Raptors Get Slammed In La La Land.

It was likely a sign when the first play of the game was a lop to Blake Griffin for an easy slam dunk. There would be many dunks that would follow. Despite having Jerryd Bayless back for this one it would matter very little. He was not going to stop DeAndre Jordan from slamming it down. Ed Davis wasn't either as he got posterized early. It was the same script as the Raptors have been following of late. They would dig an early hole make a fight to come back only to get slapped down again. But if anything the way the Clippers were doing it to them was entertaining. The first quarter was better than some slam dunk contests. Amir Johnson again with 2 early fouls would be a spectator with 6:24 left in the first. Raptors couldn't hit a barn let alone a basket early in this one(started 3-16) . Caron Butler the better Butler in this game, he hit a 3 with 5:27 left in first and Clippers were up 16-6 and they were as it turns out well on the way to victory. The Raptors by time the first quarter was over had just 11 points and the Clippers had 27 on the board and this game was done pretty much.

Sure the Raptors would put on their spunky little charge back going on an 11-2 run in the 2nd quarter. But it was more a case of the Clippers taking foot of the gas and Raptors taking advantage. A time out and Vinny Del Negro had his troops back and focused and they quickly went right back to work. Raptors would outscore the Clippers 26-22 in the 2nd but still were in a big hole down 49-37 at the half. Clippers would storm out of the locker room and pretty much took care of any doubt early. By the end of the 3rd this in effect became an exhibition game. While the Raptors continued to play it's top players the Clippers had called off the dogs. The final score of 103-91 was not a clear reflection of the Clippers true dominance on this afternoon. The stat line of DeAndre Jordan of 16 points and 16 rebounds with a highlight reel full of dunks was. Mo Williams had 26 off the bench to lead all scorers. The Clippers didn't have Chris Paul and didn't need him as Chauncey Billups had 14 assists despite only 5 points. On the Raptors side of things DeRozan tied his career high in NBA in L.A but that is only 15 points. He continues to have struggles returning home. That will be the Raptors only visit to L.A this year as the Lakers will travel to the ACC next month but the Raptors will not be returning the favour in the shortened schedule. Only 33 points for the Raptors starting 5 as a whole. If not for Kleiza with 16 and Barbosa with 19 the Raptors would have been challenging the team all-time low in points of 54. The Raptors had more fouls (12) than points (11) in the first quarter.

You look for some signs of improvement but in reality the Raptors seem to be the same movie over and over again. If you are a fan of Elvis movies it is kinda like that in a bad way. The story is only a little different but ultimately Elvis will sing a few tunes and act awful and it will be over. Same thing with Raptor games. They will come out flat, get behind big, make an attempt at a comeback only to have it fail. By the end, the game is not in doubt, you have sad faces on the bench and the other team's starters chilling out. This losing streak could go a long time if the Raptors can't find a way to beat the Suns on Tuesday. That will be much easier with Andrea Bargnani who officially has the slowest healing calf muscle on planet earth. D-Wade is second if you were wondering.

Raptor fans based on my twitter account are to the point of being fed up. Not as many folks talking about pounding rocks, much more focused on how this franchise is hitting rock bottom. Which it is hard to argue. No matter if you are rooting for this team to lose and tank or not. Tanking alone will not solve this. This young core the Raptors have claimed to have is not as deep or as strong as advertised. Jonas and the mystery pick in the ultra funky(fixed) NBA lottery is not going to change this team into a winner. The truth is as shocking as it is to say the only piece fans can feel confident in is Andrea Bargnani. This is of course assuming he continues on the path he was on prior to his injury. There is no guarantee he will. That is why his chances of making the All-Star Game are slim to none. He has not played enough games not that anyone has but him especially. He had a great 10 or 11 games to begin the season. If he does not come back as good as that this team will be in more trouble than we even realize.

If you are frustrated and upset with how this team has played....you should be. If you are not than you should be. Rebuilding or Reloading, or whatever Colangelo is calling it these days, this team is not good and quite frankly an embarrassment. The NBA lockout ended and it was suppose to bring basketball back. What the Raptors have been playing the last 8 games barely qualifies as basketball. It could be considered torture in some cultures. I am tired of hearing apologists, let's call this what is which at this point is an epic disaster. They say things have to get worse before they get better. Well it sure can't get much worse. If this remains the same the Raptors need to re-think who is running this team's offence. Along with the people in that offence. Improved D at times is great, but it leads to some ugly basketball until we see some results on the other end of the floor. I can except ugly and winning, but ugly and losing is not good for the soul. Maybe we need co-head coaches. Jay Trinao as your head coach of the offence and Dwane Casey as head coach of the defence. Is that an insane idea? Absolutely, but is it any worse than what I am watching on a regular basis....Not really. This is going to be a long and painful season and the rainbow and pot of gold at the end of it you just might find out is fool's gold.

I used a word that I consider the most scary word in sports today. Apathy, and that is what I am starting to see in terms of the Raptors. Once you have people going that route it is hard to bring them back. It is going to take more than just modest improvement if people truly give up on this team. I for whatever reason and am not one of them. But I am not the one to worry about. If you are reading this you likely are not either. It is the people that are not and basically have become fed up with it altogether that are. This franchise will always have a loyal core of fans. But if it is ever going to grow and not shrink, than things will have to improve at a rapid rate in the next few years. Which is not as likely as it might have seemed starting this season in my opinion.

Demar Goes Home To Take On Clipps

Rain, Snow or Epic loss the DNB Previews march on. Here is my thoughts heading into tonight's contest at Staples.



It can't be any worse than last night can it? Nah Can't.

Raptors Crash The Blake Griffin Party

Think more people are hyped up about Blake Griffin than I am. Yes he is good I get all that I just do not see him as the second coming or anything. He will be a great player in this league and he can fly no doubt but he is still on the Clippers and they still suck.

Raptors might have been sick of hearing about Blake Griffin to a 10-4 start and the returning Amir Johnson with a big swat on Blake Griffin. But early foul trouble would send Amir to the bench and Raptors lead would shrink to just 2 points with 6:11 to play in first and the score 14-12. DeRozan not Griffin the games high scorer with 6 points early on. Clippers would come out of time out take the lead then Demar gets a questionable charge call on what was a nice drop off and easy dunk for Ed Davis. But instead a turnover. Clippers got out on the break and the fans that just came for the Blake Griffin Show got what they wanted with a massive alley opp slam and Clippers lead 18-14 Clippers. But after all the ooohhhh and awwws died down the Raptors went back to work and took control of the game again leading 24-18 with under 2 to play in Quarter. Demar DeRozan had 10 points and 0 highlights. Bledsoe not Griffin with the fancy moves on drive would tie this game up at 24 after 1.

It was a sloppy start to the 2nd Quarter and the highlight or low lite to this point was a steal and a break by Baron Davis that looked in slow motion but Baron is just that slow. Clippers got the hoop eventually and led 28-26. Amir was a warrior just fro being out there but foul trouble perhaps from being a step slow was an issue as he picked up his 3rd. All the Blake Griffin groupies that came to the game were sad to see he also picked up his 3rd foul. Ed Davis woke this game up a bit with a nice slam and he had 7 points and 6 rebounds Raptors took the lead back 40-38. By time half rolled around it was 48 a piece tied at half just as they were after 1.

Honestly the third quarter was as fun as watching paint dry. That being said the Raptors had built a 64-59 lead. But that all ended with one thunderous Demar DeRozan Jam and a star down at Clipper bench as to say I am going beat your boy next Saturday. It was kind of an uneventfully 3rd quarter other than that dunk but the highlights were Ed Davis was playing well and Raps were leading 78-71. It was a good quarter for the Raptors though it just wasn't terribly compelling. But the Raptors did but 30 on the board in the 3rd and had the crowd being Raptor fans instead of Blake Griffin sightseers which was good.

So the Raptors looked to close out the Clippers and get a win. In the past 2 games the Raptors faded badly in the 4th quarter. Raptors were surviving with a 85-79 lead with 7 minutes to play. Bayless couldn't miss a three vs Portland but he was struggling tonight. Jack Armstrong might have put it best the Raptors were winning this one ugly. But winning was the key and they still were 87-83 but they gave up a rebound on free throw miss and Griffin would make them pay making it a 2 point game. But a Bargnani minor miracle would fall off glass plus a foul and that was huge. Griffin would get called for a foul battling with Ed Davis. Barbosa would score on this ensuing possession and the Raptors had restored their 7 point advantage. Bargnani would answer a Clipper score and time was running out on the Clippers. In the end the Raptors would hang on for the 98-93 win.

Was a good team win tonight with 6 Raptors in double figures. There were not a lot of style points but given how things have gone in 2011 for the Raptors does anyone care? Ed Davis had perhaps his best game as a Raptor with 13 points and 14 rebounds. A career high in boards for the 2nd night in a row.

Clipp Show Invades Toronto

Let's face it there have been a lot of negative vibes this year in the NBA and with the Raptors. The Raptors with a loss today would have to win every single game to be .500. Not that it will happen mind you. But a positive in the NBA has been Blake Griffin and his rookie season that was delayed a year. Has there ever been a buzz for the Clippers coming to town? Not till this season, but thanks to the Blake Griffin Show there is. The Clippers come in off the embarrassment of being that team that lost to the Cavs ending their record 26 game losing streak. That alone should provide all the motivation the Clippers need for today. It also features for my money a preview of the slam dunk final with Demar DeRozan and Blake Griffin on the court today. Should be interesting if either is able to get out on the break for an uncontested dunk attempt. Eric Gordon who challenged Demar in the the Dunk-In last season is out for the Clippers with sprained right wrist and a bone chip fracture. That just sounds painful doesn't it? This could have been a rivalry game for the Raptors as this franchise was once the Buffalo Braves. Just like the Leafs and Sabres in hockey it could have been great. But the franchise had long left Buffalo in 1979 long before the Raptors came along in 1995. Maybe not since Bob Mcadoo played for this franchise in Buffalo have they had a player as good as Blake Griffin.

The Basics: Clippers 20-33 ( Lost 6 of last 7) Toronto 14-40 (Lost 15 of last 16)

When Last We Saw Them: Raptors dug a hole for themselves vs the Blazers. They dug out of that hole only to be buried by LaMarcus Aldridge down the stretch of the game. Raptors had good performances from Bargnani, DeRozan and Bayless late. But in the end the 23 points they gave up to Rudy Fernandez in the first half and the 25 they gave to Aldridge in the second half (Had A Game High 37 Overall) was to much to overcome.

Key Match-Ups: This does not take a rocket scientist now does it. Blake Griffin and how the Raptors deal with him will be the most important match-up of the day. Who draws that assignment is another question as well. Amir Johnson was finally forced to tap out after battling through a number of injuries. Not sure if Ed Davis is ready for this incredible challenge. It could be very tough for the Raptors. Jose Calderon will be matched up with Baron Davis who is hot of late averaging 20.6 point 10 assists and 4.6 rebounds in his last 5 games. While Calderon has struggled to make shots of late and in the last game only attempted 4 shots proof that his confidence may not be there. Advantages for the Raptors should come from Bargnani matched with Jordan (DeAndre not Mike) and DeRozan needs to get the better of Randy Foye.

Other Things of Note: Reggie Evans does not buy into the Blake Griffin Hype. But he did buy into to being a guest in the Dino Nation Blog, as did Demar DeRozan. There is not many all-time series that the Raptors lead but this is one of them with a 19-12 advantage overall (9-6 at home) and have won 4 straight vs the Clippers. But I am sure if you look up the Raptors numbers vs Cavs before Lebron was drafted they were nice too. Blake Griffin is a game changer in more ways than 1. This year has had a lot of lows for the Raptors, but does anyone remember this low moment from March 13th 1998, in which the Raptors lost to the Clippers 152-120. That was the largest margin of victory for the Clippers over Toronto. Clippers had 7 players in double figures lead by Lamond Murray with 25 while Reggie Slater had 20 to lead the Dinos. Case you wondered the Raptors largest win over Clipps is a 24 point spread back in 2009. No Chris Kaman and Craig Smith likely for Clippers as well today.

Where Is It On? This is the first one of those changed games (3 others to come). Originally it was going to be on Sportsnet 1 but now it is on TSN 2 (Seriously Blake Griffin Can't Get On The Main TSN or Sportsnet? Pathetic)

For Hardcore Hoops Fans: If you would like a nice lead up to the Raptors and Clippers. I will be live blogging the Magic and Lakers for The Score.com and Score Mobile.

"Behind Enemy Lines"

Rip off the band-aid. Take a deep breath. OK, now I am ready. Today's edition of "Behind Enemy Lines" is difficult to write since my job is to bring you the dibs on the Raptors' opponents and what the Raptors need to do to win. Each week, I pride myself on highlighting the positive qualities of our beloved Raptors but it seems like lately, all the other team has to do is show up and the Raptors walk away dejected and win less. The only reason the Raptors are not in the bottom of East is because Cleveland and their 26-game losing streak is. Oh hey, there is a positive - I feel so much better. The Raptors are at home this week hosting Portland, L.A. Clippers and Miami. Let's get it.


Portland Trail Blazers @ Toronto Raptors - Friday, February 11th:

• The Blazers and Raptors have met once already this season - November 6th, 97-84 Portland.
• At the time, the Raps were 1 and 5 and Portland was 5 and 2. (Now? Raptors 14-39, Blazers 28-24).
• During their last game, three Portland players were over 20 points on the night: Brandon Roy - 26, LeMarcus Aldridge-22, Nicolas Batum - 20. For the Raptors? Jarett Jack - 16 (doesn't do them much good now), Andrea Bragnani, Leandro Barbosa and Jose Calderon all had 12 points.
• Portland lead the first three quarters of that game - the Raptors edged them in the fourth but it was not enough.
• Portland's Inactive list: Armon Johnson, Greg Oden, Elliot Williams and Brandon Roy. Roy is back at practice and will be a game day decision on Friday. Marcus Camby was not in the line up on Monday against Chicago with a left knee injury. He is day to day.
• The Raptors need to watch: LaMarcus Aldridge - he had a career high of 42 points against the Bulls on Monday.

Los Angeles Clippers @ Toronto Raptors - Sunday, February 13th:

• This will be the first meeting of season for the Raptors and Clippers.
• The Clippers have been enjoying some press and attention as a result of the Blake Griffin show, but the Clippers are still 3 spots from last place in the West (13th).
• The Clippers will be meeting Cleveland this Friday before meeting Toronto on Sunday.
• Since both DeMar DeRozan and Blake Griffin are competing against each other in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest next weekend, this game may be a "look what I can do" preview - one to watch.
• The Raptors need to watch: Besides Blake Griffin, the Raptors need to watch Clippers guard Baron Davis who had 16 points, 16 assists against the Knicks on Wednesday (116-108 Clippers).

Miami Heat @ Toronto Raptors - Wednesday, February 16th:

• Miami and Toronto played twice this season - November 13th (109-100 Miami) and January 22 (120-103 Miami).
• As of the January 22nd meeting, Miami was 31-13 and the Raptors were 13-31. (Now Miami is 38-14, 2nd behind Boston in the East).
• The top 4 scorers in that game for Miami were: LeBron James - 38; Mike Miller - 32; James Jones - 15 and Eddie house (off the bench) - 13.
• The top four scorers for the Raptors were: DeMar DeRozan - 30; Andrea Bargnani - 28; Jose Calderon - 14 and Amir Johnson - 14.
• Miami lead the first half, Toronto surged in the third but Miami sealed their win in the fourth.
• Miami Inactive list: Udonis Haslem, Jamaal Magloire and Dexter Pittman.
• The Raptors need to watch: Beside the obvious LeBron James? Chris Bosh. He had 19 points and 7 rebounds against the Pacers this week. Plus, he may be taking the "play it cool" advice from LeBron and his return to Cleveland. If the Raptors want to take this win, they need to thwart to efforts of Chris Bosh to be easy-going and joking around with his former teammates. If he plays calm (as LeBron did in his return to Cleveland) the Raptors will be in trouble.

Once again, thank-you for joining me this week. As always keep your comments and discussions coming by following me on Twitter (@ddegraauw) and on Facebook (Danielle de Graauw, red microphone). Have a great weekend and see you on Tuesday for more NBA coverage in "NBAz in 7 Dayz".