So it has been a bad 24 hours here at DNB HQ. I had a lousy spring cold and to make matters worse had no internet access, so the combination of those two things made it pretty impossible to offer much opinion on the Raptors second win in a row vs the Hawks in Atlanta. The first time the Raptors have won in the ATL in awhile as they had lost 7 straight there until last night. That included a thrashing on the MLK holiday for the Raptors with much more health bodies. Based on that win the Raptors match their win total from last season in a shorter season this year. The Raptors are already 4 games better on the road this season as well with 10 wins and still 3 more road games to play. It proves the old phrase that defense travels to be true.
The Raptors are as Tank Nation will point out, really messing with there lottery odds winning a couple games they were not suppose too against Boston and Atlanta. They now are tied with the Nets and a half game behind the Pistons. Both of whom they will play down the stretch and will have a direct impact on their lottery odds. They play the Pistons on the road on the 22nd with 3 days rest prior to that game and close out the season against the Nets on the 26th. Golden State also is one of 4 teams with 22 wins but have 2 fewer losses than the Raptors. What you love about Casey is the exact thing that is costing the Raptors in terms of the lottery. He refuses to allow his team to quit and they continue to bring effort. What it might cost you in the draft might be worth it in terms of what you have in a coach.
Also the way Demar DeRozan has been playing down the stretch has to be impressing some folks. Even Ed Davis has shown signs of life in this late part of the season. I can't imagine the Raptors finding a way to win the next two games. An angry Hawks team rolls into Toronto tonight and then playing the Miami Heat on Wednesday should be losses. What you can take good from these games is the Raptors have competed well against some teams with everything to play for. If you choose to see the glass half empty you can say that the Raptors are playing with no pressure on them and the teams they are beating have simply overlooked them. I can't deny either of those things being true. Still you are building some confidence for some players and showing that this team will not roll over and die like it has in the past.
While I won't go as far as some have said that this team could be a playoff team if not for injuries, I will say that this is a team heading in the right direction. In terms of what happens with the Lottery if they win or lose is not the point. Let's say they did lose all of these games down the stretch and still find a way to not win at the Lottery than where are you at? At least players are ending the season on a high note and enter the off-season more motivated to improve for the future. The Charlotte Bobcats will have the best chance to win the Lottery and that has been clear for awhile. Even if they were to win and land Anthony Davis does anyone think that takes them to the next level? Worse if they don't where are they at? If the Raptors don't get Anthony Davis it likely allows them to not have to decide on if they have to say good bye to Amir Johnson or Ed Davis. They still may ultimately make a decision on those players but if they do they won't be forced into it. Besides at the end of the day isn't Jonas Valanciunas basically the guy you have for that spot? If the Raptors landed at the 3rd spot and got a shot at Kidd-Gilchrist that would be a much easier guy to fit into what you already have without having to be forced into altering the roster.
Not to mention the simple fact of you are not getting any joy out of the Raptors pulling off two pretty unexpected wins. But however those lottery balls end up your number still has to come up to win it. It would be nice if the Raptors got into the top 3 and land another good young player to add to the mix. That said this is a draft that is fairly deep and it doesn't have that break out star at the top and huge drop off beyond that. While Davis is the consensus number one pick it is not like people honestly can say he will be a giant superstar. He can be a very good NBA Player but the jury is out if he gets to that rare air of a huge superstar. There are lots of good to very good players that will be available no matter where the Raptors happen to end up selecting. There is also nothing that says Bryan Colangelo would not swing a deal to move up if he wanted to do that. He has all that cap room earlier from the Barbosa trade to play with for a reason. It could include moving up in the draft or acquiring a second first round pick. Time will tell.
The bottom line of everything is do you do not feel at least more optimistic than you were at this time last year? That is a good thing and a sign that this thing might be finally heading in the right direction.
Showing posts with label Pistons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pistons. Show all posts
3/10/12
Bargnani In, Jose Out , While Raptors get KOed Early
So Andrea Bargnani is back and will start but will be limited in his minutes. Still it is good to see Andrea Bargnani back after 20 games out with a calf injury. Some folks have lost their minds over his return and are talking playoffs. You folks are in need of some prospective. Even with Bargnani this was a below .500 team and in order to get in the playoff race you need to be better than that even in the Eastern Conference. It is vital this team keeps playing as hard as it has without him. If that doesn't happen don't expect the Raptors to be much better with him.
Bargnani lost the opening tip and Pistons get the first two points of this contest. Greg Monroe would school Aaron Gray for an easy two points. He would redeem himself with a put back on a Jose Calderon miss. Pistons didn't care much about the Raptors returning star and started this game with a 9-2 run. After a James Johnson basket, Brandon Knight would hit the second of back to back 3's for the Pistons. Bargnani has some trouble handling the ball it leads to a sloppy possession that results in no points and Pistons go the other way and score it was 15-4 and a time out was taken. Finally with 5:45 to go in first Bargnani with a nice move in post gets on board but it was 18-8 Pistons. Bargs took a seat with 4 points and his team down 20-10. Pistons were hot from 3 point land hitting 4 of their first 5 from beyond the arc and this was getting ugly 27-12 Pistons with still 3 minutes to play in 1st. Raptors were a mess shooting 5-20 and down 23 to the Pistons after one with score 37-14.
Lightning rarely strikes in same place twice. Rod Black pointed out that Raptors biggest comeback came here in Detroit from 25 points down. The fact it was 43-19 with 9:04 to go really gives me little hope it will happen again. This game was turning into an embarrassment at a rapid rate. Barbosa who is Raps most attractive trade piece was trying to breath some life into this dead offense with 5 quick points but Piston lead was still 22. When it rains it pours, Jose Calderon who had been having an unspectacular night and this is being kind, he went down with what looked like a very bad ankle turn. He was ruled out for the night and by looks of it out from awhile. Raptors could be ruled out of winning this game as well with score 61-37 at the half for the Pistons.
It was 89-58 after the 3rd quarter. Need we go into detail? No we do not need too. Instead I will remind you all to set your clocks ahead and will do the same with this recap. The Raptors were dead long ago in this one. They will face the Bucks tomorrow with no Jose Calderon and a lot to prove in terms of pride. Raptors did make it less awful in a full quarter of garbage time making the final 105-86.
I am heading down to cover the game tomorrow. I hope to see a team that shows up and fights. I sure didn't see that tonight. Set those clocks ahead at least the nightmares this game caused will be shorter.
Bargnani lost the opening tip and Pistons get the first two points of this contest. Greg Monroe would school Aaron Gray for an easy two points. He would redeem himself with a put back on a Jose Calderon miss. Pistons didn't care much about the Raptors returning star and started this game with a 9-2 run. After a James Johnson basket, Brandon Knight would hit the second of back to back 3's for the Pistons. Bargnani has some trouble handling the ball it leads to a sloppy possession that results in no points and Pistons go the other way and score it was 15-4 and a time out was taken. Finally with 5:45 to go in first Bargnani with a nice move in post gets on board but it was 18-8 Pistons. Bargs took a seat with 4 points and his team down 20-10. Pistons were hot from 3 point land hitting 4 of their first 5 from beyond the arc and this was getting ugly 27-12 Pistons with still 3 minutes to play in 1st. Raptors were a mess shooting 5-20 and down 23 to the Pistons after one with score 37-14.
Lightning rarely strikes in same place twice. Rod Black pointed out that Raptors biggest comeback came here in Detroit from 25 points down. The fact it was 43-19 with 9:04 to go really gives me little hope it will happen again. This game was turning into an embarrassment at a rapid rate. Barbosa who is Raps most attractive trade piece was trying to breath some life into this dead offense with 5 quick points but Piston lead was still 22. When it rains it pours, Jose Calderon who had been having an unspectacular night and this is being kind, he went down with what looked like a very bad ankle turn. He was ruled out for the night and by looks of it out from awhile. Raptors could be ruled out of winning this game as well with score 61-37 at the half for the Pistons.
It was 89-58 after the 3rd quarter. Need we go into detail? No we do not need too. Instead I will remind you all to set your clocks ahead and will do the same with this recap. The Raptors were dead long ago in this one. They will face the Bucks tomorrow with no Jose Calderon and a lot to prove in terms of pride. Raptors did make it less awful in a full quarter of garbage time making the final 105-86.
I am heading down to cover the game tomorrow. I hope to see a team that shows up and fights. I sure didn't see that tonight. Set those clocks ahead at least the nightmares this game caused will be shorter.
12/22/10
No Second Miracle For The Raptors
Ok straight to the who is in and out for the Raps. Bayless is out with food posioning and Weems still out with the bad back. Amir has some back issues as well but will go. Bargnani a knee and an ankle but will go and Jose will remain in with the sore foot that caused him to miss 4 games. All that out of the way it is time to but a wrap on the Pre-Christmas schedule.
The game starts with a bang as Jose hooks up Demar DeRozan on the the massive Alley Opp! Rodney Stuckey was back in Detroit line-up and he gets a steal and scores and it was even at 4 early on. Raptors were not great but good enough to be up 15-12 and Pistons have lost 8 straight on the road. Back to back Raptor scores from Ed Davis nice to see the rookie getting on the board as he got donutted against the Lakers. Demar DeRozan off a steal lead the break and made a nice drop of to Kleiza it is Christmas time better to give than receive. Disgruntled Rip Hamilton makes the 3 pointer and give Pistons their first lead 24-23. That would be the score after 1.
T-Mac was hearing it from the fans but hit a corner jumper to tie it at 30. Tracy McGrady was feeding off the boos and was a big part of helping the Pistons build up a 7 point lead. Make that 9 as Stuckey Sticks one. Basically you remember the first time these to teams played? De Ja Vu through 2 quarters and that is not a good thing if you remember.
There would be no miracle come back this time around. T-Mac, Rip Hamilton and friends would keep the party going for the entire second half. The Raptors had a lot of folks leaving the party early. Amir Johnson had to raise the white flag with his bad back. Bargnani had to leave the game early as well. Raptors were dropping like flies and it was just to much to over come. Raptors let this game get away in 2nd being out scored 38-21. In the end Raptors end the the pre Christmas sked with a horrible 115-93 loss.
The positives.....Hmmm. The Raptors dance back looked cute in Christmas outfits. The Raptors also get time of to rest and get healthy which they need with a long list of hurting folks. No game till the 27th Grizzlies. Anyway it is the holidays I am not going to let it bring me down. Some Christmas stuff for you today before we take a mini break for the holidays. Will still be working for The Score over the holidays though. But the Blog will be taking the 24-26 off for the most part.
The game starts with a bang as Jose hooks up Demar DeRozan on the the massive Alley Opp! Rodney Stuckey was back in Detroit line-up and he gets a steal and scores and it was even at 4 early on. Raptors were not great but good enough to be up 15-12 and Pistons have lost 8 straight on the road. Back to back Raptor scores from Ed Davis nice to see the rookie getting on the board as he got donutted against the Lakers. Demar DeRozan off a steal lead the break and made a nice drop of to Kleiza it is Christmas time better to give than receive. Disgruntled Rip Hamilton makes the 3 pointer and give Pistons their first lead 24-23. That would be the score after 1.
T-Mac was hearing it from the fans but hit a corner jumper to tie it at 30. Tracy McGrady was feeding off the boos and was a big part of helping the Pistons build up a 7 point lead. Make that 9 as Stuckey Sticks one. Basically you remember the first time these to teams played? De Ja Vu through 2 quarters and that is not a good thing if you remember.
There would be no miracle come back this time around. T-Mac, Rip Hamilton and friends would keep the party going for the entire second half. The Raptors had a lot of folks leaving the party early. Amir Johnson had to raise the white flag with his bad back. Bargnani had to leave the game early as well. Raptors were dropping like flies and it was just to much to over come. Raptors let this game get away in 2nd being out scored 38-21. In the end Raptors end the the pre Christmas sked with a horrible 115-93 loss.
The positives.....Hmmm. The Raptors dance back looked cute in Christmas outfits. The Raptors also get time of to rest and get healthy which they need with a long list of hurting folks. No game till the 27th Grizzlies. Anyway it is the holidays I am not going to let it bring me down. Some Christmas stuff for you today before we take a mini break for the holidays. Will still be working for The Score over the holidays though. But the Blog will be taking the 24-26 off for the most part.
A Christmas Visit From Matt Devlin
Matt Devlin joins us just a few days before Christmas to talk a bunch of things. We start of talking Christmas Shopping and then talk about the Jack Armstrong and Eric Smith CD from Brooklyn to Toronto. Which you can purchase tonight if you track down Eric at the game for just 5 dollars which goes to The Team Up Foundation. You can also get it online if you are not in the Toronto area go to Eric's Blog "The Rap" for details on how you do that. Even get into he and Jack and their Bon Jovi singing that has been a big hit at the ACC this year. But we do get down to basketball as well, with thoughts on tonight's game vs the Pistons. As well as some thoughts on the Young Onez, Andrea Bragnani, Ed Davis and others. Even a little talk about players playing internationally and if that becomes another issue to solve in the CBA. It is a good talk with Matt and hope you enjoy. In getting to more games this year get a chance to get to see Matt more often but have to remind myself to get him and all other regular guests in here more for you folks.It is always nice to catch up with Matt and as I said at the end of the interview all the best to him and his family. All the best to all of our regular guests and their families in this holiday season. We will have one or maybe two Christmas surprises for you tomorrow so please when you have a couple minutes in this busy time of the year come check those out. One more game to re-cap as well tonight vs the Pistons.
Raptors Wrap Things Up With Pistons
Toronto Raptors finish off their schedule prior to Christmas with the Pistons coming a calling in this holiday season. There is talk out of Detroit that Richard Hamilton is not a happy camper. The Pistons after signing Charlie V and Ben Gordon last season instead of improving have even gotten worse. The Pistons once dominated the Raptors. But the Raptors have swept the season series last year and earlier this season had a franchise record 25 point comeback win in Detroit. Joe Dumars is no longer thought of has one of the smartest G.M's in the league. The sellout streak in Detroit is long gone. Here is a Christmas stat for you, the Raptors were 1-10 in the game before the Christmas break prior to Jay Triano taking over as coach. Under Triano they are 2-0 and also are 2-0 in the game after the Christmas break. It possible to extend that to 3-0 on both counts with the Pistons tonight and Memphis on the 27th.
The Basics: Pistons 9-19 (2-12 on the Road) vs Raptors 10-19 ( 8-11 vs East)
When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors landed the first punch on the Champion Lakers with a lead after the 1st Quarter. From there the Lakers would take control of this game in the middle quarters and have enough left to hang on for an easy win. Kleiza made it back to back big games/good games for him and the Raptors were without Bargnani and Weems. Demar DeRozan was also nice in this one.
Key Match-Ups: Rodney Stuckey has been banged up and T-Mac played the point in an OT win over New Orleans on the 19th. Jose Calderon and Jerryd Bayless need to take advantage of this advantage for the Raptors. Amir Johnson vs Charlie V is a interesting to watch. Charlie always seems to get up for games vs the Raptors and Amir when he can stay on the floor can be effective. While Andrea Bargnani status is unknown but if he plays the Pistons may not have anyone that can match up with him. But at the same time on the glass Ben Wallace on some nights can hit the retro button and be a force on the glass.
Other Things Of Note: Raptors have won 2 straight at the ACC vs Detroit but are 9-19 all time vs the Pistons. Despite the Raptors Miracle comeback in Detroit when they trail heading into the 4th Quarter they are 3-14. You might be surprised to know the Raptors actually have an advantage on the glass averaging 41.4 rebounds to just 38.8 for the Pistons. Talked with Matt Devlin with his thoughts on tonight's game and a lot more and that will be up on the site shortly or already is depending on when you read this. We also will have a few Christmas Posts for you tomorrow and then take a couple days of for the holidays.
Where is it on? Rogers Sportsnet (All Regions)
12/11/10
Motor City Magic On A Saturday Night.
The Raptors came into this game and were desperate to get a win after losing 4 straight. At least you would think they were. No Jose Calderon as well as he did not make the trip to Detroit. So Jerryd Bayless gets the start. Reggie Evans won't be playing with the team anytime soon but he was with the team as a spectator for this one.
It would start alright as the Raptors started on an 8-2 run and had a 14-7 lead as time marched on in the first quarter. But from that point the Raptors were leaking on defence and their lack of ability to defend and rebound was costing them. It would lead to one of the more wacky stats you will come across. The Raptors shot 78% and were losing after the first quarter. Ok it was only by 1 point but it had to be a concern to be down 29-28 shooting that well.
You also had to think the Raptors would not keep shooting this high a % as well. Oh and how about we add turnovers to the things to the Raptors were doing wrong. If Bayless was trying to avoid a point guard controversy he was doing a good job of it. The Raptors lack of defence was making Ben Wallace look like a superstar that Chicago once upon a time spent big bucks to sign. Even T-Mac got a throw down or two the Pistons offence which is one of the worst in the league was looking a lot like the Nuggets offence from the night before. It was a total of 43 points when all was said and done in the second quarter. The Raptors had given up 70+ points in the first half on back to back nights. It was a 72-53 halftime score and Jay Triano could not have been happy with his team's effort which on defence was non-existent.
Coming out of the locker room it was a calm Jay Triano almost to calm. It reminded me of a defeated Sam Mitchell post game vs Denver which would be the last game he coached for the Raptors. The Raptors came out in the 3rd and were at least hanging with the Pistons but they had dug a deep deep hole and trading baskets was not going to cut it. The Raptors would win the 3rd quarter outscoring Detroit 30-27 which still left a 16 point disadvantage to deal with. The Pistons had lead by as many as 25 at one point. But clearly the Raptors had shown no real signs they could defend all night and with that being the case it seemed impossible they would be able to come back at this point.
The Raptors made a bit of a push to cut the lead to 11. But this was just that predictable push that would make the score look better for those who didn't watch the game. Raptors were getting some stops as well but there was no way they could do this. Andrea Bargnani hit a 3 and it was down to single digits now. The Pistons had blown a 20+ lead before this season. Jerryd Bayless was taking care of the basketball and was better on defence. He was scoring as well as he had through out. The Raptors would keep on coming and the lead for Detroit was melting like snow would in Hawaii. The Raptors would eventually pass the Pistons and built a lead of 7 points late. That is a 32 point turnaround in less than half of basketball.
There is no doubt a ton of people missed the end of this one. Heck even I decided to make a run out to the store, only to be trapped in my car hanging on the call of Paul Jones and Eric Smith on the radio call. Raptors get the most improbably comeback victory in the history of this franchise with a 120-116 victory. The first reaction is to applaud the Raptors for making this miracle comeback to get a win they had to have. Jerryd Bayless had 31 points and 7 assists along with 4 turnovers to lead them back. Demar DeRozan had a pretty nice night as well with 16 points shooting 7-12 and a couple blocked shots. Bargnani and Barbosa both had 22 points and were deadly from 3 point range. Bargnani was 4-6 from 3 and Barbosa was 3-4.
But this also happened, only 32 rebounds and 18 turnovers and a defence that only showed up for the 4th Quarter where they only allowed 17 points. The Raptors should be happy to have the win, but the trend of poor first half play continues and the Raptors need to address their poor starts and their effort defensively. They also need to take care of the ball. If Jerryd Bayless is going to eventually become the starting point guard for this team he will do it by playing solid defence and doing a decent job of taking care of the basketball. Bayless has proven the team can score with him at the point but the Raptors have not proven they can take care of the ball of play solid defence as a unit with him at the controls. The bigs on this team need to collectively get on the boards and make up for the loss of Reggie Evans. They got crushed on the boards on this night.
If the Raptors only take away the fact they came back in this game without admitting they were lucky to a point to be able to do it. They will continue down a wrong path and this win will be a blip on the radar. Raptors still have serious issues to address. They can play defence as they proved in the 4th quarter of this game. However the requires effort from the opening tip to get wins consistently in this league.
Win is great but their are lessons that still need to be learned from this. If the Raptors do not learn them this game won't mean much in the grand scheme of things.
It would start alright as the Raptors started on an 8-2 run and had a 14-7 lead as time marched on in the first quarter. But from that point the Raptors were leaking on defence and their lack of ability to defend and rebound was costing them. It would lead to one of the more wacky stats you will come across. The Raptors shot 78% and were losing after the first quarter. Ok it was only by 1 point but it had to be a concern to be down 29-28 shooting that well.
You also had to think the Raptors would not keep shooting this high a % as well. Oh and how about we add turnovers to the things to the Raptors were doing wrong. If Bayless was trying to avoid a point guard controversy he was doing a good job of it. The Raptors lack of defence was making Ben Wallace look like a superstar that Chicago once upon a time spent big bucks to sign. Even T-Mac got a throw down or two the Pistons offence which is one of the worst in the league was looking a lot like the Nuggets offence from the night before. It was a total of 43 points when all was said and done in the second quarter. The Raptors had given up 70+ points in the first half on back to back nights. It was a 72-53 halftime score and Jay Triano could not have been happy with his team's effort which on defence was non-existent.
Coming out of the locker room it was a calm Jay Triano almost to calm. It reminded me of a defeated Sam Mitchell post game vs Denver which would be the last game he coached for the Raptors. The Raptors came out in the 3rd and were at least hanging with the Pistons but they had dug a deep deep hole and trading baskets was not going to cut it. The Raptors would win the 3rd quarter outscoring Detroit 30-27 which still left a 16 point disadvantage to deal with. The Pistons had lead by as many as 25 at one point. But clearly the Raptors had shown no real signs they could defend all night and with that being the case it seemed impossible they would be able to come back at this point.
The Raptors made a bit of a push to cut the lead to 11. But this was just that predictable push that would make the score look better for those who didn't watch the game. Raptors were getting some stops as well but there was no way they could do this. Andrea Bargnani hit a 3 and it was down to single digits now. The Pistons had blown a 20+ lead before this season. Jerryd Bayless was taking care of the basketball and was better on defence. He was scoring as well as he had through out. The Raptors would keep on coming and the lead for Detroit was melting like snow would in Hawaii. The Raptors would eventually pass the Pistons and built a lead of 7 points late. That is a 32 point turnaround in less than half of basketball.
There is no doubt a ton of people missed the end of this one. Heck even I decided to make a run out to the store, only to be trapped in my car hanging on the call of Paul Jones and Eric Smith on the radio call. Raptors get the most improbably comeback victory in the history of this franchise with a 120-116 victory. The first reaction is to applaud the Raptors for making this miracle comeback to get a win they had to have. Jerryd Bayless had 31 points and 7 assists along with 4 turnovers to lead them back. Demar DeRozan had a pretty nice night as well with 16 points shooting 7-12 and a couple blocked shots. Bargnani and Barbosa both had 22 points and were deadly from 3 point range. Bargnani was 4-6 from 3 and Barbosa was 3-4.
But this also happened, only 32 rebounds and 18 turnovers and a defence that only showed up for the 4th Quarter where they only allowed 17 points. The Raptors should be happy to have the win, but the trend of poor first half play continues and the Raptors need to address their poor starts and their effort defensively. They also need to take care of the ball. If Jerryd Bayless is going to eventually become the starting point guard for this team he will do it by playing solid defence and doing a decent job of taking care of the basketball. Bayless has proven the team can score with him at the point but the Raptors have not proven they can take care of the ball of play solid defence as a unit with him at the controls. The bigs on this team need to collectively get on the boards and make up for the loss of Reggie Evans. They got crushed on the boards on this night.
If the Raptors only take away the fact they came back in this game without admitting they were lucky to a point to be able to do it. They will continue down a wrong path and this win will be a blip on the radar. Raptors still have serious issues to address. They can play defence as they proved in the 4th quarter of this game. However the requires effort from the opening tip to get wins consistently in this league.
Win is great but their are lessons that still need to be learned from this. If the Raptors do not learn them this game won't mean much in the grand scheme of things.
4/12/10
Out Of Their Hands
Given the total dejection that was clearly evident in the Raptors Locker room last night, it is going to be tough to bounce back and win tonight in Detroit. Knowing that you can win out and still that may not be enough. About the only thing Raptors have going for them in terms of the Bulls Schedule is that Boston as we sit now can jump up to 3rd in Eastern Conference standings. That is important for them as it would give them 2 things. Perhaps an easier match-up vs the Bucks who are injured and without Andrew Bogut. Although, give them credit they are current in 5th with the same record as Miami. However second and more importantly they would avoid King James and the Cavs in round 2.
In terms of the Charlotte game the outlook is not as positive as the Bobcats are pretty much locked in at 7th and will face a tough series with Southeast Division rivals Orlando. So it is safe to assume the Bobcats will rest most if not all of their significant players. In effect having the Bulls play a team that would more resemble a Charlotte Summer League team rather than the actual Bobcats roster. So basically what I am getting as is the Raptors must win tonight and vs the Knicks. Pray for a Boston win on Tuesday, and an Atlanta loss tonight so that game will still have meaning for Boston.
In other words, the Raptors need a ton of things to fall their way to have a shot at the post season. Even if not mathematically eliminated by a loss to Detroit tonight. They most certainly will be logically eliminated. In fact some may feel that they are already that and I would be hard pressed to argue that point.
Detroit is actually playing decent of late as well. Add in the fact Charlie V always seems to get up for games against the Raptors. Putting a final nail in the Raps coffin is something that I would think would motivate him. When motivated he can be very good. The Pistons come in off a loss to Charlotte by 4 but prior to that had wins over Atlanta and Miami (Both Playoff Teams) and Philadelphia. The flip side of that is the Raptors have lost 5 straight and Chris Bosh along the way, as well as Antonie Wright who I saw on crutches last night at the ACC so safe to say he isn't playing. The Raptors are a terrible 3-7 with no Bosh on the year and historically are terrible without him as well as they are in Detroit. Raptors are 7-21 all time in Detroit but did win there earlier in the year. They also have won 3 straight vs the Pistons overall. The 2 teams hooked up in a Christmas Holidays back to back that saw Toronto smack the Pistons 94-64 and beat the same Pistons 4 days later 102-95 in the only 2 meetings of the year. But Chris Bosh played in both of those games, while the Pistons in that 30 point blow-out were missing many key players.
If you are a fan of keeping hope alive you hope against hope that the Raptors can win tonight. If you are tired of the pain and just want it to end you hope they don't. I think there are a lot of folks in that camp at the moment. But regardless of where you stand or sit there is at the very least 2 games left to play and this is one of them. Raps have to get a win and that seems like a broken record at this point.
But if you want a smile...even though I don't have one in this picture. Here is a picture of myself and Kid Raptor from last night at the ACC that I posted on Twitter earlier.
Be you a grown up like me or just a kid....it never is fun to watch your team lose. Like I told kids I coached when I was younger that are a bit older than Kid Raptor. When is the last time you saw a team go out and say "YEAH!!! We Lost". It was a good way to get the kids to buy into the concept of teamwork and roles. The task for Jay Triano with grown men has been a far more challenging one. However that simple fact remains that losing no matter how old you happen to be is NEVER FUN.
In terms of the Charlotte game the outlook is not as positive as the Bobcats are pretty much locked in at 7th and will face a tough series with Southeast Division rivals Orlando. So it is safe to assume the Bobcats will rest most if not all of their significant players. In effect having the Bulls play a team that would more resemble a Charlotte Summer League team rather than the actual Bobcats roster. So basically what I am getting as is the Raptors must win tonight and vs the Knicks. Pray for a Boston win on Tuesday, and an Atlanta loss tonight so that game will still have meaning for Boston.
In other words, the Raptors need a ton of things to fall their way to have a shot at the post season. Even if not mathematically eliminated by a loss to Detroit tonight. They most certainly will be logically eliminated. In fact some may feel that they are already that and I would be hard pressed to argue that point.
Detroit is actually playing decent of late as well. Add in the fact Charlie V always seems to get up for games against the Raptors. Putting a final nail in the Raps coffin is something that I would think would motivate him. When motivated he can be very good. The Pistons come in off a loss to Charlotte by 4 but prior to that had wins over Atlanta and Miami (Both Playoff Teams) and Philadelphia. The flip side of that is the Raptors have lost 5 straight and Chris Bosh along the way, as well as Antonie Wright who I saw on crutches last night at the ACC so safe to say he isn't playing. The Raptors are a terrible 3-7 with no Bosh on the year and historically are terrible without him as well as they are in Detroit. Raptors are 7-21 all time in Detroit but did win there earlier in the year. They also have won 3 straight vs the Pistons overall. The 2 teams hooked up in a Christmas Holidays back to back that saw Toronto smack the Pistons 94-64 and beat the same Pistons 4 days later 102-95 in the only 2 meetings of the year. But Chris Bosh played in both of those games, while the Pistons in that 30 point blow-out were missing many key players.
If you are a fan of keeping hope alive you hope against hope that the Raptors can win tonight. If you are tired of the pain and just want it to end you hope they don't. I think there are a lot of folks in that camp at the moment. But regardless of where you stand or sit there is at the very least 2 games left to play and this is one of them. Raps have to get a win and that seems like a broken record at this point.
But if you want a smile...even though I don't have one in this picture. Here is a picture of myself and Kid Raptor from last night at the ACC that I posted on Twitter earlier.
Be you a grown up like me or just a kid....it never is fun to watch your team lose. Like I told kids I coached when I was younger that are a bit older than Kid Raptor. When is the last time you saw a team go out and say "YEAH!!! We Lost". It was a good way to get the kids to buy into the concept of teamwork and roles. The task for Jay Triano with grown men has been a far more challenging one. However that simple fact remains that losing no matter how old you happen to be is NEVER FUN.
11/4/09
Oak, V.C and Pistons
How Ironic is it that a team struggling on the defensive end of the floor they are going to honour and celebrate Charles Oakley. It was said Oakley has some interest in coaching. I suggested why not here? If for no other reason that quotes would be entertaining. Sam Mitchell has nothing on the Oak man for telling it like it is. Jay Triano might be wise to have a talk with Oakley and see if he has interest in coaching as an assistant. If you think I am lying about the quotes, go check out this article in The Toronto Star. Charles Oakley would bring accountability to this organization or die trying. You already have Alvin Williams on the staff so why not add another former Raptor to the mix? It made sense when I thought about it in the summer and it makes sense now. Maybe even for one night by just his presence in the building the Raptors can find that defensive effort that has gone MIA.
This is long over do to honour Oakley here in Toronto. The guy was a big influence on some of those teams that had V.C and the rest. Jeff Van Gundy as it says in that article in The Star speaks highly of Oakley. Calling him the smartest player that Van Gundy has personally ever coached. Reggie Evans is the first guy since Oakley to be anywhere close to him. Good news on that Reggie front as he is said to have started walking around without that protective boot. It won't be long before Reggie is back and he is needed. When I spoke with Reggie at camp he had nothing but respect in terms of talking about Oakley. If you ask any Knick or Raptor fan you would be hard pressed to find one that does not respect Charles Oakley. If you are at the ACC tonight and don't get out of your seat, something is wrong with you.
I am sure Charles Oakley would have a good quote about this next item. The Raps also plan on honouring Vince Carter when the Magic return on the 22nd. When I heard it, I was like are they serious? Vince Carter being honoured in Toronto is just to strange for words. The fact Raptor fans boo the guy has been made part of the video game NBA Live 10. No idea what this acknowledgment or ceremony will be but it should be truly odd. Vince is a huge part of the history of this franchise. It is not a question on if in terms of what he has done should be honoured. However the Raptors know and pretty much everyone in the NBA knows Toronto fans HATE this guy. The Raptors plan on doing the same for other former Raps that come town like Moe P and Matt Bonner. However both left on good terms and are still loved by the fans. I have said in the past that love him or hate him that Vince Carter likely should have his #15 (Currently worn by Amir Johnson) retired. Is this some kind of test balloon to see if that would ever play well? If it is, much like the Balloon Boy, it may leave most filling empty in the end at the results. Some day Raps fans may turn the page and maybe even make it possible to have Vince's number 15 retired as it should be. However that day is not November 22nd 2009, and fans will not cheer V.C in any large numbers. If the Raptors have an arch enemy it is Vince Carter.
On to the current day Raptors that have opportunity knocking as Detroit comes in missing 2 key players in Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. In the case of Prince it will break a lengthy ironman streak for him. Still the Raps had 3 key guys out for the Magic and could not get the job done. Amir Johnson plays against his former club in Detroit. Perhaps he can add a spark to this game. In addition the Pistons are playing the second half of a back to back coming in off a win over Orlando 85-80. Orlando with V.C back in the line up by the way. The Pistons enter tonight 2-2 and will be one of those teams battling to make the playoffs in the East.
The Raptors need a win bad in this one as they hit the road to play a desperate and frustrated Hornets team, Dallas fresh off a win over the Lakers and the Spurs. None of those games look very promising in finding a win on the road. The pressure on this team is only going to increase as we move forward so they need to get wins when possible and tonight is a night where it should be.
If the Raptors hope to get a win they need to push the pace and try to use the one thing that is going fairly well it's offense. Chris Bosh has been on a tear, and with no more Rasheed Wallace in the Piston line-up, I would expect that will continue. If the Raps are going to have a decent chance at winning, they want to get the score into that magic pizza level and not in the 80's. Take advantage of the Pistons being on that back to back and come out focused and attack early, much like they did against the Cavs in the same position. When the schedule offers you a gift you need to answer the bell and take it.
Jay Triano was on Toronto's Fan 590 talking about his players still trying to get use to Hedo Turkoglu and what he can do in terms of passing and making plays. There is no question that Hedo taking that extended rest in the pre-season is at least costing the Raptors in the short term. Raptors if you think about have yet to see this roster altogether at full strength from the very first day of camp till today. Evans and Wright have also been in and out along with Bosh at the start of camp.
The point guard that finds his game first in Toronto may actually rule the day. Both Jarrett Jack and Jose Calderon have struggled. If it lasts much longer I am going to call it the curse of T.J Ford or the curse of the Horns. The day is fast coming that Jose Calderon will have to prove he can be a decent defender or run the risk of not being a starter or at the very least not playing in the 4th quarter.
Jack Armstrong and Eric Smith were talking about the Raptors defense yesterday on the Game Plan. Jack seems to think the Raps should mix in some zone looks and try to hide the face that this starting 5 is lacking in terms of defense. However you care to look at it the Raps have said they need to get better on defense and that will be the test of Triano as the coach. If he fails to get this team to improve on the defensive end he will unfortunately fail as head coach of this team. That truly is the bottom line of it all. Perhaps Oakley could return on a staff with Jeff Van Gundy some day. He has always been a name you hear thrown out by Raps fans as a possible coach for this team. He fully admits that he would like to go back and coach someday. I would hate to lose him on T.V because he truly has become one of the best at that in such a short time. Jay Triano's job is safe as we speak but if that ever were to change the name Van Gundy will be mentioned as long as he is still sitting at a broadcast table.
Let me make it clear that I am not suggesting Jay Triano's job is in jeopardy after 2 bad losses. Just stating that his time however long or short it will be is going to be defined by how this team will play on the defensive end of the floor. Still regardless of all that is going on with the Raptors it is great to have Charles Oakley back even if it is just for one night. Still it would be nice to have him sitting somewhere on that Raptor sideline on a nightly basis. Coach in charge of accountability ...Charles Oakley!!!!
This is long over do to honour Oakley here in Toronto. The guy was a big influence on some of those teams that had V.C and the rest. Jeff Van Gundy as it says in that article in The Star speaks highly of Oakley. Calling him the smartest player that Van Gundy has personally ever coached. Reggie Evans is the first guy since Oakley to be anywhere close to him. Good news on that Reggie front as he is said to have started walking around without that protective boot. It won't be long before Reggie is back and he is needed. When I spoke with Reggie at camp he had nothing but respect in terms of talking about Oakley. If you ask any Knick or Raptor fan you would be hard pressed to find one that does not respect Charles Oakley. If you are at the ACC tonight and don't get out of your seat, something is wrong with you.
I am sure Charles Oakley would have a good quote about this next item. The Raps also plan on honouring Vince Carter when the Magic return on the 22nd. When I heard it, I was like are they serious? Vince Carter being honoured in Toronto is just to strange for words. The fact Raptor fans boo the guy has been made part of the video game NBA Live 10. No idea what this acknowledgment or ceremony will be but it should be truly odd. Vince is a huge part of the history of this franchise. It is not a question on if in terms of what he has done should be honoured. However the Raptors know and pretty much everyone in the NBA knows Toronto fans HATE this guy. The Raptors plan on doing the same for other former Raps that come town like Moe P and Matt Bonner. However both left on good terms and are still loved by the fans. I have said in the past that love him or hate him that Vince Carter likely should have his #15 (Currently worn by Amir Johnson) retired. Is this some kind of test balloon to see if that would ever play well? If it is, much like the Balloon Boy, it may leave most filling empty in the end at the results. Some day Raps fans may turn the page and maybe even make it possible to have Vince's number 15 retired as it should be. However that day is not November 22nd 2009, and fans will not cheer V.C in any large numbers. If the Raptors have an arch enemy it is Vince Carter.
On to the current day Raptors that have opportunity knocking as Detroit comes in missing 2 key players in Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. In the case of Prince it will break a lengthy ironman streak for him. Still the Raps had 3 key guys out for the Magic and could not get the job done. Amir Johnson plays against his former club in Detroit. Perhaps he can add a spark to this game. In addition the Pistons are playing the second half of a back to back coming in off a win over Orlando 85-80. Orlando with V.C back in the line up by the way. The Pistons enter tonight 2-2 and will be one of those teams battling to make the playoffs in the East.
The Raptors need a win bad in this one as they hit the road to play a desperate and frustrated Hornets team, Dallas fresh off a win over the Lakers and the Spurs. None of those games look very promising in finding a win on the road. The pressure on this team is only going to increase as we move forward so they need to get wins when possible and tonight is a night where it should be.
If the Raptors hope to get a win they need to push the pace and try to use the one thing that is going fairly well it's offense. Chris Bosh has been on a tear, and with no more Rasheed Wallace in the Piston line-up, I would expect that will continue. If the Raps are going to have a decent chance at winning, they want to get the score into that magic pizza level and not in the 80's. Take advantage of the Pistons being on that back to back and come out focused and attack early, much like they did against the Cavs in the same position. When the schedule offers you a gift you need to answer the bell and take it.
Jay Triano was on Toronto's Fan 590 talking about his players still trying to get use to Hedo Turkoglu and what he can do in terms of passing and making plays. There is no question that Hedo taking that extended rest in the pre-season is at least costing the Raptors in the short term. Raptors if you think about have yet to see this roster altogether at full strength from the very first day of camp till today. Evans and Wright have also been in and out along with Bosh at the start of camp.
The point guard that finds his game first in Toronto may actually rule the day. Both Jarrett Jack and Jose Calderon have struggled. If it lasts much longer I am going to call it the curse of T.J Ford or the curse of the Horns. The day is fast coming that Jose Calderon will have to prove he can be a decent defender or run the risk of not being a starter or at the very least not playing in the 4th quarter.
Jack Armstrong and Eric Smith were talking about the Raptors defense yesterday on the Game Plan. Jack seems to think the Raps should mix in some zone looks and try to hide the face that this starting 5 is lacking in terms of defense. However you care to look at it the Raps have said they need to get better on defense and that will be the test of Triano as the coach. If he fails to get this team to improve on the defensive end he will unfortunately fail as head coach of this team. That truly is the bottom line of it all. Perhaps Oakley could return on a staff with Jeff Van Gundy some day. He has always been a name you hear thrown out by Raps fans as a possible coach for this team. He fully admits that he would like to go back and coach someday. I would hate to lose him on T.V because he truly has become one of the best at that in such a short time. Jay Triano's job is safe as we speak but if that ever were to change the name Van Gundy will be mentioned as long as he is still sitting at a broadcast table.
Let me make it clear that I am not suggesting Jay Triano's job is in jeopardy after 2 bad losses. Just stating that his time however long or short it will be is going to be defined by how this team will play on the defensive end of the floor. Still regardless of all that is going on with the Raptors it is great to have Charles Oakley back even if it is just for one night. Still it would be nice to have him sitting somewhere on that Raptor sideline on a nightly basis. Coach in charge of accountability ...Charles Oakley!!!!
7/29/09
Playoffs In July?
First off today there was an issue that occurred in early morning hours that rendered the Jack Armstrong Interview unplayable. I have fixed the problem and apologize to anyone that was not able to listen to it. You can hear it now here is a link to it.Thanks to a number of readers that made me aware of this problem. It has been a big couple days for the blog and thanks to all of you that have made that happen.
I have no guest today it is just me. Maybe I should interview myself? That would be odd wouldn't it? Something you might see in say the WWE? I admit that I totally forgot about Shaq hosting Raw on Monday night. But I was able to see the highlights yesterday. It was classic Shaq and I got some chuckles but WWE is not what it use to be. But the line of the night was not said by Shaq. It was said by Chris Jericho.
Jericho- " When I heard we were having the most dominant player in the NBA(As guest host of Raw) I naturally assumed it was Kobe Bryant "
Shaq could only respond by calling Jericho... Christina. That was pretty old and dated. WWE writers have gotten old and predictable. Same might be said for Shaq himself. No doubt the big man will be in the spotlight playing Robin to Lebron James as Batman. Will it work? That is one of the bigger questions heading into this NBA season.
In fact all top 4 teams in the East have made moves that they hope will upgrade their talent. Orlando has Ex-Raptor Vince Carter. Who I was reading the new NBA Live 10 when it comes out will get booed by Toronto fans in video game as well. Truly EA tries to live up to there motto of "If It's in the Game, It's in the Game". Rasheed Wallace is going to be a Celtic. Boston has had a number of trade rumours still buzzing so it is clear Danny Angie is not done. The Atlanta Hawks also have added Jamal Crawford to the mix. I think it is safe to say all 4 of these teams make the playoffs again unless something goes drastically wrong.
So that leaves 4 spots that last season were held by Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia and Detroit. All of which have done very little in terms of getting better this off-season with exception of Detroit. Philadelphia has a new coach in Eddie Jordon. But they have lost there point guard Andre Miller. Miami has not exactly been loading up to keep D-Wade happy have they? Chicago lost Ben Gordon to the Pistons and he was a big part of what they did in the playoffs. Gordon along with Charlie Villianeuva are now Pistons. But really will this help the Pistons be better? The are former teammates at UConn.
Bottom line of all of it is for Raptors to make playoffs it takes one of these teams to fall back for them to get in. Truth be told you could make a case that all 4 of these teams could miss the playoffs. If I was going to rank who is most likely going to miss out it would go like this. With most likely team at top and least likely at the bottom.
Philadelphia (Sorry Jason Kapono and Eddie Jordan)
Chicago (Sorry Chuck Swirsky)
Detroit ( Joe Dumars prays I am wrong)
Miami ( D-Wade on his own can save the Heat )
I could see easily that 3 of the 4 may not make the playoffs. If that is true who the heck moves into those spots? Well here are my 3 picks to fill out the playoff field.
Toronto Raptors ( Seriously with all the moves if they don't it is a disaster of an epic nature)
Charlotte Bobcats ( Young and up coming Bobcats. Tyson Chandler might push them over top)
Washington Wizards ( Subject to Gilbert Arenas making it to opening night )
So what will it look like (Subject To Change)
1. Cleveland
2. Boston
3. Orlando
4. Atlanta
5. Toronto
6. Washington
7. Charlotte
8. Miami
Remember when people laughed about the the Southeast Division? 4 teams in the playoffs can that be right? It could be. Washington and Charlotte have a very small margin of error for me. Detroit and the Bulls should be teams right there if they should slip. This is just a snapshot thought and things can change. As for the Raptors being 5th? It seems the right place for them. They are not better than any of the top 4. Atlanta maybe is the closest with the other 3 miles ahead.
If I change my mind on this over the summer I will let you know. If you want to doubt this hey by all means. Predictions are subjective. I will point out though that I did predict the NBA Finals last year prior to the season. Not to many folks had the Orlando Magic playing the L.A Lakers did they? I got to brag about it now because really can I successfully call it 2 years in a row? That would have some long odds I am thinking.
I have no guest today it is just me. Maybe I should interview myself? That would be odd wouldn't it? Something you might see in say the WWE? I admit that I totally forgot about Shaq hosting Raw on Monday night. But I was able to see the highlights yesterday. It was classic Shaq and I got some chuckles but WWE is not what it use to be. But the line of the night was not said by Shaq. It was said by Chris Jericho.
Jericho- " When I heard we were having the most dominant player in the NBA(As guest host of Raw) I naturally assumed it was Kobe Bryant "
Shaq could only respond by calling Jericho... Christina. That was pretty old and dated. WWE writers have gotten old and predictable. Same might be said for Shaq himself. No doubt the big man will be in the spotlight playing Robin to Lebron James as Batman. Will it work? That is one of the bigger questions heading into this NBA season.
In fact all top 4 teams in the East have made moves that they hope will upgrade their talent. Orlando has Ex-Raptor Vince Carter. Who I was reading the new NBA Live 10 when it comes out will get booed by Toronto fans in video game as well. Truly EA tries to live up to there motto of "If It's in the Game, It's in the Game". Rasheed Wallace is going to be a Celtic. Boston has had a number of trade rumours still buzzing so it is clear Danny Angie is not done. The Atlanta Hawks also have added Jamal Crawford to the mix. I think it is safe to say all 4 of these teams make the playoffs again unless something goes drastically wrong.
So that leaves 4 spots that last season were held by Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia and Detroit. All of which have done very little in terms of getting better this off-season with exception of Detroit. Philadelphia has a new coach in Eddie Jordon. But they have lost there point guard Andre Miller. Miami has not exactly been loading up to keep D-Wade happy have they? Chicago lost Ben Gordon to the Pistons and he was a big part of what they did in the playoffs. Gordon along with Charlie Villianeuva are now Pistons. But really will this help the Pistons be better? The are former teammates at UConn.
Bottom line of all of it is for Raptors to make playoffs it takes one of these teams to fall back for them to get in. Truth be told you could make a case that all 4 of these teams could miss the playoffs. If I was going to rank who is most likely going to miss out it would go like this. With most likely team at top and least likely at the bottom.
Philadelphia (Sorry Jason Kapono and Eddie Jordan)
Chicago (Sorry Chuck Swirsky)
Detroit ( Joe Dumars prays I am wrong)
Miami ( D-Wade on his own can save the Heat )
I could see easily that 3 of the 4 may not make the playoffs. If that is true who the heck moves into those spots? Well here are my 3 picks to fill out the playoff field.
Toronto Raptors ( Seriously with all the moves if they don't it is a disaster of an epic nature)
Charlotte Bobcats ( Young and up coming Bobcats. Tyson Chandler might push them over top)
Washington Wizards ( Subject to Gilbert Arenas making it to opening night )
So what will it look like (Subject To Change)
1. Cleveland
2. Boston
3. Orlando
4. Atlanta
5. Toronto
6. Washington
7. Charlotte
8. Miami
Remember when people laughed about the the Southeast Division? 4 teams in the playoffs can that be right? It could be. Washington and Charlotte have a very small margin of error for me. Detroit and the Bulls should be teams right there if they should slip. This is just a snapshot thought and things can change. As for the Raptors being 5th? It seems the right place for them. They are not better than any of the top 4. Atlanta maybe is the closest with the other 3 miles ahead.
If I change my mind on this over the summer I will let you know. If you want to doubt this hey by all means. Predictions are subjective. I will point out though that I did predict the NBA Finals last year prior to the season. Not to many folks had the Orlando Magic playing the L.A Lakers did they? I got to brag about it now because really can I successfully call it 2 years in a row? That would have some long odds I am thinking.
6/5/09
Friday Fav 5
I thought I would start a new feature for Friday's. On Twitter they Follow Friday. Here at the Dino Nation Blog we will have Fav 5 Fridays. Mine is not sponsored by a wireless company. It also may have nothing to do with basketball. But today's will. Given that is the finals. Why not go with my fav 5 finals series of all time. So drum roll please.....
#5- 1987-88- Pistons and Lakers- The L.A Lakers take on the Bad Boy Pistons in a 7 game classic. Dennis Rodman looked normal. James Worthy was the series M.V.P and it was the base for the Pistons winning the back to back titles in the next 2 seasons. In a playoffs that we lost Chuck Daly fitting to have his Bad Boy Pistons on the list. A little James Worthy please...
#4- 1982-83- Sixers and Lakers- Dr.J and Moses Malone were able to get by the Lakers in a shocking sweep. It was a the maker of one of the highlights on the all-time highlight reel where Dr.J undressed the Lakers. That Highlight is in this mix of Dr.J hi-lights. He was my favourite player as a kid.
#3- 1990-91- Bulls and Lakers- Jordan breaks through and gets his first ring. Many saw it as a passing of the mantle of best player in the game from Magic to Micheal but when you think of this series I think only 2 things stick out in the 4-1 series win for the Bulls. After the win Jordan holding the trophy and crying and this...
#2- 1999-2000- Lakers vs Pacers- Shaq and Kobe in happier times they win their first title over a game Pacers team that took them to 6 games. It was the start of what was suppose to be one of the greatest duos in NBA History. They would go on to win 2 more together and than it was all over. But here is what it looked like after #1
#1- 1983-1984- Lakers and Celtics- This was an old school 7 game war and a series that would define the 80's. Larry Bird was the M.V.P and he would get the upper hand on Magic Johnson who back in College got the better of Bird as he lead MSU past Indiana State. Kurt Rambis, Dennis Johnson, Micheal Cooper, Robert Parish,Kareem, McCale and on and on. It is a list of NBA legendary names on legendary teams. This is the series that made basketball in the 80's. This was the finish.
The one thing all of these have in common is the Lakers. After last night it seems doubtful that a Magic and Lakers Finals is going to get on the list. But there is something about when the Lakers are in a Finals that creates special moments that last a life time. Beat L.A is something that has gone on for decades and it is proof that the Lakers are something that make it special. 29 other teams in the NBA may want to Beat L.A and maybe that says it all.
#5- 1987-88- Pistons and Lakers- The L.A Lakers take on the Bad Boy Pistons in a 7 game classic. Dennis Rodman looked normal. James Worthy was the series M.V.P and it was the base for the Pistons winning the back to back titles in the next 2 seasons. In a playoffs that we lost Chuck Daly fitting to have his Bad Boy Pistons on the list. A little James Worthy please...
#4- 1982-83- Sixers and Lakers- Dr.J and Moses Malone were able to get by the Lakers in a shocking sweep. It was a the maker of one of the highlights on the all-time highlight reel where Dr.J undressed the Lakers. That Highlight is in this mix of Dr.J hi-lights. He was my favourite player as a kid.
#3- 1990-91- Bulls and Lakers- Jordan breaks through and gets his first ring. Many saw it as a passing of the mantle of best player in the game from Magic to Micheal but when you think of this series I think only 2 things stick out in the 4-1 series win for the Bulls. After the win Jordan holding the trophy and crying and this...
#2- 1999-2000- Lakers vs Pacers- Shaq and Kobe in happier times they win their first title over a game Pacers team that took them to 6 games. It was the start of what was suppose to be one of the greatest duos in NBA History. They would go on to win 2 more together and than it was all over. But here is what it looked like after #1
#1- 1983-1984- Lakers and Celtics- This was an old school 7 game war and a series that would define the 80's. Larry Bird was the M.V.P and he would get the upper hand on Magic Johnson who back in College got the better of Bird as he lead MSU past Indiana State. Kurt Rambis, Dennis Johnson, Micheal Cooper, Robert Parish,Kareem, McCale and on and on. It is a list of NBA legendary names on legendary teams. This is the series that made basketball in the 80's. This was the finish.
The one thing all of these have in common is the Lakers. After last night it seems doubtful that a Magic and Lakers Finals is going to get on the list. But there is something about when the Lakers are in a Finals that creates special moments that last a life time. Beat L.A is something that has gone on for decades and it is proof that the Lakers are something that make it special. 29 other teams in the NBA may want to Beat L.A and maybe that says it all.
5/1/09
If You Didn't Like Last Night- You Don't Like NBA Basketball
There was an announcer that used the line "If You Didn't Like That You Don't Like NBA Basketball". Well if that line every applied more to anything it is the Bulls vs Celtics series. I admit that I could care less about the Celtics or the Bulls. That being said the games and the battles they are having have been unreal. Another instant classic last night as the two battled in a triple overtime thriller. It was just as exciting as the 6 OT game between Syracuse and UConn and the way it was going it looked like it could go 6 OT's. Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose have been both very special in this series.
If that was not enough for you. The Magic with no Howard who was suspended and Courtney Lee who was injured(By Howard) took on the Sixers and won in a blowout. At this time I would like to say sorry to Marcin Gortat. I joked around yesterday and said that he could not get it done. I doubted the new Polish Power for the Y2K. He had I think was 11 and 10 and that is about half of an average Dwight night in the playoffs. So the Magic move on and will get the team that survives Game 7 between that Bulls and Celtics. The Magic have not performed at a high level in round 1. Could the fact that the Bulls and Celtics are taking everything the other has to offer end up benefiting the Magic? Just a thought.
Ray Allen is getting it done when it matters the most for Celtics and is a big part of why this series has been as much a classic as it is becoming. Also it makes me laugh that there was talk earlier in the year if Vinny Del Negro was going to last as coach of the Bulls. I think win or lose in Game 7 it is safe to say that Vinny will have a job next year. That being said I am stunned the Michael Curry is going to remain as coach of the Pistons who went out in flames to the Cavs that will wait to get the winner of Hawks and Heat series. It is crazy to think that Curry keeps his job after the season the Pistons have had. I am much more willing to give Jay Triano a chance than I would be Michael Curry. It is not that I have been a supporter of the Triano return. I have not been. But Curry clearly was part of the problem in Detroit. However Joe Dumars was the guy that but him in that situation by trading Billups for Iverson. While Billups plays on with the Nuggets as they destroyed the Hornets. Allen Iverson was MIA for the playoffs. That was not Curry that was on Dumars. Still Curry just never looked like he had control or the respect of his team and that seemed clear to me. Triano for what it is worth had the respect of the Raptors and the endorsement of the star play. I think if you took a straw poll in the Pistons Locker Room I am pretty sure Curry is voted off the island so to speak.
Despite all of this excitement that has been going on the end of the story remains the same for me. It seems clear that we are heading towards a Kobe vs Lebron Final. That as far as hype will be an epic battle. That being said the Bulls and Celtics have put on a show that will be hard to top. Can Game 7 be as exciting as the first 6? Last year the Hawks pushed the Celtics to 7. The Game 7 ended up being a real stinker with the dirty birds getting destroyed. I do not think the Bulls will meet that same fate as the Hawks. They may not win but they will show up.
Fans of basketball have been rewarded with a lot of excitement in this year's NBA Playoffs. There has been a really nasty edge to some of it as well. I have liked that. NBA needs to let them play. The talk of guys getting suspended and being not in games like Howard last night and the whole mess with the Suns and Spurs a few years ago in my opinion takes away from things. The NHL finds ways to bend he rules to fit what makes sense. Why not do the same in the NBA. Unless it is something that is truly awful I say let them play. Rajon Rondo does not play in game 7 based on tossing Hinrich into a score table it will be fans that lose. Not just Celtic fans but all fans. Back in the 80's go watch some classic games and you will see lots worse things happen to players and I don't recall anyone being suspended. We become to hyper sensitive in the sports world today. If I sound like Charles Oakley so be it. The stars of basketball in the 80 and 90's must chuckle at what gets considered a big deal now a days. That reminds me Pros vs Joes is starting again soon what NBA oldschoolers will be on the show. Ex-Raptors Kevin Willis and Charles Oakley have been on the show. There are a few other I likely have forgotten. There is no better way to kill an hour than watch an episode of Pros vs Joes.
If that was not enough for you. The Magic with no Howard who was suspended and Courtney Lee who was injured(By Howard) took on the Sixers and won in a blowout. At this time I would like to say sorry to Marcin Gortat. I joked around yesterday and said that he could not get it done. I doubted the new Polish Power for the Y2K. He had I think was 11 and 10 and that is about half of an average Dwight night in the playoffs. So the Magic move on and will get the team that survives Game 7 between that Bulls and Celtics. The Magic have not performed at a high level in round 1. Could the fact that the Bulls and Celtics are taking everything the other has to offer end up benefiting the Magic? Just a thought.
Ray Allen is getting it done when it matters the most for Celtics and is a big part of why this series has been as much a classic as it is becoming. Also it makes me laugh that there was talk earlier in the year if Vinny Del Negro was going to last as coach of the Bulls. I think win or lose in Game 7 it is safe to say that Vinny will have a job next year. That being said I am stunned the Michael Curry is going to remain as coach of the Pistons who went out in flames to the Cavs that will wait to get the winner of Hawks and Heat series. It is crazy to think that Curry keeps his job after the season the Pistons have had. I am much more willing to give Jay Triano a chance than I would be Michael Curry. It is not that I have been a supporter of the Triano return. I have not been. But Curry clearly was part of the problem in Detroit. However Joe Dumars was the guy that but him in that situation by trading Billups for Iverson. While Billups plays on with the Nuggets as they destroyed the Hornets. Allen Iverson was MIA for the playoffs. That was not Curry that was on Dumars. Still Curry just never looked like he had control or the respect of his team and that seemed clear to me. Triano for what it is worth had the respect of the Raptors and the endorsement of the star play. I think if you took a straw poll in the Pistons Locker Room I am pretty sure Curry is voted off the island so to speak.
Despite all of this excitement that has been going on the end of the story remains the same for me. It seems clear that we are heading towards a Kobe vs Lebron Final. That as far as hype will be an epic battle. That being said the Bulls and Celtics have put on a show that will be hard to top. Can Game 7 be as exciting as the first 6? Last year the Hawks pushed the Celtics to 7. The Game 7 ended up being a real stinker with the dirty birds getting destroyed. I do not think the Bulls will meet that same fate as the Hawks. They may not win but they will show up.
Fans of basketball have been rewarded with a lot of excitement in this year's NBA Playoffs. There has been a really nasty edge to some of it as well. I have liked that. NBA needs to let them play. The talk of guys getting suspended and being not in games like Howard last night and the whole mess with the Suns and Spurs a few years ago in my opinion takes away from things. The NHL finds ways to bend he rules to fit what makes sense. Why not do the same in the NBA. Unless it is something that is truly awful I say let them play. Rajon Rondo does not play in game 7 based on tossing Hinrich into a score table it will be fans that lose. Not just Celtic fans but all fans. Back in the 80's go watch some classic games and you will see lots worse things happen to players and I don't recall anyone being suspended. We become to hyper sensitive in the sports world today. If I sound like Charles Oakley so be it. The stars of basketball in the 80 and 90's must chuckle at what gets considered a big deal now a days. That reminds me Pros vs Joes is starting again soon what NBA oldschoolers will be on the show. Ex-Raptors Kevin Willis and Charles Oakley have been on the show. There are a few other I likely have forgotten. There is no better way to kill an hour than watch an episode of Pros vs Joes.
4/29/09
Avoiding International Incidents
Jose Calderon has surgery done on his dislocated finger and is said to be out of commission for 6 to 8 weeks. Hopefully the timing of this was not to be ready to play for Spain this summer. Jose needs to take a pass on playing for his national team this season. I am rapidly becoming someone in the camp of Mark Cuban on this whole issue of international basketball. Cuban has long been against the idea of players under contract in the NBA playing in international ball. I am beginning to totally agree. However to be realistic about it, there is no way the NBA is going to pull a 180 and back away from FIBA and not allow it's players to play. David Stern sees the idea of Olympics and to a lesser extent World Championships as a way to market the game globally.You can debate how much good that actual does or does not do for the league. However I am just going to suggest a compromise of sorts. Steve Nash would love this one as it comes from a sport he enjoys...Soccer. In Soccer for the Olympics they have an age limit on who can go to play at the games. I think the age is 25 if I am not mistaken. If you are over 25 you can not play simple as that. Nash as he got older decided to say no thanks to Canada. I was one of few that did not agree with that choice by him. However with this rule there would be nothing to debate on that issue. It would be cut and dry and at least if someone were to be injured playing internationally at least they would be younger and in most cases more likely to heal quicker and hopefully have no long term impact on them. I have said in this blog that it is unfair in a lot of ways to make players decide between country and team. I hear the argument that you are being paid by your club team and that is who you should be loyal too. I tend to agree with that.
However if you were to use hockey as an example and the Washington Capitals or Pittsburgh Penguins wanted to Ovechkin or Crosby not to play in the Olympics it would cause huge debate in this country. In the case of Crosby I could see Pittsburgh jersey's being burned in the streets. Also with the hockey example there is far less time where the players practice as a national team. In Basketball it is an event that goes on yearly basis each summer. When players play for their national teams the club teams get very little say if any in how practices and training is done. They also may want players to focus on certain aspects of the game that may not be the same as a national team would want from them. In hockey basically it is a group that gets thrown together for an event like the world championships that are going on currently. There are not long training camps leading up to that. In fact in some cases if players are eliminated from the NHL Playoffs they are quickly added to the line-up and just join the exsisting team.
If David Stern can determine how old you must be to enter the NBA draft. Why is it not reasonable to have him cap the age in which a player can play for his country while he is under contract to the NBA. It is the best compromise for all. Players would not feel the pressure to decide between country and team. For those who play in Europe and International players it is very hard to say no when the national team calls. Not unlike it is for players in Hockey in this country. If a player of any great skill or talent said he was going to take a pass on the upcoming Olympics in 2010 in Vancouver in hockey in this country he would be public enemy number 1 if he happened to be Canadian. So take the choice out of their hands and cap the age they can play till. It may not make everyone happy but it is the best was to solve the problem.
Speaking of injuries former Raptor Jamario Moon is done for the rest of the playoffs. He has a sports hernia and is set to have surgery which will bring an end to his season. Moon will be a free agent in the summer and will be looking to sign a deal somewhere. He has had a nice run with the Heat and developed some chemistry with D-Wade so Miami may want to have him back. We will see come the off-season.
As for the Heat they are locked in a battle with the Hawks tied at 2. However the series of the playoffs has been the Bull and Celtics. It has been high drama and last night was no different. The teams could not decide things in 48 minutes once again and went to overtime. Celtics ended up in the winners circle and even if they some how get out of this series it seems highly doubtful the will be able to defend their NBA Title. The Spurs joined the Pistons in sitting on the sidelines for the playoffs losing to Dallas is round one in 5 games. The Pistons were swept aside in the East in 4 games to the Cavs. You wonder if in both cases we are seeing the end of eras. The Pistons only managed 1 lone title in the run they had and Spurs have won 3 or 4. They also may not be done as they still have the same 3 core players and could perhaps re-tool and with some luck and health have one last run at it. But the bottom line and feeling you get from the playoffs is that this is Kobe and Lebron's party and everyone else are just guests that will eventually leave.
Both Bryant and James have been for this epic battle it seems all year. They were the 2 front runners in the MVP Debate which should be announced soon and I am thinking with go to Lebron. However most feel that will only serve as motivation for Kobe to win a title. Like he needed anymore after losing last year to the Celtics and looking pretty bad by the end of that series. It is going to be fun to watch and unless Denver, Orlando or someone else have a Magic trick in them it is going to happen.
So hope you are enjoying the playoffs and getting a chance to enjoy some great basketball even if it does not involve the Raptors.
However if you were to use hockey as an example and the Washington Capitals or Pittsburgh Penguins wanted to Ovechkin or Crosby not to play in the Olympics it would cause huge debate in this country. In the case of Crosby I could see Pittsburgh jersey's being burned in the streets. Also with the hockey example there is far less time where the players practice as a national team. In Basketball it is an event that goes on yearly basis each summer. When players play for their national teams the club teams get very little say if any in how practices and training is done. They also may want players to focus on certain aspects of the game that may not be the same as a national team would want from them. In hockey basically it is a group that gets thrown together for an event like the world championships that are going on currently. There are not long training camps leading up to that. In fact in some cases if players are eliminated from the NHL Playoffs they are quickly added to the line-up and just join the exsisting team.
If David Stern can determine how old you must be to enter the NBA draft. Why is it not reasonable to have him cap the age in which a player can play for his country while he is under contract to the NBA. It is the best compromise for all. Players would not feel the pressure to decide between country and team. For those who play in Europe and International players it is very hard to say no when the national team calls. Not unlike it is for players in Hockey in this country. If a player of any great skill or talent said he was going to take a pass on the upcoming Olympics in 2010 in Vancouver in hockey in this country he would be public enemy number 1 if he happened to be Canadian. So take the choice out of their hands and cap the age they can play till. It may not make everyone happy but it is the best was to solve the problem.
Speaking of injuries former Raptor Jamario Moon is done for the rest of the playoffs. He has a sports hernia and is set to have surgery which will bring an end to his season. Moon will be a free agent in the summer and will be looking to sign a deal somewhere. He has had a nice run with the Heat and developed some chemistry with D-Wade so Miami may want to have him back. We will see come the off-season.
As for the Heat they are locked in a battle with the Hawks tied at 2. However the series of the playoffs has been the Bull and Celtics. It has been high drama and last night was no different. The teams could not decide things in 48 minutes once again and went to overtime. Celtics ended up in the winners circle and even if they some how get out of this series it seems highly doubtful the will be able to defend their NBA Title. The Spurs joined the Pistons in sitting on the sidelines for the playoffs losing to Dallas is round one in 5 games. The Pistons were swept aside in the East in 4 games to the Cavs. You wonder if in both cases we are seeing the end of eras. The Pistons only managed 1 lone title in the run they had and Spurs have won 3 or 4. They also may not be done as they still have the same 3 core players and could perhaps re-tool and with some luck and health have one last run at it. But the bottom line and feeling you get from the playoffs is that this is Kobe and Lebron's party and everyone else are just guests that will eventually leave.
Both Bryant and James have been for this epic battle it seems all year. They were the 2 front runners in the MVP Debate which should be announced soon and I am thinking with go to Lebron. However most feel that will only serve as motivation for Kobe to win a title. Like he needed anymore after losing last year to the Celtics and looking pretty bad by the end of that series. It is going to be fun to watch and unless Denver, Orlando or someone else have a Magic trick in them it is going to happen.
So hope you are enjoying the playoffs and getting a chance to enjoy some great basketball even if it does not involve the Raptors.
3/13/09
Raptor Rewind- Detroit Basketball Edition
So no Rasheed Wallace for Pistons along with No A.I which we knew coming into this one. Perhaps a chance for the Raptors? I am not going to hold my breath or anything. However Chris Bosh will be happy as Wallace as always been a problem for him throughout his career. Let's get this one going and get closer to March Madness, The Draft Lottery and putting this awful season behind us. Is that very positive, not really but hey who doesn't feel that way at this point.
1st Quarter
So off we go. Raps win the tip and score on first possession with a Bosh jumper. McDyess answers on the other end. A failed Raptors possession and a Rodney Stuckey score. Raptors after that first score have missed on next 5 attempts. But Detroit also a slow start and Shawn Marion would get a score and we were tied at 4. Rip Hamilton the nice feed inside to McDyess and the easy score. A.P with a blow by and a dunk and were tied at 6. Prince the quick release and score for 2. A miss turned into a quick two points for Jason Maxiell in transition. He would score again making it back to back baskets and a 12-6 Pistons lead. A Raptors score for two and Rip response for 2. Bargnani checks out and looks to still be under the weather. Not the weather CB4 did, but the suffering of flu like symptoms.
Calderon a pass for Jake Voskhul goes out of bounds turnover Raptors. Pistons can not take advantage. A broken play turns into 3 points for Calderon that has been a rare event of late. Uno Deux Trois? No that isn't it. Meanwhile Bosh gets a score and the lead is just one for Detroit. They would get back to back scores and push the lead back to 18-13. A.P gets some luck and gets a basket. Not sure how but 2 points is 2 points and the Raps will take it. Bargnani back in giving it a go would get a basket in response to a Pistons score. Jason Maxiell with a monster jam. Bargnani answers again. Marion the ugly looking runner but it falls. Rodney Stuckey answers the Marion score. Pistons lead 24-21. Stuckey called for offensive foul and I can't believe I am saying it but good defense by Jose Calderon. He earlier in the quarter tied Alvin Williams as the All Time assist leader in Raptor history. Quarter ended with Calderon looking to go in first all time hooking up Bargnani with a buzzer 3 ball but no dice.
2nd Quarter.
Pistons shooting 54% and still only up 3. Not sure if that is good or bad. Bosh hits on a mini fading jumper. A 3 second call on Kwame Brown and a Pistons turnover. However Jason Kapono would turn it over in response. Pops Mensah-Bonsu making an impact as he scores back to back buckets to give the Raptors a 27-26 lead. Can we make it 3 in a row? To use the Obama line YES WE CAN. Pops with the steal and Jam for 2. JYD for the Y2K. E Smith is calling him the British Bulldog but I am not feeling that. Pops is from London England if you didn't know. Pistons were not worried with any of that and worked there way back in front 30-29.
Jose Calderon who has been missing in action even when he has been on the floor this year on this night was good and on both ends. He would hook up Jason Kapono who also has struggled all year. But on this play the two would combine for Raptor history. The Kapono make would give Calderon the team's all time assist lead. Now if only he could have the toughness and defense of the guy he passed I would be happy. On this night though he was getting it done. Raptors were hanging with the Pistons tied at 33. A clear path foul on Calderon of a turnover created by Pops gave Raptors a big chance to take control a bit. Calderon for whatever I say about him is money at the line. He makes both but Raps fail to convert on extra possession. A good defensive play by Calderon would turnover the ball and give the Raptors another chance to extend the lead but can not. Instead the Pistons would tie it. Bosh would break the tie and put the Raptors back up by 2 points.
Hamilton took a hit from Pops and he was hurting and maybe that is an excuse for going 1 of 2 from the line. Bosh would make a jump shot and Raptors were up 3. Rip Hamilton was not happy with some of the abuse he was taking and he let the refs know it and got a tech for his troubles. Calderon buries the tech and Raptors lead 40-36. Shawn Marion off a Bosh feed would make the lead a half dozen. Rip Hamilton still was angry and this time perhaps at himself as he turned it over. Raptors were up 8. Defensive 3 second call against Shawn Marion and the Pistons would get a free throw that they would make. A mistake a the end of the quarter allowed the Pistons to get an open 3 from Walter Hermann. Raptors still had a 5 point halftime lead.
3rd Quarter.
Raps with a lead we have seen before but being able to finish teams off we have not. I have the same kind of confidence the Macho Man had in the Hulkster back in the day. Old fans of 80's wrestling will get that reference for everyone else it is not a good thing. Bargnani out for the rest of this one. When the crowd in the sushi section of the ACC would finally make it back for the second half they would wonder what the heck happened. Well actually seems a lot of them may not make it back. But when and if they do they would see that the Raptors were fading after a decent start. Rodney Stuckey made a jumper over Calderon and Pistons would lead 52-51.
Stuckey was not done with another basket he had a dozen in the game and Pistons a 3 point advantage. Calderon on the next possession would steal it from Stuckey and get tripped by him drawing the foul. It was a good battle between Stuckey and Calderon. Stuckey would get to the line and make a pair. Marion answered that with a basket and Pistons lead was 56-55. Bosh would drive and miss a runner. Jason Maxiell was making an impact again with a big jam. Maxiell had 14 off the bench for the Pistons at this point a perfect 7/7 from the field. A steal and a put back on a miss by Rip Hamilton that was cleaned up by McDyess. He would score again and Piston lead extended to seven. Bosh was on the bench with this going on. McDyess had 6 straight with another basket on a jumper. Calderon would finally offer a Raptor answer. However Rip Hamilton followed that up with a 3 ball and Pistons lead was suddenly 10 points at 67-57. Rodney Stuckey would be fouled by Joey Graham who was the invisible man in this game. Stuckey would split a pair at the line and the Pistons had a 16 point turn around and lead by 11 after 3 with the score 68-57.
4th Quarter
Ugh. So would the Raptors show some fight? I won't lie I have seen the previews of this one they would. On Friday the 13the the Raps were more like Dr Jeckell and Mr Hyde than Jason. Roko Ukic with a pretty spin move and score. Rodney Stuckey answered Ukic. Bosh would do his own little spin move leaving Kwame Brown in the dust. Pistons lead was 70-63. Raptors would close even closer cutting the Piston lead to just 5. As quick as the Pistons built an 11 point advantage they were losing it. Ukic with another score and the Raptors were on a 10-2 run to start the 4th quarter.
Rip Hamilton would get to the line and try to stop the bleeding as he made a pair at the line. A Bosh miss would lead to open look for 3 for Afflalo but he would miss it. Bosh would get a second chance to score on the possession off the miss and he would make it. Pops was getting run in the 4th with no Bargnani. Pistons were trying to get back on track and had the lead back to 6 points. McDyess would extend that to 8 points. Roko Ukic would answer for the Raptors and it was 77-71 Pistons. Jose would come in for Ukic who did a good job in his time on the floor. Bosh would score and he had 20 points very quietly.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu is starting to catch on in T.O. He would get tied up with Rip Hamilton get called for a foul and crowd hated the call but was loving Pops. McDyess was having a great night and took advantage of the foul call making a jumper. Rip Hamilton would follow that up with a 3. Pistons lead was 9. Calderon would score and lead was back down to 7. He would drive and score plus a foul. Pistons would respond. But a Parker miss and Bosh follow jam. Raptors were hanging around down 85-80. Bosh would drive to the basket and draw a foul with 2:16 left to go. He would miss both but got the rebound and Bosh would get fouled again and get a redo at the line with 2:03 left. He would take advantage and make both. Rip Hamilton would air ball a runner. Shawn Marion would force a shot but no dice. Rip Hamilton would give the Raptors another chance and Raptors would get an offensive board off a miss. Shawn Marion would use the glass and get 2 points. Raptors had erased 10 of the 11 points they trailed by heading into the corner. Rip Hamilton would find an open Afflalo in the corner and unlike earlier he would drain the 3 pointer and put the Pistons ahead by 4 with under a minute to play.
In fact it was only 39 seconds to play. Shawn Marion would get a much needed quick score. Offensive basket interference on the Pistons and that would turn it over to the Raptors and give them a chance to tie or win it with 13 seconds left. Time out for the Raptors to draw something up. Calderon would just get the ball and get a quick drive to the basket and get the easy lay-up. Only problem was still 9 seconds left on the clock and Pistons called for time with a chance ot win it. Rip Hamilton would have a good look at it but he could not make it and we were going to overtime.
Overtime
Case you were wondering the Raptors are 1-2 in extra time this year. I remember the one win but the two losses have blended in with all the others. An A.P miss and Rip Hamilton make. Matt Devlin reminded me of the two loses the V.C game with the reverse dunk and the meltdown in Boston. The win was against Golden State. Meanwhile in this one another Rip Hamilton basket and a Prince 3 ball and it was a 7-0 Pistons run to start the OT. Prince had been fairly quiet in this game normally he has been a guy that kills the Raps on a regular basis. Through 48 he had not but that 3 pointer was huge. Bosh had a jumper fall short and he would get called for a foul trying to follow his shot for a rebound. Prince had another 3 ball and the Raptors would need a Syracuse like comeback and I just don't think they have it in them. Calderon would make a 3 pointer and draw the Raptors to down 6 . Bosh would get fouled with 1:27 left in OT. Raptors down 97-91 with Bosh stepping to the line. Chris would make both and had 26 points despite a tough shooting night from the field. Rodney Stuckey had his shot partially blocked and it would go out of bounds. Marion got a piece of the shot. Rip Hamilton air balled a shot and it would fall in the hands of Pops Mensah-Bonsu who was playing in OT. That speaks to how much impact he has had and how little others have had. Bosh would spin an drive and have ball knocked out of bounds. McDyess would foul Marion and send him to the line. Marion would make the first and miss the second and Pops would get called for loose ball foul going for the rebound on the miss. Pistons would fail to take advantage. Bosh would get fouled and he was heading the the line with a chance to cut the lead to 1. The foul would end McDyess evening with his 6th. Bosh would make the first miss the second. Mensah-Bonsu got the rebound and decided to try to fire it back up and miss the Pistons go the other way and get a dunk in transition and that is about it with less than 7 seconds to play. Raptors would end up not being able to do anything more and loss it 99-95 in OT.
It was a game effort but in the end the same as the last 6 games as far as the result a loss. T.J Ford and the Pacers still battling to get into the playoffs come to town on Sunday. All the numbers below in the Boxscore.
Pistons/Raps Boxscore
2/5/09
When Couldn't Get Worse For Raps It Does.
Things just keep getting worse about this season. Forgive me if I am not impressed or care about the wonderful moral victory last night. If I am not going to spending time talking about J.O great play last night it is not meant to slight him. It is just at this point it is about wins and loses. Same can be said for Joey Graham and his career high 24 points. That is great for Joey in a contract year. It may help him get another contract. I have always said for whatever reason when this team is at it's worst Joey Graham is at his best. I am deeply concerned that Raptors will end up re-signing him. If that happens I can only imagine the Bad Joey will return and people will have been fooled yet again by Joey G.
But those are minor in comparison to the fact that both Calderon and now Bosh are injured. Bosh has been healthy all year and I am pretty sure has yet to miss a game this season. However with what is being called a sprained knee I would think that may go out the window. Calderon meanwhile has been damaged goods all year and I am to the point that I don't think he is going to put this behind him. He has not given his body the time heal and I think he will be plagued by this for the rest of the year as a result. Now of course I am not a doctor and don't even play one on the internet but I don't think you need a medical degree to understand what is going on with Calderon. The only way a hamstring truly will heal is with rest. Calderon has not been able to sit by and feel confident that the people behind him can get the job done. He like everyone else can see the need to have him on the floor. Problem is if he goes out there not at 100% he is not helping anyone least of all his injury. He is challenged on defense at 100%. He is beaten badly and it hurts the team's overall defense.
Bosh Injury What Will It Mean For Deadline?
Will Bosh injury impact on Bryan Colangelo's plans for the deadline? If Bosh was out of line up and he made a move for J.O it would seem clear that all hope was gone for this season. Raps depth at the two big spots is extremely damaged. Kris Humphries is out and now Bosh it leaves you with O'Neal, Bargnani, Voskhul and Jawai. O'Neal has not exactly been durable. Now Bosh is expected to only be out a few games perhaps. Bryan Colangelo suggested that on Fan 590 this morning. However now you have to be concerned about the durability of Bosh as well.
It would be a mistake to change the plan moving forward. To keep hope alive for making the 8th spot in the playoffs? I don't think so. That makes no sense at all. It would be a huge issue if you bought into the Steven A Smith story that Bosh is leaving. But Colangelo has denied the story and has made it clear he is not looking to move Bosh. A injured Bosh would not get as much you would figure. No matter what you choose to believe this injury may seal any doubt that Bosh is not being dealt before the deadline. Colangelo has no intention of being compared to Rob Babcock and if a Bosh trade was ever to happen he is not going to get screwed on the value he would get in return. So in a sense the Bosh injury might be a blessing for the Raptors. It eliminates a lot of things from the conversation.
But those are minor in comparison to the fact that both Calderon and now Bosh are injured. Bosh has been healthy all year and I am pretty sure has yet to miss a game this season. However with what is being called a sprained knee I would think that may go out the window. Calderon meanwhile has been damaged goods all year and I am to the point that I don't think he is going to put this behind him. He has not given his body the time heal and I think he will be plagued by this for the rest of the year as a result. Now of course I am not a doctor and don't even play one on the internet but I don't think you need a medical degree to understand what is going on with Calderon. The only way a hamstring truly will heal is with rest. Calderon has not been able to sit by and feel confident that the people behind him can get the job done. He like everyone else can see the need to have him on the floor. Problem is if he goes out there not at 100% he is not helping anyone least of all his injury. He is challenged on defense at 100%. He is beaten badly and it hurts the team's overall defense.
Bosh Injury What Will It Mean For Deadline?
Will Bosh injury impact on Bryan Colangelo's plans for the deadline? If Bosh was out of line up and he made a move for J.O it would seem clear that all hope was gone for this season. Raps depth at the two big spots is extremely damaged. Kris Humphries is out and now Bosh it leaves you with O'Neal, Bargnani, Voskhul and Jawai. O'Neal has not exactly been durable. Now Bosh is expected to only be out a few games perhaps. Bryan Colangelo suggested that on Fan 590 this morning. However now you have to be concerned about the durability of Bosh as well.
It would be a mistake to change the plan moving forward. To keep hope alive for making the 8th spot in the playoffs? I don't think so. That makes no sense at all. It would be a huge issue if you bought into the Steven A Smith story that Bosh is leaving. But Colangelo has denied the story and has made it clear he is not looking to move Bosh. A injured Bosh would not get as much you would figure. No matter what you choose to believe this injury may seal any doubt that Bosh is not being dealt before the deadline. Colangelo has no intention of being compared to Rob Babcock and if a Bosh trade was ever to happen he is not going to get screwed on the value he would get in return. So in a sense the Bosh injury might be a blessing for the Raptors. It eliminates a lot of things from the conversation.
Raptors Limp Off On The Road
A 3 game road trip that before last night offered some hope for the Raptors now looks bleak. The Hornets are banged up as well and have injury issues as Chris Paul has been battling an injury. You also have games against the T-Wolves and Grizzlies. You could make a case of 2 or 3 wins for the Raptors. But now with no Bosh? No Calderon? What are the chances of getting a win now? Raps have lost 4 straight and will be hard pressed to find a win prior to the All Star Break. It just was the worse time for a Bosh injury if you held out any hope for this team and it's playoff chances.
Lakers Becoming the Cowboys of The NBA
I was working on the game between the Knicks and Cavs last night for The Score. There was a lot of talk in that broadcast about the amount of love that was in MSG for the Lakers and again at the ACC there was a lot of Laker love in the house. It reminds me of my favourite football team the Dallas Cowboys. I remember making a trip down to Detroit to watch the Cowboys play back in the days of Akiman, Irvin and E Smith (The Hall of Fame Football Guy Not The Raptor Radio Guy) it was like a Cowboy Fan convention. The cheers at the Silverdome the Lions home at the time were louder for Cowboys.
Kobe Bryant and his band of Lakers are attracting that kind of circus coming to town feel. Lakers only play in Eastern Conference arenas once a year and it is becoming an event. Lakers have a massive fan base across North America and honestly the world. This is nothing new in Toronto though. When Rockets come to town Yao Ming draws quite the crowd of supporters as well. Still to hear MSG chanting MVP for a guy on another team seems wrong.
Still all of this Laker love did not put Kobe on top of Blogger M.V.P Rankings but that was prior to his 61.
Blogger MVP and ROY Rankings
A Streak Dies In Motor City
Just a brief mention that shows times are tough around the NBA. The Pistons have always made a big deal of the consecutive sellout streak they have enjoyed at The Palace the home of DETROIT BASKETBALL. Well the streak is over and that speaks to the tough times in Michigan and the tough times for Pistons on the floor as well.
So that is it for today. Not much happy news for you but hey this is the reality of things. Bosh had an MRI last night and the results of that are not know. Everyone is suggesting it is not serious but the timing of it is.
1/22/09
Raptors Rewind- No We Can't Game Notes
So I was doing my live blog thing for the score so I was not able to catch this game and in fact I missed the first quarter even on Raptors game in an hour. But I did hear how this movie ends so I will just take some game notes on what I am able to watch. J.O was out there which means the trade is not going down tonight. Nathan Jawai would actually get to debut too. To be honest that is likely on reason I am watching. I was surprised to see the Raptors lead after 1 quarter though. But in the first 5 minutes I have seen so far the Raptors have blown their lead. No shock in that. The rest will be just point form notes.- So Raps are up 32-31 as I check in late
- Jamario Moon takes a 3 and makes it and I wish he had not
- Bargnani travels for all his improvements drives still look strange and out of control
- The big 3 line up YIPPIE
- Bosh win lose draw he gives all he has
- Pistons have take control and lead by 3 at the half ( I know where this goes which makes that all the more depressing)
- I dread watching this 3rd quarter
- Nice jumper for CB4 only down 3
- A fading lane duck jumper for AP does not fall
- AI as Piston looks odd but him scoring on Raptors not so much
- Sheed misses an open 3 pointer something tells me those will fall later
- Bargnani is 3 of 12? That can't be good
- Rodney Stucky I love why can't we draft someone like that?
- AP good job on defense but then misses on other end
- Joey G gets his lick in on Wallace. That would be a good fight
- Moon another jumper does he ever drive anymore?
- So far so good Raps still down just 4....Maybe it will change in rewind?
- Maybe not AI for 3
- Ok here we go the Pistons are on 7-0 run
- I feel for Bosh he is doing his job
- Andrea with a basic post move but effective
- Kapono a rare 3 ball from him but Raps still down 10
- Bosh lots of jumpers not to many drives
- Raps just can't play D flat out
- Did I just here Matt Devlin say Pistons shot 70% in that quarter? Wow
- Ok I am officially sick of Jose Calderon kid ad, It was funny first 100 times though
- J.O is back in and seems to be lumbering up and down the floor
- J.O has 11 but maybe he was better earlier cause I'm not seeing it
- Raps playing zone and they still can't get a board come on
- Nice Block by J.O, Andrea converts a shot the other way from 3 point range
- A bad miss on a hook for Bosh, Kapono an even worse miss
- It's tough to watch Jay Triano, I wanted him to do well but I just can't find evidence to make the case
- Transition defense for Raptors is a problem I'll make a note of that
- This just in Joey G fans, The bad Joey is back in a big way
- Moon is making shots but I don't care DRIVE THE BALL
- Big Nate can set on heck of a pick brighter days are ahead
- Well I saw it, didn't really need to because I have seen the movie and can tell you all the lines.
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