Blazers Burn Boshless Raps

Raptors could have used Chris Bosh last night. He was there dressed for success but not for the game. The Blazers were coming in off a back to back but showed no signs of wear and tear. Hedo Turkoglu had one of his better games as a Raptor in terms of offense (24 points, 8 for 9 from field). However offense and defense was lacking for Toronto. The Raptors for the first time since January 3rd the Raptors failed to score 100 points. So no pizza and in the end no win for Raptors as they lose 101-87 to Portland.

The Raptors did not have an answer to stop the Big 3 for the Blazers of Roy, Miller and Aldridge. The Blazers were going short handed as well without Marcus Camby who they recently acquired from the Clippers. Roy and Miller combined for 38 and the Raptors did a decent job with Aldridge holding him to just 9 points and was just 4-12 from the field. However Rudy Fernandez had 17 points going 3-5 from 3 point range. Bayless also chipped in with 11. In total off the bench Blazers got 35 points from 3 players. Blazers outscored Raptors 35-24 in terms of bench points.

Jay Triano prior to this one said he was hopeful that Chris Bosh would be ready to go Friday when the Raptors take on Lebron James and the Cavs. Safe to say after last night Jay is even more hopeful. He was less than impressed with both his team's defense and the lack of calls going his team's way. However 16 turnovers including 6 (3 Each) by his point guards was a big factor as well in the loss.

The only thing Jay can be happy about is not a lot of people were paying attention to the Raptors yesterday as the fact Canada's Men's Hockey team was playing at the same time. It made for a pretty small crowd at the ACC and safe to say a pretty small viewing audience. The sad reality is fans that were not tuned in did not miss much.

A few more people might be paying attention when Lebron James comes to town for the first time since opening night for the Raptors. James has a new running buddy who is no stranger to Toronto in Antwan Jamison who the Raptors drafted and of course swapped for Vince Carter. The two would eventually end up brother in-laws and Antwan was a regular at Vince's summer charity games in Toronto. Raptors will need to have Bosh back to have any realistic chance in this one.