Win number 4 will not be as easy with no Jose Calderon who did not take the trip and Andrea Bargnani a no go with his bad ankle. Jack and Rasho the two former Pacers enter the line-up. The task becomes a little tougher in terms of depth. However I actually like both match-ups better on the defensive end for the Raptors. Jack should be able to stay in front of Jennings and Rasho can bang with Bogut. Bucks have an impressive home record of 7-3. Should be fun.
Or...maybe not. That is unless you were tuning in to check out Brendon Jennings who was just fantastic. He would catch fire at the end of the first quarter and really that would be it. We could go through the entire blow by blow of things but the short answer is the Raptors regressed back to the team they were prior to that meeting in Washington. Chris Bosh had his league leading 20th double double but he was about the only Raptor on his game at all offensively. The defense was back to being offensive. Ex-Raptor Roko Ukic would end up out scoring everyone not named Bosh on the Raps roster. He had 17 points in the game and that was his season high for the Bucks this year. The Bucks rolled and it was never in doubt after that end of the first quarter surge by Jennings as he had 22 points before leaving the game late with an injury at the end of the 3rd. The Bucks who struggle to reach 90 most nights would pour in 117 and that was more than enough for the 117-95 win.
It was a clear regression on behalf of the Raptors. True they did play without Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani. However not to many people have been praising Jose or Andrea for their defense of late have they? That being said anytime Marcus Banks hits the floor should be a red alert that things are not good. Banks was slightly improved with 2 points or 3 assists. But that is no where close to the production that you need from your back up point guard. He was 0-3 from the field and took 2 three pointers in his 3 shots missing both.
Even Demar DeRozan who started this game looking like he would be off to another good night he fizzled out early scoring just 8 points snapping a streak of games with double digit points. Jack was decent on offense but is D was lacking. They now keep +/- in the NBA and Jack was a minus 19 which topped the team. Not suggesting it was all his fault but he sure wasn't part of the solution. In fact on the defensive end there was not anyone that jumps off the page as part of that solution.
Cue the impending doom like music...Next up for the Raptors....The Atlanta Hawks. That team that put up 146 points not so long ago. At least it is not in Atlanta that may help slightly. If you think the Hawks have cooled off any...not so much. They played last night as well and kicked around the Bulls 118-83. So the question will become was this like having a slip on a diet for the Raptors? Eating a Ice Cream Sundae and then getting back on the straight and narrow in terms of playing defense. The game against the Hawks should give us a strong indication win or lose.
The only other point I want to make is once again Hedo Turkoglu was no where close to playing at the level his contract suggests. I was reading yesterday that according to Forbes the Bucks as a franchise are the cheapest in terms of value in the NBA. The empty seats last night showed you why. The number for the Bucks was like 252 Million I think and we are going to pay Hedo 53 million which is roughly a 5th of what it would cost to buy the Bucks. At this point the Bucks seem like the investment with upside. Hedo has been a shadow of himself and really has been one of the bigger disappointments of this season.
12/9/09
4 For A Buck?
The most important thing off the top is that Jose Calderon is not going to be back tonight against the Bucks. That is according to the Fan 590 as of this morning. In fact he did not even travel with the team.That means that Jarrett Jack will get the call again to start for the second straight night. The Bucks were the surprise team out of the gate this NBA season but they have come crashing back to reality. Just 2-8 in their last 10 and they sit tied for 6th in the east just a half game in front of the Raptors. That is correct the Raptors would be a playoff team if they started today sitting in 8th. That is the wonderful thing about the Eastern Conference you get on a minor win streak and you are in the playoffs.
Brandon Jennings opened up everyone's eyes scoring 55 points. He has struggled recently though and he maybe the best of his rookie class when all is said and done. He did win the Rookie of the month for the opening month and a bit of the season for the Eastern Conference. That being said the Raptors should still be happy with their choice of Demar DeRozan. He offers the Raptors the slashing and athletic scorer that they truly needed. There is no doubt that if the Raptors drafted Jennings the off-season would have taken a much different turn. There is no way they sign Jarrett Jack and he really seems to be someone worth having at this point. Jack is never going to be a Brandon Jennings in terms of skill. However he has proven to be someone who looks like he can be a leader for this Raptor team which they need. Bosh tends to lead more by example and Jack does more with words along with action.
If the Raptors can get a 4th win it would be a huge step in the right direction. The Raptors were truly on the brink of watching the season fall of a cliff. They have been able to turn things around and seem to have figured it out on what it will take for this team to win basketball games. The true test may lie ahead on Friday when they stare in the face of the Hawks that ripped them apart and pushed them to that brink. If they could enter into that game riding a 4 game win streak since it can only help.
Andre Bogut has returned to the Bucks line up. He like Andrea Bargnani has struggled to live up to being a number 1 pick in the draft. Bogut has often been injured and as a result has not lived up to expectations people may have had for him. He is a rough and tumble guy and the big Aussie can be someone that could cause the Raptors problems. The best way to solve that problem is to get him into foul trouble. Bosh and Bargnani both are quicker and if the attack Bogut the fouls should come.
If you want an X-factor that you may not think of for the Bucks...how bout Charlie Bell. In the past he has had some nice efforts against the Raptors. If he is shooting it well he could do some damage. In terms of shooting you have to think the Raptors will bounce back after an off night shooting last night at the ACC. The Raptors have been finding ways to win and let's hope they can do it again.
Another word of warning for the Raps is the Bucks average just over 8 made 3's a game( That is 4th in NBA). So the Raptors will have to do a solid job guarding the 3 point line and do not over commit to stop a Brandon Jennings. Jack in the starting line-up may in fact be a better match-up to go against the young buck rookie. Jack is more capable of keeping Jennings in front of him and not be as dependent on help.
Brandon Jennings opened up everyone's eyes scoring 55 points. He has struggled recently though and he maybe the best of his rookie class when all is said and done. He did win the Rookie of the month for the opening month and a bit of the season for the Eastern Conference. That being said the Raptors should still be happy with their choice of Demar DeRozan. He offers the Raptors the slashing and athletic scorer that they truly needed. There is no doubt that if the Raptors drafted Jennings the off-season would have taken a much different turn. There is no way they sign Jarrett Jack and he really seems to be someone worth having at this point. Jack is never going to be a Brandon Jennings in terms of skill. However he has proven to be someone who looks like he can be a leader for this Raptor team which they need. Bosh tends to lead more by example and Jack does more with words along with action.
If the Raptors can get a 4th win it would be a huge step in the right direction. The Raptors were truly on the brink of watching the season fall of a cliff. They have been able to turn things around and seem to have figured it out on what it will take for this team to win basketball games. The true test may lie ahead on Friday when they stare in the face of the Hawks that ripped them apart and pushed them to that brink. If they could enter into that game riding a 4 game win streak since it can only help.
Andre Bogut has returned to the Bucks line up. He like Andrea Bargnani has struggled to live up to being a number 1 pick in the draft. Bogut has often been injured and as a result has not lived up to expectations people may have had for him. He is a rough and tumble guy and the big Aussie can be someone that could cause the Raptors problems. The best way to solve that problem is to get him into foul trouble. Bosh and Bargnani both are quicker and if the attack Bogut the fouls should come.
If you want an X-factor that you may not think of for the Bucks...how bout Charlie Bell. In the past he has had some nice efforts against the Raptors. If he is shooting it well he could do some damage. In terms of shooting you have to think the Raptors will bounce back after an off night shooting last night at the ACC. The Raptors have been finding ways to win and let's hope they can do it again.
Another word of warning for the Raps is the Bucks average just over 8 made 3's a game( That is 4th in NBA). So the Raptors will have to do a solid job guarding the 3 point line and do not over commit to stop a Brandon Jennings. Jack in the starting line-up may in fact be a better match-up to go against the young buck rookie. Jack is more capable of keeping Jennings in front of him and not be as dependent on help.
Raptors Finding Ways To Win
Let's be honest tonight was not the greatest performance overall by the Raptors. They shot as a team a pitiful 31% from the field. Even the mighty 3 point record almost came crashing down. Which for me personally I would not have been sad about that. The fact the Raptors have made a 3 point shot in 800 and whatever number of games to me is not important. In fact I think it points out how this team has depended on the shot to much at times over the years. Just 2-21 from behind the 3 point line should not be applauded. At some point tonight the Raptors should have excepted it was not their night from behind the arc and just left the shot alone. But the important fact at the end of the day is the Raptors got a win. There are no style points for win and no moral victories in the NBA. Chris Bosh has been a beast on the glass this season another 16 rebound game and it is becoming routine. He has now 19 double doubles to lead the NBA. That is something that makes me far more excited than a 3 point streak that means little. I mean think about it for a second what is the Raptors record during this great historic streak? I don't have the exact numbers for you but am confident without having to look it up they are below.500
The Raptors had far from their "A" game on the offensive end. However they found a way to get a win and did play decent on that other end of the floor. The teams that are the true elite in this league are able to get wins on nights when they do not have their best stuff. The Raptors want to be one of these teams and tonight was a small step in that direction. Many will say, that come on that is crazy the T-Wolves after all are just a team with 3 wins on the season. The Raptors have also owned this team now winning 11 in a row vs the T-Wolves. However think about what went on tonight and ask yourself if a week ago this team would have won that game tonight? If you answered yes were you really paying attention? The Raptors really honestly seem to have turned a corner in the development of this team.
Demar DeRozan has been one of the most noticeable improvements on this team and he got started before the rest of the team. In that blowout vs Atlanta a light went off for Demar DeRozan and he suddenly stopped worrying about what he should be doing and just started playing. He has continued on in that way for the last 3 games. He is just doing the thing he does well and is not trying to fit in and be something he is not. Demar DeRozan was never meant to be a guy to help make that 3 point streak grow. He was brought here to slash and get to the rim. Over time Demar will improve as a shooter and he will be able to make shots. However for now he is young athletic and talented and he needs to use that while he can. He is not bursting on to the scene like Vince Carter did. He is growing and building as he goes. I still am going to call him Heir Canada because I believe in him. I am not here to say if he will ever be as good as Vince. He may not be better than Vince but he will work hard everyday to prove me wrong. I like that about him and the fact he is growing in confidence is something great to see. He had 15 points tonight and 6 rebounds. All 5 of the starters reached double figures scoring tonight. Bosh was the high man with 21.
There was also a lesson for any of you that had thought it might be a good idea to trade Jose Calderon. Jarrett Jack is more than capable of being the starting point guard for this team. That is not the issue and Jack may in fact end up the starting point guard. I have said as much in this blog on more than one occasion But to trade Calderon is a much different deal and is never something I would endorse unless another point guard was coming back in the deal. The reason is that Raptors would be in a similar spot as to last season if they would move Calderon. Jose had no legitimate back up point guard. It was a key to the Raptors downfall last season. Marcus Banks came out of the witness protection program tonight because Jose was unable to go with a hip flexer injury. Banks was a train wreck with just 3 points to match his 3 fouls and had 0 assists. I think the airball 3 ball was my favourite Banks moment of the night. This is who becomes the back up point guard if you traded Calderon? I think not. If Jack does out play Calderon and emerges as the starter I am confident that Jose as he has in the past would accept it. If the Raptors have learned anything from the mistakes they have made in the Colangelo era I hope it is that having T.J Ford and Jose Calderon was a good thing. Jack and Calderon could even be a better thing. At the end of the day whichever point guard you support it is important to understand the other is good as well. Jack just may offer more leadership and defensive effort than Calderon and that is why I feel he will end up the starting point guard.
What I find the most discouraging in this Raptor turnaround is Andrea Bargnani. He has not been good and I think after being in the league for the amount of time he has it is time to raise the bar. Andrea Bargnani needs to meet a certain level on both ends of the floor and I am sorry to say at least for me he is falling well short. He may be heading to a role as the 6th man of the Raptors if things do not change. It may actually not be a terrible thing. I like the idea of him playing more with Marco Belinelli for not just Andrea but Marco as well. Andrea was said to have injured his ankle and some may want to give him a pass for tonight. I am o.k with that but in the games prior he has not been much better having key moments here and there. There is also no rule that I am aware of that says he can't finish games if he does not start. On the night's he is playing well he can be in there in crunch time with the starters. However I think Amir Johnson has shown signs of being able to fit in that starting line-up. He offers all of the things that Andrea lacks. Reggie Evans would also do the same when he is healthy. On some night's you can even go with the vet Rasho Nesterovic. Andrea needs to play better and he needs to be consistent in his effort. I am still not happy with his defensive play as well. Unlike in the case of Calderon, Andrea should and can be a better defender.
The most positive thing when you add it all together for me is this team is find all kinds of different ways to win. They showed determination and heart to get a win over the Wizards in overtime. The next night, they just had one of those nights where you saw just how great this team is capable of being on a given night. Finally tonight they showed the pride it takes to win a game that you should win. Even when you do not have your best stuff. To put it simply the Raiders creed that they seldom follow these days...Just Win Baby.
The Raptors are slowing figuring that out how to win with all kinds of different elements in play. That is how you build win streaks and how you go from being a middle of the road team to being a good team . I mentioned tonight on twitter that good should not be good enough. The Raptors need to dare to be great. That is what it will take to be a playoff team, to be a team that can actually do something once they get there and to be a team that Chris Bosh wants to be a part of and lead. Chris Bosh needs to personally dare to be great, given what we are seeing early on, he just might be starting to do that. He also needs a team willing to do the same. The Raptors are starting to show signs of that as well. The road to greatness is never any easy one. Everyone wants to be great but it is only those that are willing to put it all on the line that will be great.
I think everyone from the fans to Bryan Colangelo need to all take that attitude. It has been mine in how I am looking at this team this year. Even in games this teams wins there are things that can be better and there should never be a satisfaction. This team is just 10-13 and that is a heck of a long way from being great and still not even to point of being good. Signs are pointing in the right direction finally but there is a lot of lost time to make up for. So tonight was a win 94-88 it was far from good and miles from great but it would a step forward on the path to getting there.
The Raptors had far from their "A" game on the offensive end. However they found a way to get a win and did play decent on that other end of the floor. The teams that are the true elite in this league are able to get wins on nights when they do not have their best stuff. The Raptors want to be one of these teams and tonight was a small step in that direction. Many will say, that come on that is crazy the T-Wolves after all are just a team with 3 wins on the season. The Raptors have also owned this team now winning 11 in a row vs the T-Wolves. However think about what went on tonight and ask yourself if a week ago this team would have won that game tonight? If you answered yes were you really paying attention? The Raptors really honestly seem to have turned a corner in the development of this team.
Demar DeRozan has been one of the most noticeable improvements on this team and he got started before the rest of the team. In that blowout vs Atlanta a light went off for Demar DeRozan and he suddenly stopped worrying about what he should be doing and just started playing. He has continued on in that way for the last 3 games. He is just doing the thing he does well and is not trying to fit in and be something he is not. Demar DeRozan was never meant to be a guy to help make that 3 point streak grow. He was brought here to slash and get to the rim. Over time Demar will improve as a shooter and he will be able to make shots. However for now he is young athletic and talented and he needs to use that while he can. He is not bursting on to the scene like Vince Carter did. He is growing and building as he goes. I still am going to call him Heir Canada because I believe in him. I am not here to say if he will ever be as good as Vince. He may not be better than Vince but he will work hard everyday to prove me wrong. I like that about him and the fact he is growing in confidence is something great to see. He had 15 points tonight and 6 rebounds. All 5 of the starters reached double figures scoring tonight. Bosh was the high man with 21.
There was also a lesson for any of you that had thought it might be a good idea to trade Jose Calderon. Jarrett Jack is more than capable of being the starting point guard for this team. That is not the issue and Jack may in fact end up the starting point guard. I have said as much in this blog on more than one occasion But to trade Calderon is a much different deal and is never something I would endorse unless another point guard was coming back in the deal. The reason is that Raptors would be in a similar spot as to last season if they would move Calderon. Jose had no legitimate back up point guard. It was a key to the Raptors downfall last season. Marcus Banks came out of the witness protection program tonight because Jose was unable to go with a hip flexer injury. Banks was a train wreck with just 3 points to match his 3 fouls and had 0 assists. I think the airball 3 ball was my favourite Banks moment of the night. This is who becomes the back up point guard if you traded Calderon? I think not. If Jack does out play Calderon and emerges as the starter I am confident that Jose as he has in the past would accept it. If the Raptors have learned anything from the mistakes they have made in the Colangelo era I hope it is that having T.J Ford and Jose Calderon was a good thing. Jack and Calderon could even be a better thing. At the end of the day whichever point guard you support it is important to understand the other is good as well. Jack just may offer more leadership and defensive effort than Calderon and that is why I feel he will end up the starting point guard.
What I find the most discouraging in this Raptor turnaround is Andrea Bargnani. He has not been good and I think after being in the league for the amount of time he has it is time to raise the bar. Andrea Bargnani needs to meet a certain level on both ends of the floor and I am sorry to say at least for me he is falling well short. He may be heading to a role as the 6th man of the Raptors if things do not change. It may actually not be a terrible thing. I like the idea of him playing more with Marco Belinelli for not just Andrea but Marco as well. Andrea was said to have injured his ankle and some may want to give him a pass for tonight. I am o.k with that but in the games prior he has not been much better having key moments here and there. There is also no rule that I am aware of that says he can't finish games if he does not start. On the night's he is playing well he can be in there in crunch time with the starters. However I think Amir Johnson has shown signs of being able to fit in that starting line-up. He offers all of the things that Andrea lacks. Reggie Evans would also do the same when he is healthy. On some night's you can even go with the vet Rasho Nesterovic. Andrea needs to play better and he needs to be consistent in his effort. I am still not happy with his defensive play as well. Unlike in the case of Calderon, Andrea should and can be a better defender.
The most positive thing when you add it all together for me is this team is find all kinds of different ways to win. They showed determination and heart to get a win over the Wizards in overtime. The next night, they just had one of those nights where you saw just how great this team is capable of being on a given night. Finally tonight they showed the pride it takes to win a game that you should win. Even when you do not have your best stuff. To put it simply the Raiders creed that they seldom follow these days...Just Win Baby.
The Raptors are slowing figuring that out how to win with all kinds of different elements in play. That is how you build win streaks and how you go from being a middle of the road team to being a good team . I mentioned tonight on twitter that good should not be good enough. The Raptors need to dare to be great. That is what it will take to be a playoff team, to be a team that can actually do something once they get there and to be a team that Chris Bosh wants to be a part of and lead. Chris Bosh needs to personally dare to be great, given what we are seeing early on, he just might be starting to do that. He also needs a team willing to do the same. The Raptors are starting to show signs of that as well. The road to greatness is never any easy one. Everyone wants to be great but it is only those that are willing to put it all on the line that will be great.
I think everyone from the fans to Bryan Colangelo need to all take that attitude. It has been mine in how I am looking at this team this year. Even in games this teams wins there are things that can be better and there should never be a satisfaction. This team is just 10-13 and that is a heck of a long way from being great and still not even to point of being good. Signs are pointing in the right direction finally but there is a lot of lost time to make up for. So tonight was a win 94-88 it was far from good and miles from great but it would a step forward on the path to getting there.
12/8/09
Go Huskies Go
No we have not become a blog on the UConn Huskies. The Raptors bust out the retro Toronto Huskies uniforms. The Toronto Huskies hosted the New York Knickerbockers on November 1st 1946 for the first game in NBA history. The Huskies would only last that first season and finish with a record of 22-38. Former Raptor and Celtic Dee Brown will be in the house tonight for this one. He was most famous for winning a Slam Dunk Title as a Celtic with his dunk hiding his eyes as he jammed it home. He played in the later stages of his career with the Raptors and was one of the players on those early Raptor teams pushing to make the playoffs. The current Raptors turned Huskies for the night are looking for their 3rd straight win. The Raps have won 10 straight games vs the T-Wolves in the recent history of this match-up. No idea if the Huskies every played the Minneapolis Lakers. I do joke about being old, but I am no where close to that old.
The Raptors look to keep the ball rolling as this is the first half of yet another back to back. The Raps will be off to Milwaukee after this one to take on the surprising Bucks and Brandon Jennings. First thing first though as the T-Wolves have a new direction under Kurt Rambis but to this point the same old results they have had in the post K.G era. They have there own stud rookie as well in Jonny Flynn. I am a huge fan of Flynn and around the draft he was my choice for the Raptors but he never made it to the Raptors pick.at #9. Who the Raptors did pick in Demar DeRozan is starting to show signs as he has scored in double figures in his last 3 games.
Kevin Love will be in the line-up for the T-Wolves. I personally have never been high on Love. The player of course. He may have his most notable things happening off the court and on Twitter as he leaked the firing of Kevin McCale and for blasting his team during the draft via twitter. He returns from injury and will be a force on the glass that the Raptors(Oops Huskies) must account for.
I wonder if this means in 55 years they will bring back the purple dino uniforms. There is something to live the next 55 years to find out. Wonder what the kids in 2065 will think of those?
You have to hope the Raptors keep the foot on the gas pedal tonight and do not let up thinking that the T-wolves are an easy win. If the Raptors have learned anything from their struggles early on in this season, it should be that they can not afford to take anyone lightly. The Raps have a realistic shot at winning 4 games in a row if they can take this back to back set they will have done it. After that they will return to the place where they bottomed out as they will host the Hawks on Friday. Only makes sense the Raptors will be motivated to perform better in that one. Hard to imagine they could play much worse.
So for tonight Go Huskies Go.
The Raptors look to keep the ball rolling as this is the first half of yet another back to back. The Raps will be off to Milwaukee after this one to take on the surprising Bucks and Brandon Jennings. First thing first though as the T-Wolves have a new direction under Kurt Rambis but to this point the same old results they have had in the post K.G era. They have there own stud rookie as well in Jonny Flynn. I am a huge fan of Flynn and around the draft he was my choice for the Raptors but he never made it to the Raptors pick.at #9. Who the Raptors did pick in Demar DeRozan is starting to show signs as he has scored in double figures in his last 3 games.
Kevin Love will be in the line-up for the T-Wolves. I personally have never been high on Love. The player of course. He may have his most notable things happening off the court and on Twitter as he leaked the firing of Kevin McCale and for blasting his team during the draft via twitter. He returns from injury and will be a force on the glass that the Raptors(Oops Huskies) must account for.
I wonder if this means in 55 years they will bring back the purple dino uniforms. There is something to live the next 55 years to find out. Wonder what the kids in 2065 will think of those?
You have to hope the Raptors keep the foot on the gas pedal tonight and do not let up thinking that the T-wolves are an easy win. If the Raptors have learned anything from their struggles early on in this season, it should be that they can not afford to take anyone lightly. The Raps have a realistic shot at winning 4 games in a row if they can take this back to back set they will have done it. After that they will return to the place where they bottomed out as they will host the Hawks on Friday. Only makes sense the Raptors will be motivated to perform better in that one. Hard to imagine they could play much worse.
So for tonight Go Huskies Go.
12/7/09
Raptors Reborn?
I took the weekend to re-charge my battery. But the Dino Nation Blog is back and it appears so are the Raptors. I think be it media or fans we all become pretty skeptical of things. When the Raptors had a meeting and came out of it saying all the right things you still likely were not convinced. When they were able to fight it out and get a win over the Wizards you still might not have been sold. On Saturday the Raptors came out and blew the doors off the Bulls. So I ask you, now do you believe? Even for the most casual fan the differences have been noticeable. You see the team moving around at a much faster level on defense. Some players hitting the deck diving for balls. It was like a brand new Raptors team. The Raptors really were in fact on the verge of having the season fall apart. But 2 wins in a row and the way hey won them have to at least make you feel a little better about this basketball team.
What may have been the most encouraging was Chris Bosh was back playing like Chris Bosh again. He had really gone in the tank after the incident in Boston with Paul Pierce. However whatever did go on in that meeting Chris Bosh seems to have bought in. He just gave you the feeling against the Wizards on Friday he was going to will this team to a win if it killed him. If the Raptors lost Chris Bosh and he had mentally checked out it would have been a long and painful season. However Bosh alone is not enough, as we learned earlier in the year, when he was putting up huge numbers yet the Raps were still struggling to get wins. He has been getting help and it has come from lots of folks.
Demar DeRozan got his career high in points in that terrible loss to the Hawks. It was something that was not really of note given what happened in that game. However since that game he has really picked up his game scoreing double digits in both wins. There was talk the starting line-up was going to change and everyone figured that the first change would likely be Demar. Triano would not make any changes. After how Demar has played in the last 3, it would seem that is starting spot is safe for now.
Jarrett Jack was one of the most vocal about this team and it's lack of performance. He was one of the people front and center in this turn around as well. Things were going so well he was able to stop and tie is shoe during the beat down of the Bulls. It was one of the most bizarre plays I have seen in a lifetime of watching basketball. The Bulls may want to have a meeting like the Raptors did as they looked lifeless and that play with Jack was a glaring example. But Jack was diving for balls and really busting his tail for the Raptors. It could be a moment that Jack has stepped up and become a vocal leader for this team which they clearly need. Bosh has never been one who has been great in that role. He would prefer to lead by example on the floor.
Finally we have seen some effort and results from Hedo Turkoglu. Even Hedo hit the deck for a ball and even won a jump ball. Fans have been deeply disappointed with his performance and rightfully so. He did miss the shot at the end of regulation in Washington but made a key shot in the overtime that would help position the Raps to get the win. Both Hedo and Demar will be moonlighting as male models today. The Raptors are going to show off there Huskies throwback uniforms today at the ACC. Demar and Hedo are expected to be on hand to show them off. Raptors will be wearing those new uniforms when they take on the T-Wolves on Tuesday.
Jose Calderon has been doing better as well. He is even managing to show a little more effort on the defensive end. I have come to accept that Jose is never going to be a good defender but at least you are seeing more of an effort in that regard. One of the other knocks against Jose has been his ability or lack of ability to throw the Alley Oop pass. However he has seemed to have found a chemistry with Demar DeRozan on the other end of that pass. DeRozan joked that Jose has thought him Spanish. So the "Amigo" Alley Oop has been working pretty well for both.
Amir Johnson was a beast against Washington and Marco Belinelli was very good against the Bulls. The Raps bench as a unit has been better with different guys stepping up on different nights. That is what you need to be successful in back to back scenarios which was something this team had clearly not done up until this weekend.
If there is anyone that is still of concern it might be Andrea Bargnani. There was not the noticeable change in his game for me. He was truly brutal most of the night in Washington and still his defense is leaving a lot to be desired. It would not shock me if we eventually see him end up on the bench at some point and playing in the second unit with Belinelli. The hope would be in playing with Marco that he would not go in the tank if he got shifted to the bench.
In general the Raptors effort on defense was far better. The rotations were quicker and there was a much more noticeable effort on that end of the floor. The Raptors seemed to have been embarrassed to the point of coming together and working out there issues defensively. There was just a better energy in how they played and it was nice to see. It is a but frustrating it has taken this long but perhaps the Raptors have turned a corner and will be a better team moving forward. Only time will tell if that meeting in Washington will be pointed to as the turning point of the season. However if you judge it based on what we have seen since it seems clear whatever was said has brought this team together and got everyone fighting hard and playing better basketball. This is what fans have wanted and now we are seeing it so enjoy it as much as you were frustrated by the low points.
What may have been the most encouraging was Chris Bosh was back playing like Chris Bosh again. He had really gone in the tank after the incident in Boston with Paul Pierce. However whatever did go on in that meeting Chris Bosh seems to have bought in. He just gave you the feeling against the Wizards on Friday he was going to will this team to a win if it killed him. If the Raptors lost Chris Bosh and he had mentally checked out it would have been a long and painful season. However Bosh alone is not enough, as we learned earlier in the year, when he was putting up huge numbers yet the Raps were still struggling to get wins. He has been getting help and it has come from lots of folks.
Demar DeRozan got his career high in points in that terrible loss to the Hawks. It was something that was not really of note given what happened in that game. However since that game he has really picked up his game scoreing double digits in both wins. There was talk the starting line-up was going to change and everyone figured that the first change would likely be Demar. Triano would not make any changes. After how Demar has played in the last 3, it would seem that is starting spot is safe for now.
Jarrett Jack was one of the most vocal about this team and it's lack of performance. He was one of the people front and center in this turn around as well. Things were going so well he was able to stop and tie is shoe during the beat down of the Bulls. It was one of the most bizarre plays I have seen in a lifetime of watching basketball. The Bulls may want to have a meeting like the Raptors did as they looked lifeless and that play with Jack was a glaring example. But Jack was diving for balls and really busting his tail for the Raptors. It could be a moment that Jack has stepped up and become a vocal leader for this team which they clearly need. Bosh has never been one who has been great in that role. He would prefer to lead by example on the floor.
Finally we have seen some effort and results from Hedo Turkoglu. Even Hedo hit the deck for a ball and even won a jump ball. Fans have been deeply disappointed with his performance and rightfully so. He did miss the shot at the end of regulation in Washington but made a key shot in the overtime that would help position the Raps to get the win. Both Hedo and Demar will be moonlighting as male models today. The Raptors are going to show off there Huskies throwback uniforms today at the ACC. Demar and Hedo are expected to be on hand to show them off. Raptors will be wearing those new uniforms when they take on the T-Wolves on Tuesday.
Jose Calderon has been doing better as well. He is even managing to show a little more effort on the defensive end. I have come to accept that Jose is never going to be a good defender but at least you are seeing more of an effort in that regard. One of the other knocks against Jose has been his ability or lack of ability to throw the Alley Oop pass. However he has seemed to have found a chemistry with Demar DeRozan on the other end of that pass. DeRozan joked that Jose has thought him Spanish. So the "Amigo" Alley Oop has been working pretty well for both.
Amir Johnson was a beast against Washington and Marco Belinelli was very good against the Bulls. The Raps bench as a unit has been better with different guys stepping up on different nights. That is what you need to be successful in back to back scenarios which was something this team had clearly not done up until this weekend.
If there is anyone that is still of concern it might be Andrea Bargnani. There was not the noticeable change in his game for me. He was truly brutal most of the night in Washington and still his defense is leaving a lot to be desired. It would not shock me if we eventually see him end up on the bench at some point and playing in the second unit with Belinelli. The hope would be in playing with Marco that he would not go in the tank if he got shifted to the bench.
In general the Raptors effort on defense was far better. The rotations were quicker and there was a much more noticeable effort on that end of the floor. The Raptors seemed to have been embarrassed to the point of coming together and working out there issues defensively. There was just a better energy in how they played and it was nice to see. It is a but frustrating it has taken this long but perhaps the Raptors have turned a corner and will be a better team moving forward. Only time will tell if that meeting in Washington will be pointed to as the turning point of the season. However if you judge it based on what we have seen since it seems clear whatever was said has brought this team together and got everyone fighting hard and playing better basketball. This is what fans have wanted and now we are seeing it so enjoy it as much as you were frustrated by the low points.
12/4/09
Raptors Rewind- So Now What Edition
So Jay Triano suggested there could be 0-3 changes to the Starting line-up. The answer is 0. No we are not saying Marco Belinelli is in the starting 5. I mean 0 as in no changes. That really is disappointing when he suggested changes may come and then delivers none. Safe to say that you better win the game tonight beyond the fact you already have lost 5 in a row. When you hint at changes and don't deliver with any I would suggest the heat is on you. This has been tough times for everyone connected to the Raptors. There is no getting around it, this is a critical time for this Raptors team. They said they cleared the air today in the meeting. That is great but honest answer is you need to get W's regardless of how this team gets along or does not. Communication on the basketball court and on the defensive end were what mattered most. 1st Quarter
Raps win the tip let's hope it leads to more winning things. Good start as Bosh hits his first jumper. A rebound on the defensive end and a quick push up to Demar who scores and is fouled and makes the foul shot. Raps were coming out with purpose and Bosh in under 2 minutes had more points than he did in Atlanta. Raps start on a 10-0 run and Flip is the one having to call a time out, something Jay Triano has done many times over this losing streak. After the timeout called after a Hedo 3 ball the Raps would get called for a defensive 3 second call. Arenas would make the tech and that would be all as the Raps get a stop. Gilbert Arenas would finally get Wiz on teack hitting a 3 as they had started 0-8 from the field prior to that.
But Bargnani would get a couple baskets and the Raptors had stormed out in front to a 21-5 lead with Bosh going to the line for 2. It caused me to tweet "Who the Heck are these Guys?" Arenas the only Wizard getting anything to this point. First 2 off the bench were Amir and Antonie for Bosh and Hedo. Demar Derozan was about the only Raptor that played well in ATL and he was carrying it over tonight. To this point the Wizards looked like the Redskins with a similar score line with Raptors up 24-7. Raptors were really hustling on both ends to this point. Jack in and he makes a 3 and the Raps lead was still 12. Amir Johnson goes hard to the hoop and the Raps had a 2 touchdown lead(27-14) in the 1st. This team actually can defend please someone call headline news. Jay Triano was making quicker rotations and early on it was paying off. But the Wizards were making a push to get back in it but still were down 10. Raps have a solid 12 in the books and lead 27-17.
2nd Quarter
Raps who had their Defense in the witness protection program and tonight it was back and holding Wiz to shooting just 20%. A bad start to the 2nd as Boykins scores and a steal for another easy score. Hedo would hit a timely 3 pointer. Bosh may have been silent in the meeting today but not on the floor tonight he drove and scored plus the foul and the Raps were back up by 9 leading 33-24. Little Earl Boykins was a thorn in the Raptors side earlier in the week. He was doing it again and the Wizards had closed to with in 5....make it 3 as Boykins hits again. It was Raps leading 33-30. Hedo got a key basket and after that Bosh would draw a foul on Jamison as he would score. Demar DeRozan is growing up before my eyes with the drive and Slam. Raptors hold off the first Wizards run and lead 39-32.
Gilbert Arenas hit a 3 and Jose Calderon answered on the over end and the Raptors lead was 42-35. The one knock on the Raps performance was turnovers. Bosh a silly fumble of the ball for turnover #10. It would lead to Demar picking up his second foul. Wizards cut the lead to 3...DD would finish a Jose Alley with his major Oop and the Raps lead was 5 at 44-39. Arenas would hit on a jumper and the young rookie DD with an answer in the lane. DeRozan was looking dare I say veteran like in his approach. Demar was active on both ends and looking really good. Raptors were doing a solid job on pushing the ball of makes or misses by the Wizards. D.D show would continue with a finish on the break off an Amir Johnson rebound. Raptors lead was back to 10. Raps would lose a little steam and have a 7 point lead with the final possession to the Raps.
3rd Quarter
Raps had a sweet 16 from Demar Derozan in the first half. He would pick up his 3rd foul early and The Wizards would cut the 7 point Raptor halftime lead to just 2 with and Arenas 3 ball. Making it 57-55 with 8:30ish left in 3rd. Raps were on the Ropes as Antwan Jamison who was a non factor in the first half with 3 fouls would score to again make it a 2 point lead. But Calderon and Bosh had back to back baskets to make the advantage 6. Wizards would call a time out and try to re-group.
The Wizards would push back to tie the game up at 65. Bosh would have a hige slam to give the Raps the lead back and that would be followed by a Calderon score. However the Wizards kept fighting despite the fact they were shooting the ball terrible on this night. At the end of 3 though the wizards had take away the Raptors 7 point lead and were all tied at 71. After that great first half no point for Demar Derozan in the 3rd. The Raptors allowed the Wizards back into this one. Yet another forgettable 3rd quarter. Andrea Bargnani was struggling shooting the ball on this night.
4th Quarter
Wizards opened the Quarter taking thier first lead of the night. Nick Young would hit a 3 and Wizards stormed out to a 76-71 lead. Despite a great start the Raptors found themselves in a familiar situation . Yet another miss for Andrea Bargnani he was 2 for 13. Why was he still in there? Well Amir did have 5 fouls so that is part of it but if you are shooting as bad as he (Bargnani) was pass the ball to someone else. Raptors were down 77-73 and out of a time out a big score for Bosh and the lead was 2. Bargnani would get a block but the Wizards would control it and get a Boykins 3. Wizards would get another score and make it a 7 point lead.
Bargnani finally made a shot...happy birthday..No it's not his birthday but whatever. Raps were back to within 4. Wiz would push it back to 6 point lead and Hedo would take a shot and get to the line it seemed to get him a bit upset. Maybe that will wake him up. He would make the freebies after the time out. Haywood would make a pair at the line and Bosh would answer with a foul line jumper. Wizards were on top 86-82 with 5 to play. Bargnani would miss yet again but Bosh would crash the offensive boards and would not be denied as he would eventually score and draw the and 1 foul that he would make. Bargnani has been pretty useless on this night and he would foul Jamison who split a pair. Bargnani would then take an offensive foul and if the Raptors lose there is your goat. Wizards would score and Bargnani as if he read what I just typed hit a jumper to cut the lead to 2.
The lead was 2 with just 3 to play....do you want it? Let's see it!!! After the Wizards split a pair Bosh would hit a fading jumper. Chris Bosh was trying to will his team to a win. Wizard were having some issues at the line as Jamison splits a pair. Bargnani gets a fortunate roll and ever since I jumped on him is 3 for 3. Raps lead 92-91. The Wizards would retake the lead. Bosh would fumble the ball and recover it might have been a travel but it was not called. He would recover and score and draw the foul. He had 27 and 16 and was doing everything he could possible to get his team a win. Raptors lead 94-93. Arenas was fouled and he went to the line looking to give his team the lead. He would split a pair but the Wizards would get the rebound tied at 94. Hedo Turkoglu and Jarrett Jack would team up to steal the ball from little Earl Boykins. 30 seconds to go and the Raptors called a time out. A great play between Hedo and Bosh on the screen and roll and Bosh would draw the foul. Bosh would make the first and the second...Raps lead 96-94 with 19 seconds left. Arenas out of the time out would make a tough jumper over Jack and is able to tie it at 96. 13 seconds left and the Raps have the ball. The Raps would get Hedo attempt from 3 as he ran a pick and pop with Bosh..Shot no good...OVERTIME!!!
Overtime
Bosh wins the tap to start overtime. Bargnani with a good effort and a tap back for the score. Caron Butler had a quick 3 point answer ans the wizards jumped on top by 1. Bosh draws foul number 5 on Jamison...non shooting. Calderon Uno...ETC...ETC...he hit the bug money 3 ball. Jamison answers with a 3. Bosh hits a jumper for 2 and these teams were trading the lead like ping pong. wizards first to blink as they miss and Hedo hits a big 3 in OT...would have like to see it at the end of the 4th but will take it now. Hedo hitting the deck on D and tying it up for a jumpball. Hedo would win it and there was 2 minutes to play. Bosh would mis on a jumper but got back on D and got the block on Jamison and Hedo would end up at the line with a chance to extend a 4 point lead with 1:36 to play. Hedo would make 1 of 2. Wizards would turn it over as Arenas would run into Boykins and Jack would pick up the fumble and call time out. Raps would fail to score but used they full 24 seconds. Butler would quickly get fouled and get to the line and make a pait the lead for 3 with 53 seconds left in the OT. Bosh would miss a jumper and Arenas would hit a 3 in transition and hit it...Tied up again and this was another wild Raps and Wizards game...what's new. 30 seconds and Raps ball tied at 107. raps would catch a huge break as the ball went out off the Wizards on a bad pass. 4 seconds on the shot clock and 10.6 left in overtime. Hedo out of the time out with the dagger...count it. Raps were up 2 with just 8 seconds left. Arenas drives and...NO...Tap back...NO...RAPS WIN RAPS WIN...109-107 in OVEEERRRTTIIMME!!!
Whatever they said in that meeting you saw a different Raptors team they showed heart and guts and pulled out a win. They needed it badly and more importantly at the end of it wanted it more!!! Great win and hopefully something to build off. Raptors take it 109-107 in OT
Raptors Washington Summit
How bad are things for the Raptors? Bad enough to have a meeting with all hands on deck as B.C had a meeting with players and coaching staff in Washington. The Fan 590 is reporting you could see up to 3 changes to the Raptors starting line-up. Safe to assume the Franchise player Chris Bosh will not be gone and it is hard to imagine that Hedo Turkoglu the Raps big free agent signing will be sent to the bench as well. So by process of elimination that means Bargnani, DeRozan and Calderon all seem to be on the hot seat. Triano has suggested there can be as many as 3 changes and safe to say those are the guys that would be out. So who is in? It seems clear that Jack and Amir Johnson would be in if Jose and Bargs are out. Who would replace Demar DeRozan might be up to some debate. Antonie Wright has battled injuries and not exactly shook up the world with his performance. That being said on the defensive end of things he would be the best choice. If not him the other likely option would be Marco Belinelli that has been up and down. However if Bargnani is to go to the bench it may make sense to leave Marco there with him.
One thing is for sure it makes checking out tonight's game a lot more interesting. This team has lost 5 in a row and this seems to be a real point in which the future of what this season will be is on the line. It would have been great to be a fly on the wall in that meeting today. You have to feel Bryan Colangelo is beyond disappointed in the effort he has seen from the team he built. Given the comments of Jarrett Jack it seems clear that this team has some internal issues to get solved. A major shake up to the line-up may seem like a desperate move. However does anyone think this team is not in a desperate state? You can be sure this meeting today was not to plan the Raptors Christmas Party. It also would not be likely that Colangelo would want to fire Triano at this stage. In terms of trades it is very early for that. Also you have to figure every conversation would begin with asking about Chris Bosh is on the table. I think that Colangelo only sees a Bosh trade as a last resort. So the only tool that makes sense is to use that of the starting line-up and minutes in general. If this doesn't work there is really going to be some problems.
The Raptors really are walking a dangerous line as it seems clear that if things don't change. You would have to be concerned if Chris Bosh losses his desire and passion in the last year of his deal. After all of the losing and false hope he has had over the years. It has to get to you after awhile or you are not human. Since the incident in Boston there has been a noticeable change in Chris and I think it makes total sense. Perhaps this meeting help solve that issue. This team really has to come together and fast. They are falling apart on the floor on a nightly basis and for anyone with any sense of pride that has to be just awful.
It is not to late to save this season from going down the drain. When you play in the Eastern Conference you get a long rope to avoid hanging yourself. When you lose 5 games in a row in the West it has more deadly consequences. The Raps with every loss go further behind the .500 mark and climbing back to that level is far more difficult. There needs to be a sense of urgency with this basketball team and if a meeting with your G.M and shake-up to the starting line-up is not a clear message to that not sure what will at this point.
So needless to say tonight's match-up with the Wizards offers lots of drama and interest. If we do not see a more improved effort and team on the floor it may just be the start of darker days to come. The Raptors need to come together and show some fight. Something that was clearly lacking in Atlanta and has been on many nights in this season. This team will come together or it is going to explode apart. There will be no happy medium for the Raptors given all the factors that surround this team. The largest of those being the future of the star player in Chris Bosh. It is never easy to head into a season with a team's key player in the last year of a deal. When losing happens it can cause even more drama as a result. When you win as they have in Cleveland and Miami the story of 2010 gets shoved to the back burner. However when you don't it is the elephant in the room.
Heck it hasn't even been easy for me. I had my computer give up on me. That is a major crisis for the Dino Nation Blog and the way I am trying to make a living. So I have had to make some changes as well with a computer screen on the IR. However I have come up with a fix to keep the DNB up and running. Looking to draft a new star in the new year on the computer front but till that time I will grind it out. The only time the DNB shut down was for 3 weeks or so when my computer before this one broke down. I am always willing to work hard it is just the technical things that do not always co-operate. So I am just happy to be still able to be in the game so to speak. Thanks for all the comments yesterday. As a result of the computer meltdown it took me till late last night to get them posted.
One thing is for sure it makes checking out tonight's game a lot more interesting. This team has lost 5 in a row and this seems to be a real point in which the future of what this season will be is on the line. It would have been great to be a fly on the wall in that meeting today. You have to feel Bryan Colangelo is beyond disappointed in the effort he has seen from the team he built. Given the comments of Jarrett Jack it seems clear that this team has some internal issues to get solved. A major shake up to the line-up may seem like a desperate move. However does anyone think this team is not in a desperate state? You can be sure this meeting today was not to plan the Raptors Christmas Party. It also would not be likely that Colangelo would want to fire Triano at this stage. In terms of trades it is very early for that. Also you have to figure every conversation would begin with asking about Chris Bosh is on the table. I think that Colangelo only sees a Bosh trade as a last resort. So the only tool that makes sense is to use that of the starting line-up and minutes in general. If this doesn't work there is really going to be some problems.
The Raptors really are walking a dangerous line as it seems clear that if things don't change. You would have to be concerned if Chris Bosh losses his desire and passion in the last year of his deal. After all of the losing and false hope he has had over the years. It has to get to you after awhile or you are not human. Since the incident in Boston there has been a noticeable change in Chris and I think it makes total sense. Perhaps this meeting help solve that issue. This team really has to come together and fast. They are falling apart on the floor on a nightly basis and for anyone with any sense of pride that has to be just awful.
It is not to late to save this season from going down the drain. When you play in the Eastern Conference you get a long rope to avoid hanging yourself. When you lose 5 games in a row in the West it has more deadly consequences. The Raps with every loss go further behind the .500 mark and climbing back to that level is far more difficult. There needs to be a sense of urgency with this basketball team and if a meeting with your G.M and shake-up to the starting line-up is not a clear message to that not sure what will at this point.
So needless to say tonight's match-up with the Wizards offers lots of drama and interest. If we do not see a more improved effort and team on the floor it may just be the start of darker days to come. The Raptors need to come together and show some fight. Something that was clearly lacking in Atlanta and has been on many nights in this season. This team will come together or it is going to explode apart. There will be no happy medium for the Raptors given all the factors that surround this team. The largest of those being the future of the star player in Chris Bosh. It is never easy to head into a season with a team's key player in the last year of a deal. When losing happens it can cause even more drama as a result. When you win as they have in Cleveland and Miami the story of 2010 gets shoved to the back burner. However when you don't it is the elephant in the room.
Heck it hasn't even been easy for me. I had my computer give up on me. That is a major crisis for the Dino Nation Blog and the way I am trying to make a living. So I have had to make some changes as well with a computer screen on the IR. However I have come up with a fix to keep the DNB up and running. Looking to draft a new star in the new year on the computer front but till that time I will grind it out. The only time the DNB shut down was for 3 weeks or so when my computer before this one broke down. I am always willing to work hard it is just the technical things that do not always co-operate. So I am just happy to be still able to be in the game so to speak. Thanks for all the comments yesterday. As a result of the computer meltdown it took me till late last night to get them posted.
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