Graham Growing Into Bench Role

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Joey Graham is supposed to be a spark, a scorer, a defender, an energizing athlete off the bench.

It's a role he would seem made for; he's got a nice shot and great hops and the strength to hold off anyone on the boards.

But as he searches for that elusive consistency, games like last night's can only help him.

Graham, who runs hot and cold like few Raptors before him, provided a big spark off the bench for the Raptors in their 106-104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

"We had a good few days of practice and coach just told me he was going to need me," said Graham, who finished with 16 points and three rebounds in 22 minutes.

"I took it upon myself to come out and play hard and give the guys some good minutes because we definitely needed this win."

Graham was brimming with confidence for once.

In one play late in the third quarter, he saw a clear couple of steps to the basket and tried to dunk over Philadelphia's Samuel Dalembert, who is about four inches taller.

Graham was blocked on his attempt but drained two free throws after he was fouled. The fact he attacked the basket speaks volumes for how comfortable he felt.

"I'm always confident," said Graham. "Coming off last year, growing and learning a lot of things, I couldn't do anything but be confident.</div>

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