bring in the starters and the result of the game was never in doubt again.

The team will now head to Indiana to begin a three game road trip against three of the top six teams in the Eastern Conference. Toronto will face Pacers (5th), Bobcats (4th) and Heat (6th).

Raptors currently sit alone in second place in the Eastern Conference and are half a game back of the first place Cleveland Cavaliers.