The excuses, like the games themselves, all seem to run together now in a dreary sameness. Mediocrity oozes from every pore of this Raptors team.

Yesterday it was another sub-.500 team, the Los Angeles Clippers, who diminished the Raptors in front of a sellout home crowd that desperately wants to believe, but keeps finding fewer and fewer reasons to do so. Now even the well-heeled folks in the expensive seats are growing impatient.

At the end of each half of this 79-72 snorefest, the disdainful boos washed down on the floor at the Air Canada Centre, chasing the Dinos back to their dressing room.

Yesterday's performance wasn't just an isolated "bad day." The problems that plague the Raptors are becoming chronic and the answers are more elusive than ever. Even when they win, they make it hard on themselves.

Is it the coach? Or is it a lack of floor leadership? Is it poor preparation? Indifference? Selfishness? Laziness? Lack of accountability? What?