I drew the comparison to this event in the blog. Seems someone on YouTube took it to the next level. This gave me a laugh and I am sure it will do the same for you. The MWO is here:
Showing posts with label Chirs Bosh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chirs Bosh. Show all posts
7/15/10
3/26/10
Raps Better But Mello Best In The End
Three words to describe this game: HOLY FRICKEN JESUS. It was almost unbelievable considering the Raptors track record as of late. Tonight's match-up between the Denver Nuggets and the beloved Toronto Raptors was a chance for both teams to get back on track. The last time these two clubs met this season, Denver took the contest with a 130 - 112 score back in November. So Denver was not really concerned about Toronto going into tonight's game and or the fact that Hedo was off sick. Boy, were they ever wrong. If the Raptors continue to play like they did tonight, a play-off spot is in their future for sure. I would like to say that the Nuggets look better on paper since they haven't lost 4 in a row since February 2007 but really, I tried to be positive. I know Denver came out on top but I just felt the Raptors couldn't continue down this path forever and needed a win tonight to get out of this funky-monkey-funk of theirs. Forget about the fact Toronto sits 8th in the playoff race, and having "issues" with defence (Ask James to describe the Raptors defence and you will probably get a more colourful description). The final score could have been 97-96 for Raptors but it wasn't. Here's how it all went down.
First Quarter - No consistency
The Raptors were little shaky off the start with a game of greasy ball between Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh. With only a few minutes into the game, things didn't look too hot for the Raptors with 2 turnovers, taking too many 3's and not connecting. But Jose Calderon hits a three and little light seems to shine through. I think the major thing the Raptors proved tonight is the depth of their second string is still there and they definitely poured it on tonight. DeMar DeRozen came in with guns blazing at about 6:30 left in the first quarter and I am telling you, this boy brought some real energy off the bench and turned the momentum of the game around. He shows some aggression on a two - point attempt, misses and is tipped in by Bosh and I could swear I saw CB4's furled brow flatten with evidence of his teammates starting to help out. I think if the Raptors were a little more consistent starting in the first quarter, the game may have turned out in their favour.
Second Quarter - Bellisimo Belinelli
The Raptors have been trailing up to this point but with a fantastic drive off a turnover steal, PLUS drawing the foul, DeMar "don't doubt me" DeRozen makes the free throw and pulls the Raptors to within 5. But Marco Belinelli had some hot hands coming off the bench and all of a sudden there's hope for the first time in a while the Raptors might actually gain the advantage. Hope is a beautiful thing especially when you are a club trying regain the trust of fans. I think Jay Triano did a good job of taking advantage of the strengths of the bench in this quarter. The Raptors gain their first lead of the game and it came with about 6 minutes left to the half when "Bellismo Belinelli" makes it 37-36. He really capitalized on the energy DeRozen injected into the first quarter and really made you invest your own energy into the game. It was so refreshing to see them have a mini celebration on the floor after a DeRozen tip in since it seems like they were starting to relax and focus. At this point, they had 17 breakaways and 7 turnover rebounds, so they were making a great effort off the glass.
Third/Fourth Quarter - Weems makes us Dream but our hearts are still broken
As you know, when the score is so close and you've been working so hard to gain control, it's important not to let the other team get on a roll. Denver is number one in the NBA at the free throw line, so the Raptors needed to stay focused in this half and not make any silly mistakes. At one point Sonny Weems makes a huge play with a drive to the basket and draws the foul, making it 64-62 with 2 made free throws. This is the part of the game when I think Bosh really becomes engaged. Not like he didn't want to win before, but now he's enjoying not starring in tonight's version of "Hustle 'n' Flow" and having the supporting cast step it up a little. With less than 6 minutes left in the third, Bosh hammers not one, but two within 30 seconds of each other, making it 68-66 at this point for the Raptors and really gaining some leverage.
In my opinion, Sonny Weems was a huge factor in the second half. He was really confident from behind the arc hitting multiple 3s, having so much fun - you could see it in his face. Weems and Belinelli were playing both ends tonight and really stepping it up. They really helped the Raptors go nose to nose with a good team. They forced Denver to make some costly errors - one of them sent Bosh to the line with about 3 minutes left in the game. Bosh drains one and it's 90-86 for the Raptors. But then our hearts get ripped in the other direction when the game is tied at 92 with over a minute left in the game. Anyone tuning in at this point not knowing what time of the year it was, would've have thought this was a freakin play-off game. Bargnani makes a huge play penetrating deep to the basket and drawing the foul. Then Jay Triano sends in DeRozen with thirty seconds left maybe thinking DeRozen's early-quarter hot hands might come in handy? Quite possible. At this point you want to do 2 things: contain those looking to penetrate deep and what I like to call the "buzzer snipers". And unfortunately for the Raptors, Carmelo Anthony was one of those sneaky snipers making it 97-96 for Denver at the buzzer. I was hoping against hope when officials reviewed Carmelo's shot they would somehow recall the basket, but alas it wasn't. Man, what a hard game to swallow.
First Quarter - No consistency
The Raptors were little shaky off the start with a game of greasy ball between Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh. With only a few minutes into the game, things didn't look too hot for the Raptors with 2 turnovers, taking too many 3's and not connecting. But Jose Calderon hits a three and little light seems to shine through. I think the major thing the Raptors proved tonight is the depth of their second string is still there and they definitely poured it on tonight. DeMar DeRozen came in with guns blazing at about 6:30 left in the first quarter and I am telling you, this boy brought some real energy off the bench and turned the momentum of the game around. He shows some aggression on a two - point attempt, misses and is tipped in by Bosh and I could swear I saw CB4's furled brow flatten with evidence of his teammates starting to help out. I think if the Raptors were a little more consistent starting in the first quarter, the game may have turned out in their favour.
Second Quarter - Bellisimo Belinelli
The Raptors have been trailing up to this point but with a fantastic drive off a turnover steal, PLUS drawing the foul, DeMar "don't doubt me" DeRozen makes the free throw and pulls the Raptors to within 5. But Marco Belinelli had some hot hands coming off the bench and all of a sudden there's hope for the first time in a while the Raptors might actually gain the advantage. Hope is a beautiful thing especially when you are a club trying regain the trust of fans. I think Jay Triano did a good job of taking advantage of the strengths of the bench in this quarter. The Raptors gain their first lead of the game and it came with about 6 minutes left to the half when "Bellismo Belinelli" makes it 37-36. He really capitalized on the energy DeRozen injected into the first quarter and really made you invest your own energy into the game. It was so refreshing to see them have a mini celebration on the floor after a DeRozen tip in since it seems like they were starting to relax and focus. At this point, they had 17 breakaways and 7 turnover rebounds, so they were making a great effort off the glass.
Third/Fourth Quarter - Weems makes us Dream but our hearts are still broken
As you know, when the score is so close and you've been working so hard to gain control, it's important not to let the other team get on a roll. Denver is number one in the NBA at the free throw line, so the Raptors needed to stay focused in this half and not make any silly mistakes. At one point Sonny Weems makes a huge play with a drive to the basket and draws the foul, making it 64-62 with 2 made free throws. This is the part of the game when I think Bosh really becomes engaged. Not like he didn't want to win before, but now he's enjoying not starring in tonight's version of "Hustle 'n' Flow" and having the supporting cast step it up a little. With less than 6 minutes left in the third, Bosh hammers not one, but two within 30 seconds of each other, making it 68-66 at this point for the Raptors and really gaining some leverage.
In my opinion, Sonny Weems was a huge factor in the second half. He was really confident from behind the arc hitting multiple 3s, having so much fun - you could see it in his face. Weems and Belinelli were playing both ends tonight and really stepping it up. They really helped the Raptors go nose to nose with a good team. They forced Denver to make some costly errors - one of them sent Bosh to the line with about 3 minutes left in the game. Bosh drains one and it's 90-86 for the Raptors. But then our hearts get ripped in the other direction when the game is tied at 92 with over a minute left in the game. Anyone tuning in at this point not knowing what time of the year it was, would've have thought this was a freakin play-off game. Bargnani makes a huge play penetrating deep to the basket and drawing the foul. Then Jay Triano sends in DeRozen with thirty seconds left maybe thinking DeRozen's early-quarter hot hands might come in handy? Quite possible. At this point you want to do 2 things: contain those looking to penetrate deep and what I like to call the "buzzer snipers". And unfortunately for the Raptors, Carmelo Anthony was one of those sneaky snipers making it 97-96 for Denver at the buzzer. I was hoping against hope when officials reviewed Carmelo's shot they would somehow recall the basket, but alas it wasn't. Man, what a hard game to swallow.
3/20/10
Raptors Hope To Net A Rare Road Win.
Thanks to Anas for holding it down for DNB while I was off watching the team both Jack and Bosh played for move on in NCAA Tournament. Maybe Paul Hewitt (Coach of Georgia Tech) should coach Raptors. Maybe he can get this team to play some defense. I admit have only seen highlights of what went on at the ACC last night. However it was an even worse script then what I had envisioned. I fully expected the Thunder to win this game. Despite the win over Atlanta, the Raptors did not play well and many of the issues that were part of their 5 game losing streak were still evident. In fact let's be blunt this team has been a tragic embarrassment since the All Star Break. So what a better time to bring on the NBA embarrassment that is the New Jersey Nets. They are on pace to set an NBA record for the worse season EVER!!! The Raptors need to keep them on that pace if not all bets are off at what happens next. Raptors have beat the Nets all 3 times they have hooked up. Including one on the Road at the I-Zod Center for a rare road victory.
Amazingly as bad as the Raptors have played they remain in the playoff and the teams around them with exception of the Bucks have all struggled. Bobcats, Heat and Bulls are all terrible as well. Raptors are just a full game behind Miami and still sit 2 and half games ahead of the Bulls who have lost 10 straight. In all likelihood the Raptors will make the post season. However scrapping in as the 7th or 8th seed has not that goal. Raptors had much higher aspirations for this season. As Chris Bosh's frustration with this team grows so does the feeling he may not remain. Many feel that the success or lack of success in the post season will be a big factor in what Bosh will do. Chris has not exactly laid out a criteria for what he is looking for to make his decision. However winning is always part of the equation for CB4.
4 of these next 6 games will say a lot about just where this team is heading. What should be easy wins over the Nets tonight and Minnesota on Monday. Then two what barring something unforeseen losses to Denver and Utah. After that the most important road trip of this Raptors Season. Remember about 2 months ago I mentioned a back to back late in March that would mean a lot? March 28th at Miami and next night at Charlotte. These games have taken on the massive important nature that I felt they would back in January. If the Raptors do not win at least 3 of these 4 games vs Nets, T-Wolves, Heat and Bobcats then all bets are off and Raptors will be hard pressed to be anything better than an 8 seed.
That would mean a match-up with Cavs in the first round. Which everyone seems as doom. Well I don't as much as others. I mean sure I picked the Cavs to win the NBA Title this year. I also see them as the best team in the East. However that does not make them the worst match-up. Hawks and Magic for me are tougher match-ups for Toronto. Boston would not be except for the fact that Celtics seem to be in the Raptors heads and have been for awhile. But bottom line is if Raptors don't defend better they would have a hard time advancing in March Madness let alone the NBA playoffs.
Raptors really need 2 wins on this short road trip badly. In fact I would say anything short of 2-0 is a major failure. If the Raptors were to some how lose to the Nets I can only imagine the mood of this fan base which is already ugly. Worse yet can you imagine the mood of Bosh if that happens? I can't say I would blame him. His frustration is evident and when the leader of the team in frustrated you have to imagine the entire locker is to various degrees. The T-Wolves on Monday may actually play worse defense than the Raptors as the got torched for 158 by the Suns not that long ago. A 2 game winning streak in this battle of the least in the East would be huge or to quote George Costanza "Gold Jerry Gold". But it is another Costanza line that comes to mind at the moment. "Serenity NOW!!!" that is how frustrated I am, as I am sure you all are. Raptors should be happy to know their fans cared enough to boo this team off the floor. Why do I say that? Simple you only boo if you care and have passion. Raptors are in serious danger of what comes next happening. What is that? Apathy and it is not pretty. If Bosh were to go and this team stinks as much as it could with out him...Apathy will be here. That is not good for anyone including me.
Amazingly as bad as the Raptors have played they remain in the playoff and the teams around them with exception of the Bucks have all struggled. Bobcats, Heat and Bulls are all terrible as well. Raptors are just a full game behind Miami and still sit 2 and half games ahead of the Bulls who have lost 10 straight. In all likelihood the Raptors will make the post season. However scrapping in as the 7th or 8th seed has not that goal. Raptors had much higher aspirations for this season. As Chris Bosh's frustration with this team grows so does the feeling he may not remain. Many feel that the success or lack of success in the post season will be a big factor in what Bosh will do. Chris has not exactly laid out a criteria for what he is looking for to make his decision. However winning is always part of the equation for CB4.
4 of these next 6 games will say a lot about just where this team is heading. What should be easy wins over the Nets tonight and Minnesota on Monday. Then two what barring something unforeseen losses to Denver and Utah. After that the most important road trip of this Raptors Season. Remember about 2 months ago I mentioned a back to back late in March that would mean a lot? March 28th at Miami and next night at Charlotte. These games have taken on the massive important nature that I felt they would back in January. If the Raptors do not win at least 3 of these 4 games vs Nets, T-Wolves, Heat and Bobcats then all bets are off and Raptors will be hard pressed to be anything better than an 8 seed.
That would mean a match-up with Cavs in the first round. Which everyone seems as doom. Well I don't as much as others. I mean sure I picked the Cavs to win the NBA Title this year. I also see them as the best team in the East. However that does not make them the worst match-up. Hawks and Magic for me are tougher match-ups for Toronto. Boston would not be except for the fact that Celtics seem to be in the Raptors heads and have been for awhile. But bottom line is if Raptors don't defend better they would have a hard time advancing in March Madness let alone the NBA playoffs.
Raptors really need 2 wins on this short road trip badly. In fact I would say anything short of 2-0 is a major failure. If the Raptors were to some how lose to the Nets I can only imagine the mood of this fan base which is already ugly. Worse yet can you imagine the mood of Bosh if that happens? I can't say I would blame him. His frustration is evident and when the leader of the team in frustrated you have to imagine the entire locker is to various degrees. The T-Wolves on Monday may actually play worse defense than the Raptors as the got torched for 158 by the Suns not that long ago. A 2 game winning streak in this battle of the least in the East would be huge or to quote George Costanza "Gold Jerry Gold". But it is another Costanza line that comes to mind at the moment. "Serenity NOW!!!" that is how frustrated I am, as I am sure you all are. Raptors should be happy to know their fans cared enough to boo this team off the floor. Why do I say that? Simple you only boo if you care and have passion. Raptors are in serious danger of what comes next happening. What is that? Apathy and it is not pretty. If Bosh were to go and this team stinks as much as it could with out him...Apathy will be here. That is not good for anyone including me.
3/19/10
Thunder Warning In T-Dot
The Toronto Raptors got back in the win column and got more help from an unlikely source in Vince Carter and his Orlando Magic. The Raptors need to play much better if they hope to make it 2 wins in a row with a very realistic shot to make it 4 in a row with the Nets and Minnesota on the sked on Saturday and Monday. But the win tonight will not be an easy one. The Thunder are surprising everyone even me who was one of the few that picked them to make the playoffs in the west. However they are not only in the playoffs but still hopefully of getting home court advantage. In a sense Oklahoma City is in the spot in the West that most Raptors fan hoped and expected the Raptors to be in the East.
Kevin Durant has been the 2nd best player in the league to only King James in the minds of many. He has a talented young cast around him with Westbrook, Green and Harden. This OKC is so young they all could almost be eligible to enter the NCAA March Madness. Kentucky might be deep but they would be hard pressed to stay in a game with these young guns from OKC. Durant a former national player of the year. Green the former Big East player of the year. Westbrook and Harden both standouts in the Pac-10. OKC makes an NCAA All Star Roster that can compete with almost anyone in the NBA forget about the NCAA.
They offer all the same challenges that Atlanta does in terms of off the chart athleticism. The Raptors did beat Atlanta minus Joe Johnson but it took a lot on luck(Perhaps of the Irish and Jack Armstrong) to eek out a win. It will take a stronger effort from the Raptors to win tonight. at the top of that list Chris Bosh. He did hit the big shot to win the game vs Atlanta but it will take a full 48 minutes to beat a motivated Kevin Durant and company.
OKC is no longer a joke. They are perhaps on the verge of becoming an elite team in the NBA. They are a lot closer than the Raptors are that is for sure. Toronto would like to get a win and move on to the road were they have struggled with 2 very winnable games. But that will be far from an easy task.
My bracket in the NCAA tournament went up in flames yesterday(Thanks Hoyas) if the Raptors hope not to do the same they will need one of their better efforts of the season to get it done. Even though this Thunder team is young they have a winning road record and are no easy out regardless of where they are playing. So take a break from the Madness and check out the Raps. I will be doing that in between Live Blogging to college games for the Score. Jack and Bosh's Yellow Jackets against the Joey Graham Oklahoma State Cowboys. So both in college rooting and NBA playing it is all about OKC today for Bosh and Jack and the Raps. After Raps game I am doing Louisville and Cal. Head to the Score.com and click on Blogs then LiveBlogs or follow me on Twitter @dinonationblog and I will post direct links there. Busy times with Madness and Raptors but I love it. Basketball from when I have lunch to go to sleep. You can't beat that.
Kevin Durant has been the 2nd best player in the league to only King James in the minds of many. He has a talented young cast around him with Westbrook, Green and Harden. This OKC is so young they all could almost be eligible to enter the NCAA March Madness. Kentucky might be deep but they would be hard pressed to stay in a game with these young guns from OKC. Durant a former national player of the year. Green the former Big East player of the year. Westbrook and Harden both standouts in the Pac-10. OKC makes an NCAA All Star Roster that can compete with almost anyone in the NBA forget about the NCAA.
They offer all the same challenges that Atlanta does in terms of off the chart athleticism. The Raptors did beat Atlanta minus Joe Johnson but it took a lot on luck(Perhaps of the Irish and Jack Armstrong) to eek out a win. It will take a stronger effort from the Raptors to win tonight. at the top of that list Chris Bosh. He did hit the big shot to win the game vs Atlanta but it will take a full 48 minutes to beat a motivated Kevin Durant and company.
OKC is no longer a joke. They are perhaps on the verge of becoming an elite team in the NBA. They are a lot closer than the Raptors are that is for sure. Toronto would like to get a win and move on to the road were they have struggled with 2 very winnable games. But that will be far from an easy task.
My bracket in the NCAA tournament went up in flames yesterday(Thanks Hoyas) if the Raptors hope not to do the same they will need one of their better efforts of the season to get it done. Even though this Thunder team is young they have a winning road record and are no easy out regardless of where they are playing. So take a break from the Madness and check out the Raps. I will be doing that in between Live Blogging to college games for the Score. Jack and Bosh's Yellow Jackets against the Joey Graham Oklahoma State Cowboys. So both in college rooting and NBA playing it is all about OKC today for Bosh and Jack and the Raps. After Raps game I am doing Louisville and Cal. Head to the Score.com and click on Blogs then LiveBlogs or follow me on Twitter @dinonationblog and I will post direct links there. Busy times with Madness and Raptors but I love it. Basketball from when I have lunch to go to sleep. You can't beat that.
12/1/09
Week Ahead Featuring "The Wiz"
I want to start today by encouraging all Rap Fans to vote for CB4 and do your best to get him in the starting line-up in his hometown of Dallas. Let's show him at least the fans have his back. He has played like the All Star that he is this season. If fans could ban together and pull off some kind of miracle and get him voted in, I am sure that would mean something to Chris. So if in the past you have filled out 1 ballot this year full out 10. If you vote 10 times...vote 20 times and so on. This maybe the last time you get a chance to vote for Chris as a Raptor to go to the game. If you have enjoyed watching Chris Bosh grow into one of the great players in the NBA take the time to vote for him.
Now on to the matters at hand and that is the Washington Wizards. The Raptors can say at least were better than the Wizards. Well not really but record wise it is true. While everyone was wildly predicting great things for the Washington Wizards I was one of the few that did not. In true Wiz Fashion they have already had a major injury in Antwan Jamison and yes Gilbert Arenas is still talking a better game than he plays. Although at least he is playing for a change. The worst thing the Wizards ever did was re-sign him. How you can commit the amount they did to a player that has a long injury history and a longer history of being a self centered diva is beyond me. Some still hold out hope the Wizards can turn it around. Let's just hope it doesn't happen this week. Jamison has played 6 games since returning to the Washington line-up. His numbers are what you have come to expect from him 21.7 points and 9.3 rebounds. Coming back to earth slightly after a huge debut in his return to the line-up.
This week that sees the Raps take on the Wiz twice and Hawks and the Bulls. I watched the Bucks (who Raps play Next Week) and the Bulls play last night and Milwaukee pulled out a 2 point win over Chicago. I had not seen a ton of the Bucks this season but safe to say that this team is for real and will be part of the race for the playoffs. Even though it is early both teams sit in front of the Raptors and it is always important to get wins vs the teams in front of you in the playoff race even at the start of December. This is a key week if the Raptors hope to start turning things around.
At least the will not have to worry about Mike Miller dropping 3's tonight for the Wiz as he has been injured. But they will need to figure a way to stop Arenas as he can still get hot and is still faster than Jose Calderon even with his repaired knee. The Raps issues really are the same each game of late and it is not as much about individual match-ups. They need to get some things right before you even consider the match-ups.
- Better Defensive Effort ( Transition and Perimeter most of all )
- No Second Chances ( Offensive Rebounds can kill a Defense )
- Less Help More Do ( Players need to stay in front of their man )
- When the Offense Stops the Defense Never rests. (If shots don't fall still have to defend)
- Heart, Hustle and Overall Effort (Full 48 minutes)
Those are just some of things that stick out. Really regardless of who the Raps are playing these things need to improve. Also the Raps need to figure out how the heck to sweep a back to back. They get 2 more chances to do that this week . The time for excuses and talking is rapidly running out. This week in December is going to tell us a lot on if the Raps can get this thing on the right track sooner than later if at all.
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