Really this game had all the elements I would have expected in a loss to the Sixers. Jrue Holiday played well. Andrea Iguodala had steals and slams and Lou Williams hit some big time 3's. Not even the Sixers or a 9 game losing streak can stop the development of Demar DeRozan. Sixers had 7 players in double figures including all 4 players they used off the bench. Raptors had no answer for Marreese Speights and just in general were allowing to many easy buckets in the paint.
As for the new Raptors at least on first glance I predict Trey Johnson will not last for a 2nd contract for 10 days if he plays like that. Just wasn't all that impressed but to be fair probably had a lot on of nerves for this one. He was 1-4 with 3 points and 2 turnovers in about 12 minutes and I was as I said under whelmed with the performance. As for Alexis Ajinca he barely saw the floor but it was long enough to get a dunk,steal, rebound and 2 fouls in under 6 minutes. Honestly hard to evaluate based on that but he does look big out there and like the fact he was not afraid to foul.
I think my greatest concern about this game was more the reaction to it. I live blogged it for The Score mobile and normally our audience is engaged and has tons to say during Raptor games. Last night there was hardly any of that and the result was almost expected by folks. Even myself I found that I personally have become numb to the losing. Raptors have the 2nd longest losing streak in the league at 9 games and Cleveland the only team worse as their losing streak sits at 18.
Raptors really only showed up on defence in 1st Quarter and after that the Sixers busted it wide open with easy transition points (30 fast break points) and easy points in the paint which was 56 points I believe.
Home or Away the Raptors can't seem to win anywhere of late. That was the 4th straight loss at home and it is just a case of a team that lacks the talent to compete night in and night out. The injuries have been costly with No Reggie Evans, Barbosa Klezia and until recently Weems. But still it doesn't take away from the frustration. Once the Sixers made the run to take the lead in the 2nd quarter you never had the impression that Raptors were going to win. It was the right impression as well as the Raptors didn't win losing 107-94 to Philly.
Showing posts with label Alexis Ajinca. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alexis Ajinca. Show all posts
1/24/11
The Streak Is OVER!!!
If we went through all the roster moves today we may not get to the re-cap. But it appears in the coles notes version Gaines is back on his 2nd time around 10 day contract but will be released for Trey Johnson to sign tomorrow. Why is that? Jose Calderon is a no go with the flu, a cold or something like that. We can only hope he gave it to Chris Bosh. Anyway Sonny Weems is back from his back but Julian Wright will get the start and so will Jerryd Bayless with no Jose.
Well decent start as DeRozan and Bargnani both had buckets and Raptors had an 8-2 lead and Bayless had an assist on every bucket. Grizzlies got back in the hunt and cut the lead to just 1 at with score 10-9. Bayless would stick a jumper and he was doing an amazing job running this club. The Raptor had built a 18-11 lead with J.B (Not me) at the controls. Mayo would hit a 3 and get the Grizz going pushing back in this one. A time out with score Raptors 22 Grizzlies 18 so far so good at the ACC. Grizzlies kept coming and O.J Mayo who has had his struggles was a big part of the comeback to even this game up at 24. A Bayless turnover late and the Grizz would have a chance to take the lead after 1 at the line with 2. They would make 1 and take a 25-24 lead into the 2nd Quarter.
Sonny Weems first time on the floor in 2011 came near the start of the 2nd Quarter. He fires up perhaps an ill advised shot but least he is back on the floor. Raps were still fighting from behind 36-30. Derozan and Bargnani were carrying over their performance from in Miami with a combined 22 points. Raptors were in a battle with the Grizzlies and it was 38-37 for Memphis. Raps had a chance to take lead back but Bargnani misses and Ed Davis gets offensive rebound but can't do anything with it. But Davis would get a 2nd chance at it after an empty for Memphis and he would score and draw the foul to put the Raptors back in the lead. This was not a well played game by either side but it was close as the teams were now trading the lead on every possession. Gasol the score and the foul give the Grizz a 49-47 lead. They would hold the lead to the half and take a 51-49 lead to the break.
Andrea Bargnani out on the break on the run way....and he slams it and gets 2's across the board. The judge from Italy gave him a 5 but he was clearly bias. More importantly then my attempt at humour was the Raptors tied this up at 53. But the Grizz would get on a little run and take a 64-58 lead. A time out from Triano and the message was to talk on D and help on D. The play out of the time out was for Double D and he would cash in for 2. Fellow Young Onez member Amir Johnson would make it a 2 point lead. Raps would tie it up and Bayless blew an easy lay up and Grizz take it the other way and score. Bargnani and Gasol trade baskets. Gasol would score again after an ill advised 3 attempt from Jerryd Bayless that did not fall. Raptors struggling down the stretch of this 3rd quarter and the Grizzlies were pulling away. It was 80-74 after 3 and Raptors would need a comeback to avoid their 8th straight loss.
Gaines air balls a 3 and if the rumours are true it won't matter much as he will be gone tomorrow but for this game it mattered a lot. Bayless going for a block took out Mike Conley. He missed both but Grizzlies got the rebound on the miss and score and Grizz up 88-76. Raptors would get on a run and were back in this one. 6-0 run should have been 8 but Wright failed to finish on a lay-up. But Amir Johnson takes a charge on Gasol and give the Raps another chance to continue the run trialling 88-82. The run would march on and Andrea Bargnani would score off a Bayless feed and draw a foul. Makes it and this is an 11-0 run and Raptors were down just 1. Bayless speaking of the number 11 has 11 points and 11 rebounds. DeRozan with a score then a steal and a chance to give the Raptors the lead at the line and he would Raptors lead 92-91 and DeRozan has 23 in the game. A Gay slam in the paint gave the Grizz the lead back. Bayless answered with a 2 and Raps were back on top. Grizz get to the line and make 1 of 2 but a Raptor turnover leads to Conley lay up and the Grizz lead 96-94. DeRozan a big rebound (His 9th) and makes a pair at the line to tie it at 96. Conley again does it for the Grizz with a huge bucket and they led 98-96. Raptors could not cash in on Bayless jumper from the corner for 2. There was 42 seconds left and the Grizzlies had the ball up 2. Raptors would get a stop and Bayless would redeem himself with a score off a screen and roll on the drive. Tied at 98 with 18.1 seconds to play. The Grizz would isolate Rudy Gay on Julian Wright and he would drive and stick a jumper to give the Grizzlies a 100-98 lead. Just .8 seconds left. Raptors would try to get a 3 from Gaines on the inbound play it was blocked and the Raptors fall short and their 3 point streak is dead as well.
Raptors played a good basketball game but not good enough and the snowball keeps rolling down the hill. Tonight proved a point though the Raptors were able to compete and almost win a game without making a single three. I don't mind the Raptors taking 3's but it needs to make sense and can't just be jacking up 3's for no purpose. Maybe now that this streak after 986 games is dead we can focus on being more economically in the use of the shot. Raptors were 0/13 on the night and if even half of those possessions resulted in a higher % shot we are talking about a Raptor win.
I understand many of you will not share my glee in this streak being over, but it seriously meant nothing, and for me was symbol of a team that relied on the 3 point shot far to much for far too many years. This season was and is suppose to be a bout a change in this organization and a new direction for this franchise. So the fact this streak dies is almost fitting in a way. It is a real shame it could not die in a win.
Grizz take it 100-98 and Raps losing streak extends to 8 with an improved Philly club coming to town on Wednesday.
Well decent start as DeRozan and Bargnani both had buckets and Raptors had an 8-2 lead and Bayless had an assist on every bucket. Grizzlies got back in the hunt and cut the lead to just 1 at with score 10-9. Bayless would stick a jumper and he was doing an amazing job running this club. The Raptor had built a 18-11 lead with J.B (Not me) at the controls. Mayo would hit a 3 and get the Grizz going pushing back in this one. A time out with score Raptors 22 Grizzlies 18 so far so good at the ACC. Grizzlies kept coming and O.J Mayo who has had his struggles was a big part of the comeback to even this game up at 24. A Bayless turnover late and the Grizz would have a chance to take the lead after 1 at the line with 2. They would make 1 and take a 25-24 lead into the 2nd Quarter.
Sonny Weems first time on the floor in 2011 came near the start of the 2nd Quarter. He fires up perhaps an ill advised shot but least he is back on the floor. Raps were still fighting from behind 36-30. Derozan and Bargnani were carrying over their performance from in Miami with a combined 22 points. Raptors were in a battle with the Grizzlies and it was 38-37 for Memphis. Raps had a chance to take lead back but Bargnani misses and Ed Davis gets offensive rebound but can't do anything with it. But Davis would get a 2nd chance at it after an empty for Memphis and he would score and draw the foul to put the Raptors back in the lead. This was not a well played game by either side but it was close as the teams were now trading the lead on every possession. Gasol the score and the foul give the Grizz a 49-47 lead. They would hold the lead to the half and take a 51-49 lead to the break.
Andrea Bargnani out on the break on the run way....and he slams it and gets 2's across the board. The judge from Italy gave him a 5 but he was clearly bias. More importantly then my attempt at humour was the Raptors tied this up at 53. But the Grizz would get on a little run and take a 64-58 lead. A time out from Triano and the message was to talk on D and help on D. The play out of the time out was for Double D and he would cash in for 2. Fellow Young Onez member Amir Johnson would make it a 2 point lead. Raps would tie it up and Bayless blew an easy lay up and Grizz take it the other way and score. Bargnani and Gasol trade baskets. Gasol would score again after an ill advised 3 attempt from Jerryd Bayless that did not fall. Raptors struggling down the stretch of this 3rd quarter and the Grizzlies were pulling away. It was 80-74 after 3 and Raptors would need a comeback to avoid their 8th straight loss.
Gaines air balls a 3 and if the rumours are true it won't matter much as he will be gone tomorrow but for this game it mattered a lot. Bayless going for a block took out Mike Conley. He missed both but Grizzlies got the rebound on the miss and score and Grizz up 88-76. Raptors would get on a run and were back in this one. 6-0 run should have been 8 but Wright failed to finish on a lay-up. But Amir Johnson takes a charge on Gasol and give the Raps another chance to continue the run trialling 88-82. The run would march on and Andrea Bargnani would score off a Bayless feed and draw a foul. Makes it and this is an 11-0 run and Raptors were down just 1. Bayless speaking of the number 11 has 11 points and 11 rebounds. DeRozan with a score then a steal and a chance to give the Raptors the lead at the line and he would Raptors lead 92-91 and DeRozan has 23 in the game. A Gay slam in the paint gave the Grizz the lead back. Bayless answered with a 2 and Raps were back on top. Grizz get to the line and make 1 of 2 but a Raptor turnover leads to Conley lay up and the Grizz lead 96-94. DeRozan a big rebound (His 9th) and makes a pair at the line to tie it at 96. Conley again does it for the Grizz with a huge bucket and they led 98-96. Raptors could not cash in on Bayless jumper from the corner for 2. There was 42 seconds left and the Grizzlies had the ball up 2. Raptors would get a stop and Bayless would redeem himself with a score off a screen and roll on the drive. Tied at 98 with 18.1 seconds to play. The Grizz would isolate Rudy Gay on Julian Wright and he would drive and stick a jumper to give the Grizzlies a 100-98 lead. Just .8 seconds left. Raptors would try to get a 3 from Gaines on the inbound play it was blocked and the Raptors fall short and their 3 point streak is dead as well.
Raptors played a good basketball game but not good enough and the snowball keeps rolling down the hill. Tonight proved a point though the Raptors were able to compete and almost win a game without making a single three. I don't mind the Raptors taking 3's but it needs to make sense and can't just be jacking up 3's for no purpose. Maybe now that this streak after 986 games is dead we can focus on being more economically in the use of the shot. Raptors were 0/13 on the night and if even half of those possessions resulted in a higher % shot we are talking about a Raptor win.
I understand many of you will not share my glee in this streak being over, but it seriously meant nothing, and for me was symbol of a team that relied on the 3 point shot far to much for far too many years. This season was and is suppose to be a bout a change in this organization and a new direction for this franchise. So the fact this streak dies is almost fitting in a way. It is a real shame it could not die in a win.
Grizz take it 100-98 and Raps losing streak extends to 8 with an improved Philly club coming to town on Wednesday.
Update On Gaines and Alexis Ajinca
Never assume I guess. It looked like Sundiata Gaines was a goner but he does in fact get a second 10 day contract with the Raptors. Here is the press release just issued by the Raptors:
The Toronto Raptors announced Monday they have signed guard Sundiata Gaines to a second 10-day contract. Gaines was signed to his original 10-day contract on January 13. He appeared in five games with Toronto averaging 5.8 points, 2.0 assists and 14.6 minutes. He had a high of 10 points in back-to-back games January 19 at San Antonio and January 21 at Orlando.Gaines, 6-foot-1,195 pounds has appeared in 45 regular season games with Minnesota, Utah and Toronto averaging 3.5 points, 1.2 assists and 7.9 minutes. He was signed by Minnesota on November 12 and saw action in eight games totaling 21 points, six assists and 65 minutes. He was released by the Timberwolves on January 4. Gaines played in 32 games with Utah in the 2009-10 season. He signed two 10-day contracts with the Jazz in January before being inked for the remainder of the season on January 25. He averaged 3.3 points, 1.2 assists and 6.8 minutes. He appeared in five postseason games where he totaled 11 points (5-for-6 FG) in seven minutes.Gaines also played in the NBDL last season with the Idaho Stampede. He averaged 23.9 points with 4.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 14 games. A 2008 product of the University of Georgia, Gaines began his professional career with NGC Cantu in the Italian League in the 2008-09 season. He averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 30 outings. Toronto’s roster now stands at 15 players.
Also Mark Cuban is always right. Or at least he was on the Peja signing and trade for Alexis Ajinca trade to Toronto. Here is the press release on that:
The Toronto Raptors announced Monday they have acquired centre Alexis Ajinca (ah-lek-SEE ah-JIN-sa), a future second-round draft pick and cash considerations from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the draft rights to forward Giorgos Printezis. In the transaction the Raptors reacquired the second-round selection they sent to Dallas in June for the draft rights to Solomon Alabi. The 22-year-old Ajinca averaged 2.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 7.5 minutes in 10 games with the Mavericks. He was acquired from Charlotte on July 13, 2010. Ajinca has appeared in 47 regular season games (six starts) with Charlotte and Dallas averaging 2.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 6.1 minutes. He recorded career highs of 12 points at New Orleans on December 10, 2008 and six rebounds versus Golden State on December 7, 2010. Ajinca, 7-foot-2, 250 pounds, was a first-round draft choice (20th overall) by Charlotte in 2008. HiHes draft stock rose following an impressive showing at the 2008 Nike Hoop Summit. He had 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks against Team USA. Ajinca has also played in the NBDL with Sioux Falls and Maine. He averaged 13.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 24.9 minutes in 33 outings. He appeared in the 2010 NBDL All-Star Game. A native of Saint Etienne, France, Ajinca played two seasons in his homeland before joining Charlotte. He was a member of Pau Orthez in 2006-07 and Hyeres-Toulon in 2007-08. He helped lead the French National Team to the Under 16 (2004) and Under 16 (2006) European Championships. The Raptors acquired the rights to Printezis (selected 58th overall) in the 2007 NBA Draft from San Antonio for a future second-round pick.
So who remembered Giorgos Printezis? Anyone. But that ends your Raptor news for now. They still play the Grizzlies to the best of our knowledge at 7pm.
Gaines Out, Johnson In , Ajinca ???
Raptors may be lacking wins this year but not roster moves. It would appear that the Raptors have decided to not renew Gaines to another 10-day contract and have decided to go with another option from the D-League. Trey Johnson is the latest to become a Raptor it would appear. Scott Carefoot of The Score had a link to this article on Fanhouse with info on the latest Raptor. Johnson as you will read he is a combo guard and in effect could play both positions where Gaines likely could not. That would be my guess as to why we see Johnson in and Gaines out. Still no official word from Raptors on Gaines being gone other then we know his 10-day contract ended on Saturday. Also no confirmation on the Johnson signing so if he is in the house for the Raptors game tonight at the ACC vs Memphis is up in the air at this point.
I have to say that with all these guys getting signed to 10 day contracts it gives the Raptors the feel of an expansion team. But we are in year 16 now. Obviously injuries have been a major factor in this as well. Mark Cuban meantime says he is confident the signing of Peja will go through and a move that would see Alexis Ajinca come to the Raptors in a deal. Cuban in the article suggested it could all be done as early as today. But again the Raptors have been silent on this issue as well.
All this news a side I still have groceries to shop for so if any of this gets confirmed check for something from me via Twitter @Dinonationblog. Will have a re-cap of the Raptors and Grizzlies regardless of who happens to be in uniform or not by 7pm.
I have to say that with all these guys getting signed to 10 day contracts it gives the Raptors the feel of an expansion team. But we are in year 16 now. Obviously injuries have been a major factor in this as well. Mark Cuban meantime says he is confident the signing of Peja will go through and a move that would see Alexis Ajinca come to the Raptors in a deal. Cuban in the article suggested it could all be done as early as today. But again the Raptors have been silent on this issue as well.
All this news a side I still have groceries to shop for so if any of this gets confirmed check for something from me via Twitter @Dinonationblog. Will have a re-cap of the Raptors and Grizzlies regardless of who happens to be in uniform or not by 7pm.
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