"Welcome back Jose Calderon.

The longest-serving Raptor got back into the lineup after a four-game absence and looked like he had never left, posting 15 points and 14 assists in one of his most dominant efforts of the season.

Calderon had eight assists and one turnover in the second half as the Raptors battled back from a 48-42 half-time deficit and a 71-62 New Jersey lead after three.

When asked what having Calderon back to lead the offence meant to the team, guard DeMar DeRozan said simply: "It showed tonight. He got everybody going."

Calderon hit a crucial three to give the Raptors the lead in the fourth quarter during a stretch where Toronto answered a 7-0 Nets run with and 8-0 streak of their own.

Calderon said he felt sore but had to play because he was sick of missing games.

"It's tough, it's the worst thing for an athlete to be out with an injury," Calderon said.

"You want to help, I hate to be in a suit. Sometimes the people don't see it, but we want to be out there for 48 minutes."

DEMAR STRUGGLES

DeRozan continued his recent streak of aggressive play, but his short game could use a little work.

DeRozan missed a couple of chip-shots early and struggled to get into a groove.

The sophomore was just 4-for-15 from the field through three quarters and finished 5-for-16. DeRozan said his dunk to seal the game felt good because he knew he'd get another point-blank opportunity.

"I don't let (missing) easy shots get me down," DeRozan said.

BACKUP STRUGGLES

A move back to the bench didn't agree with Jerryd Bayless. Bayless who had some outstanding moments in place of incumbent starter Calderon, saw his minutes drastically cut with the Spaniard playing well.

While Calderon notched a double-double, Bayless failed to make an impact offensively, though he looked solid on defence.

Bayless played just 14 minutes, scoring a basket and adding an assist and revealed after the game he was suffering from a bout with the flu."