From One Problem To Another.

Well I saw it live and in person and it was not pretty. The Raptors did at least get off to a decent start which has plagued them most of the season. But in the second quarter this game would slip away and like a snow ball heading down hill the Hawks lead would grow bigger and bigger. Josh Smith was the guy that did all the damage last time, this time it was Joe Johnson. He racked up 30 in 3 quarters including 8 points in 51 seconds to close out the 1st half. The Raptors stuck to the small starting line-up to begin this game and it was not productive. Just 40 points in all for the starters led by Bayless with 14 points. Demar DeRozan after a season high 27 had just 9. DeRozan has now not reached double figures in scoring in 3 of the last 5 games. Hawks won it big 100-77.

A few other thoughts on the night. Prior to the game had a chance to catch up with James Johnson, it was a interesting chat look for it in the DNB tomorrow. In a game of few positive Ed Davis finally got some minutes and took advantage of them going for a double double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Last but not least Toronto still hates T-Mac or at least boos him. I personally get a kick out of it. However so does T-Mac who more than any player that has level gets is roll as the "Bad Guy" and embraces it. T-Mac fuelled by boos got 15 off the bench for the Hawks. While many will be critical of fans for still booing him. I am not one of them. I think it is fans right to do as they choose. It might not be the wisest idea against McGrady but I understand why some would never want to forgive him and always boo him.

Raptor spent about 36 hours back in Toronto and they are back on the road off to Boston to take on the Celtics. Another team that has never been a kind opposition to Raptors. The Celtics have been much improved since snapping a 5 game losing streak against the Raptors in Boston the last time the Raptors paid a visit. Boston played last night as well in Cleveland and had to hold off a furious Cavs run in the 4th to hang on for a 93-90 win and are back to .500 on the season at 10-10. Boston is 5-2 since crushing the Raptors by 23 back on January 18th.

Rajon Rondo played outstanding in that game before getting injured by Linas Kleiza with a hard foul late in the 3rd. He has not played since for the Celtics. So could we see a really chippy game tonight between the Raptors and Celtics? It would not surprise anyone if we did. Avery Bradley the Texas product has been playing in his spot but is no Rondo.

Still despite not having Rondo the Celtics have taken advantage of a soft portion of their schedule and been able to fight back from an awful start to the season. Paul Pierce has been playing well of late. Since that game vs the Raptors in which he only scored 8 points he has averaged 22.1 points per game including a season high 34 vs the Wizards.

So let's get the 3 keys for this one:

Be Aggressive: The Celtics are not a team that forgets much. The fact Linas Kleiza took out Rajon Rondo will not be something that they will. Expect a lot of chatter and a lot of heavy blows in this one. If there was one positive in the blow out loss to Celtics for the first time in a long time the Raptors were pushing back in physical stuff with the Celtics.

Pierce and Allen: Both have had big shooting games vs the Raptors in the past. Be aware of where they are and do not allow them open looks at 3's or it could be a long night for the Raptors. There is no reason to believe Pierce or Allen are not capable of doing the same thing Joe Johnson did last night if the Raptors do not do a much better job defending them.

Attack Attack Attack: Take advantage of the Celtics perhaps wanting to be the bully by attacking the basket. Demar DeRozan would be the man you would look to in leading this charge. If the Raptors can get to the line and get easy points, it will help them stay competitive on the scoreboard. It is not a secret the Celtics have the potential to produce a lot more offence compared to the Raptors. No offence to Gary Forbes, but if he is your leading scorer again tonight, as he was in the last game vs Boston with a season high 19 points for him, the Raptors have some problems.

"NBAz in 7 Dayz"

Life is too short. Last week, my cousins were at the gym working out one minute and calling 911 the next. Kim was in great health: played golf, coached baseball and was a very active guy. So when he began showing the initial signs of a heart attack, his wife Bianca at first thought it might have been the practical joker side of him coming out. Sadly, this was not the case. As I sat listening to all the wonderful tributes to his life at his funeral on Wednesday, I reflected on what might be said about my life. I hope those lists would include my love of basketball. This MVP edition of "NBAz in 7 Dayz" is dedicated to Kim and everyone in my life who makes me feel like an MVP. I am truly grateful for my career, my family and everything in between. Thank-you for all your love and support.

Many broadcast journalists, including yours truly, will appreciate the legacy left by former SuperSonics owner Barry Ackerley. He died early Monday morning after suffering a stroke at the age of 76 years old. During his 18-year ownership of the Sonics, the team made the playoffs 13 times, won four division titles and was in the 1996 NBA Final. Most broadcasters though, will also appreciate he was one of the first sports owners to broadcast games on both radio and television stations he owned and also created the first all-sports talk radio station. He will be missed.

Top 5 MVP Picks - You might be surprised

I love LeBron James and appreciate his style of play, his charity work and his character despite all "The Decision" hoopla. But he does not make my list. I also support the work and leadership of Kobe Bryant and while I appreciate his All-Star MVP status, he makes my list but is not my choice for regular season MVP. The NBA Most Valuable Player Award is an honour given to the most highly revered player during the regular season. Does this mean the most successful? Does the MVP always win a championship? Is this just a popularity contest like some high school Prom King contests? Regardless of it's reputation, here are my top five players who should at least make the discussion (in no particular order):

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: Let's face it. Kobe Bryant has been a regular season MVP contender for the last 4 or five seasons. Not that having an injury and playing through it should be an automatic criteria, but I think he should have won it last year based on this alone. I think some value needs to be placed on a player's ability to overcome adversity. But based on his team's roller coaster ride this year and losing twice to the three so-called Kings in Miami, I don't think he will make the cut.

2. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls: Although he is not my choice for MVP, he was right up there. Now, I don't believe he is the second coming of MJ himself but he made the Chicago Bulls relevant again. He has gone toe-to-toe this season with the best in the league and has held his own. He has been in the league for 2 years now and is really making a name for himself. He ranks third in field goal attempts, sixth in points per game and is also in the top ten for assists. Not a bad combination - this makes him a well-rounded candidate.

3. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic: I almost did not include him in my top five based on his "foul" issues but I reconsidered. When you look at his stats, he is ranked in the top two in 16 categories, including number one in blocks, free throws and number two in rebounds. He is a tough player you want on your team going into any battle. He and I did the same thing in grade eight - write down a list of goals. Among Dwight's were: lead his team to a state championship and become the first overall selection in the NBA Draft. I wonder if somewhere on that list was NBA MVP.

4. Ray Allen, Boston Celtics: This was a hard one considering the depth of talent on the Celtics' roster and I endeavored to chose only one candidate per team. He is ranked in the top ten in three categories including number two in three-point field goal percentage. He is not dominating stats categories like Howard but Ray Allen is like the chocolate chip to the Celtics' playoff cookie. Without him, the team is just not the same. He is the consummate clutch player and performs well under pressure. Being in the league for 14 years gives you that experience.

5. My MVP Pick - Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder: Although I never believed the hype about Miami winning a championship based on assembling Wade, James and Bosh in the same city, I think a team's ability to beat this formation is a part of the measuring stick. The Thunder met the Heat twice this season and split the wins. In the game they won, the Thunder beat them by 11 points (96-85). Team success is another part of the MVP race because if said player is both talented and elevates the play of his teammates, his is MVP worthy in my opinion. Kevin Durant is both. He is an all-around great ambassador to the sport. He ranks number one in the NBA for points per game, averaging 27.9 and is really dedicated to the success of his team. He showed an example of this by coaching his teammate Serge Ibaka in the dunk contest (after his own victorious event got cancelled). At 23 years old and after being in the league for only 3 years, his time is now.

Thanks for joining me this week. I appreciate all your questions, comments and suggestions. Please keep them coming by following me on Facebook (Danielle de Graauw) and Twitter (@ddegraauw). Over the weekend, think about your Rookie of the Year choices and bring those to the table next Thursday. Until then, have a great weekend and see you on Tuesday for more NBA coverage in "NBAz in 7 Dayz".

Raptor Rewind- Will The Raptors Get Rondoed? Edition

Rajon Rondo has struggled and so have the Boston Celtics.The Celtics will be without Kendrick Perkins for today's game which was reported by Paul Jones on Raptors T.V. So the Celtics would be down a man in their starting five. The Raptors we will have to see who they have for this game. Doubtful that we will see Jermaine O'Neal and Jose Calderon is again a game time decision. But whoever plays this is going to be a tough game for the Raptors. Do not be fooled by the Celtics struggles. They have only won 3 of their last 7 and are on a 4 game slide. But I think they look at this as a chance to get back on track at expense of the Raptors. I just am not ready to overlook this team in anyway. Jose Calderon was going to give it a go in this game and I am not sure that will be a good thing or not. Chasing around Rajon Rondo with a hamstring at anything less then 100% could be bad news. But I am not trying to be the voice of doom honestly. But one more note to share that is not optimistic. Since Garnett, Allen and Pierce have come together this 4 game slide is the longest they have ever experienced as a unit The task of making that 5 games will not be an easy on at all.

1st Quarter

So how will Jose do in his return to the court? That would be question #1 as we get this thing going. Rondo has struggled shooting but if he is allowed to get into the paint that will cause problems. Raptors won the opening tip and Jose got it to Bosh who hit a fading jumper. The Celtics would respond with a basket from Brian Scalabrine who was replacing Perkins in the line-up. Jose looking good early as he would get his first score of his day. Paul Pierce, who had already killed the Raptors once this year he hit his first attempt of this day. Chris Bosh mad his way to the line and made a pair. The two teams were exchanging blows early. Pierce came back with an answer for Bosh and they both had 4 early. Jamario Moon would dial it up from long distance. Celtics would have their first failed trip of the day and the Raptors would get it to Bargnani who was fouled and heading to the line for two. He could only make 1-2 and Raptors had a 10-6 lead early on. Moon would add to that with a two point shot this time around.

Ray Allen would give the Celtics a much needed three pointer. Paul Pierce just after that would get injured as it appeared he had banged his knee. But while the Celtics had a gimpy Pierce they would march on and take the lead 14-12. Glen Davis checked in as Pierce was on the bench and in pain. No wheel chair had been brought out yet. Ray Allen was healthy though and he made another three point and the Celtics despite a key loss in Pierce were taking over. Ray Allen would drain yet another 3 point that would 4 of 4 all from long range. If you are a Raptor fan you are not happy, if you have Ray Allen on your fantasy squad your thrilled. Raptors who lead early by 6 points were now down by 8 points with the score 20-12. Rajon Rondo would get to the line looking to extend that lead. He would make both and Celtic lead was 10. Chris Bosh would finally have an answer with a score for the home side. A nice driving hook shot for Bosh. Jose Calderon would extend his free throw streak to 74 in a row as he was fouled and sent to the line. Ray Allen was just hot as a pistol though as he hit yet another 3 pointer that was 5 in the quarter if you were counting. Kevin Garnett would miss a pair from the line after getting to know Jake Voskhul. Jake would whack him again but not be as fortunate as Garnett would make both in his second chance from the line. Celtics were allowed to have 3 chances to score but they would miss them all but still lead 27-18 with just over 2 minutes to play in the quarter. Calderon was getting beat bad by Rondo but he still had his free trow streak going. It was rapidly becoming as irrelevant as the Raptor 3 pointer streak that is somewhere over 800 games if you care. Both teams were a little chilly to close the quarter with Celtics holding a 28-20 lead. Rondo with no one in his way would get a easy lay up and the Celtics lead 32-20 which ironically was the same score after the first quarter when they visited the ACC. That would lead to a 118-103 thrashing that was on my birthday. It was not exactly the present I was hoping for. This was not what the Raptor Fans were expecting from their team on this day as well.

2nd Quarter

It would start much the same. The much talked about Boston bench would score just as easy as the starters to begin the quarter. Bargnani would answer with a basket. But we were rapidly reaching the point that exchanging hoops was not going to get it done. Andrea would try to hit a 3 pointer but miss and Celtics were slowly getting defense going. Eddie House would hit a jumper. He is one of about 40 players I have heard rumours about coming to Toronto. But today he was a Celtic and making his jump shot. Joey Graham would make it to the line for a pair and Joey would make them. But defense was the issue and the Celtics were owning the paint and able to enter it at will. The Boston lead had climbed to 15 points as they lead 39-24 with 8:46 to play in the half. Raptors were now struggling to get anything they would final get a score on a Graham tip in. He would get fouled as well but miss the free throw. It was 41-26. Andrea Bargnani would hit a 3 pointer and try to draw some life to a lifeless team and crowd at the ACC.

Doc Rivers needs a win for his team and was quick to call a time out and try to stop the Raptors from getting any kind of momentum at all. It would end up doing just that and Bargnani would pick up his 3rd foul and leave. But Anthony Parker would get a 3 pointer and get the natives a little excited in the stands. A slam dunk by Bosh and a scuffle between Joey Graham and Brian Scalabrine and the crowd was back into it and so were the Raptors with the score 42-34. Graham would in the game after the double technical fouls take the ball at the red head and score. Joey was fired up and flying around. The Celitcs would score a basket and it would not calm the crowd. Paul Pierce who was back in now would make a 3 pointer that would take some wind out of the crowd. The lead was back to 11 points with the score 47-36 Celtics. Brian Scalabrine would hit a 3 pointer in response to all the Joey G energy and it was a big one as the Celtics had a 50-38 lead. Ray Allen would make a jumper and lead was climbing again. Rajon Rondo would take Will Solomon to school just like Jose and he had a dunk. Calderon meanwhile was questionable to return at all. He had looked non existent on defense. He is a bad defender normally but he was showing the signs of not being at 100 percent. That will be the Raptors story and they will stick to it. But honestly with the type of injury he had going against Rondo was not the first game back you would prefer. The Celtics had re-established firm control as they would take a 54-41 lead into the half.

3rd Quarter

Joey Graham lead the Raptors with 8 points and had 5 rebounds and a block. Good for Joey and I do mean that, but without some help it would be a wasted effort. Meanwhile Ray Allen on the strength of a strong 1st quarter had 17. Jose Calderon was going to start the second half and I strongly object for what it is worth. But I am not making those calls. Celtics would miss a 3 pointer to start the second half but Bargnani would miss as well. Paul Pierce was back and scoring after he had a long break after hurting his knee in the 1st quarter. Jamario Moon got himself to the line and made a pair. Kevin Garnett despite all the Celtic success was shooting 1-10 after another miss. Rajon Rondo was back to form as he would just wiz past Calderon again and score. Chris Bosh was not able to throw down a dunk. He and Bargnani had struggled along with Granett for the Celtics. Rondo would have a spill and turn it over and Bargnani found Bosh for an easy score. Cue Mr. Allen to make a dagger 3 pointer. Kevin Garnett would follow that with a dunk and the Celtics lead 63-45 as the Raptors started the quarter shooting just 1-8.

Andrea Bragnani would try to change it making a 3 pointer. But this game looked lost and Rondo was able to get past Jose at will. It was leading to the Celtics being able to attack the Raptors from both inside and out. Bargnani to his credit was trying to fight through as he got to the line and made a couple free throws. Chris Bosh would hammer Glen " Big Baby" Davis. But he would not cry as he stepped to the line to take and make his free throws. Parker would hit a rare jump shot for the Raptors in this quarter. But this game had got out of hand with the Celtics on top big 67-51 with 5:31 to play to 3rd quarter.

Rajon Rondo found himself guarded by Bargnani, he would blow past him draw the blocking foul on Bosh, and head to the line and make a free throw to go along with his basket. Garnett would have a dunk and the score line was getting big with it now 71-51. Bosh would drive looking to tear the rim down but instead he would get fouled and sent to the line. The Celtics were not making anything easy for the Raptors. Bosh would make the free throws but mission accomplished for the Celtics. They did not want to allow a dunk and let Bosh get confident or this crowd to get excited. Bosh would look to take an ill advised 3 pointer and it was exactly what Celtics would like to see him do. He would miss the 3 pointer and Celtics grab the rebound and just keep motoring along. Doc Rivers was really into it on the bench and you would think it was a close game by looking at him. But given the recent struggles of the Celtics you can understand why he was keeping on his team to stay after it. Chris Bosh would block Rondo from getting another easy basket. The Raptors were just getting attacked by penetration and had no way to stop it. That is why the Celtics lead 73-55 after 3 quarters of play. That and a very solid defensive effort that you have come to expect from the Celtics since the arrival of Kevin Garnett.

4th Quarter

Some eye opening stats for you. The Raptors were shooting just 31% and had only 8 points in the paint. The Raptors would get a score from Bargnani and Kapono would have one decide to spin in for him followed by another jumper and the Raptors had a 6-0 run to start the quarter but they still were down by a lot. A time out from Doc Rivers to make sure his team got back on track with a 75-61 lead to defend with just over 10 minutes to play. The big three would return after the time out as Doc Rivers was not going to trust his bench to hang on. The impact was right away as the Celtics got Ray Allen to the line for a pair to end the mini run. But Kapono would score again. But the lead was still 14 points. Jose Calderon was not going to come back for any kind of comeback. Roko Ukic was in at the moment. He would try to hit a 3 pointer that could have cut the lead to 10 points. Rajon Rondo looked to heading to making the Raptors pay but Jamario Moon would Rondo....Rondo with a block. But it was still a long road back. But the crowd was trying to hold out hope for the Raptors.

They would get to the line and make a pair and Raptors had an 11-2 run going. But it was Ray Allen time as he made another big 3 pointer. He would then pick up his 5th foul on Joey Graham who was one Raptor that was going all out all day. He would make the foul shoots and Moon had a basket. Jason Kapono had another and Raptors defense had stepped up the lead was down to just 8 point with the score 80-72. This was all being done with Chris Bosh on the bench waiting for his time to check back into the game. I am still not buying it as far as a comeback but the crowd was and the Raptors seemed to respond as well. I will say this though comeback successful of not this was important for Raptors confidence as this was first half of a back to back that concludes tomorrow night in Boston. I will be live blogging that on for The Score so no Raptor Rewind by the way. But we have a game to finish. There was still time for the comeback with 5:52 remaining.

Celtics would split a pair from the line by Davis. Ray Allen after a failed Raptor effort would step inside and make a mid-range two ball and Celtic lead was back up to 11 and the crowd had been quieted once again. Garnett with a successful trip to the line built there lead back to 85-72. But the Raptors and this crowd refused to accept defeat. Chris Bosh would get a monstrous jam and it was 85-76. But once again Ray Allen had a long distance answer for the Raptors and the crowd. It was 88-76 for the Celtics and time ticking away. Raptors had 2 chances to cut the lead to single digits again but miss. But the would be given another change and Roko Ukic would score to cut it to an 8 point lead. But we were under 2 minutes. But don't tell the Raptors as Andrea Bargnani hit a huge 3 pointer and the lead had shrunk to 5 points. Raptors had a chance to cut the lead again but Moon would miss and Paul Pierce would use a Kevin Garnett pick on Moon to get free and score and I think end all hope of a comeback. Celtics led 90-83 with only 40.3 seconds to play. Raptors had the ball after a time out and it would end up with Bargnani on the line with 34.5 seconds to play. Not what Doc Rivers wanted to see from Davis. Bargnani made both with the clock stopped. Raptors would send Ray Allen to the line who is a good free throw shooter just like he is from beyond the arc. Jesus Shuttleworth AkA Ray Allen made both. A Kapono 3 ball and Raptors were not accepting their fate. 92-88. Allen would get the ball and be fouled again and make both. Just 7.2 seconds left and down six points. Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo were huge in getting their team a win. The Celtics would walk away with what ended to be a much harder fought win then you might have guessed. But the Celtics will take the 94-88 win and head home and look to do it again.

Raps/Celtics Boxscore

Give the fans at the ACC and the Raptors credit they never gave up. But the fact was the lead was to great and every time the Raptors thought they had a chance Ray Allen would come along and say not so fast. That along with Rajon Rondo running wild half the time against a less then 100 percent Jose Calderon. It was a mistake to let him play in this game and I don't know who's call it was but it was the wrong call. Raptors with or without Calderon would be back at it tomorrow night in Boston. I will be live blogging it and I will give you the details tomorrow. I look forward to it and the Raptors can take a bit of confidence into that game based on how they tried to fight back.

Raptors Rewind- Dino Blogger Birthday Edition

Well I am getting older and slept in so I didn't get a chance to write a preview. But the most important news may have not been in it anyway. There was a suggestion on Raptors T.V that not only might J.O play today but he may actually be in the starting line-up? He is listed as day to day with a strained knee and I don't think anyone was expecting that. It would be a nice birthday present for me and a relief for all Raptor Fans. That being said I will wait till the tip before I actually believe it. The Celtics were the last team prior to the Nets to break the hearts of Raptor fans. Much like the New Jersey game the Raptors built a big lead and watched it slip away. Paul Pierce was in the role of Vince Carter and the result was the same. Raptors T.V is confirming that Jermaine O'Neal is going to be in the starting line-up. Suddenly this game becomes a lot more interesting as a result. So I am excited about this game. I was not looking forward to watching the Raps without J.O try and match-up with Boston but now there is reason to hope. Need to keep an eye on how J.O looks early in this game but this is great news that was totally unexpected for Toronto.

1st Quarter

So here we go Celtics and Raptors get set to go at it for Round 2 of their season series. Bosh would take the tip and and they went right to O'Neal but he missed a fading attempt. Both teams were off to a slow start as this was a very early 12:30 tip due to the Grey Cup here in Canada. Ray Allen would open the scoring almost minutes in with a 3-pointer. A steal and score for Rajon Rondo and the Celtics were off to a fast lead. Paul Pierce had a 3-pointer as well and the Raptors were 0-5 from field and Cetlics were going off. Kendrick Perkins had a basket and the Raptors had spotted the World Champs a 10-0 lead. Sam Mitchell was forced into a time out early in the first quarter to try to find some answers.

Calderon would miss a jumper out of the time-out and the Raptors were 0-6. Finally Andrea Bargnani would make his way to the free throw line to get the Raptors on the board. He made both from the line with 7:55 to play in the first quarter. Kendrick Perkins would respond on the other end going at a less than 100% Jermaine O'Neal. Kevin Garnett would score on the next trip down the floor. Chris Bosh would finally score from the field for the Raptors. Calderon would score on the next chance and it was 14-6 Boston early. Ray Allen would add 3 to that total and it was not going well. Rajon Rondo drove to the basket and scored and the Celtic lead was 13 and growing. Rajon Rondo would drive and score again and this game was looking like a massacre.

A Bosh block on defense as he was looking to fire up his team and try to stop this wave of the Celtics crashing down on the Raptors. Every point the Raptors were getting was a struggle as a Jose Calderon jumper needed a kind bounce to get in the basket. The Raptors only had 8 points and they were down 22-8. Calderon made another jumper this time straight through. Jose was getting taken to school on the other end by Rajon Rondo who was having a great start to this one. Jermaine O'Neal would get a basket as he was fighting through injury. That lead to Andrea Bargnani getting a 3 pointer on the next trip. But right after that he would pick up foul number three and we were still in the first quarter. Just when Raptors had built a small amount of momentum that would be like a wet blanket to it. The Celtics defense was like a blanket as well as the Raptors tried to get it in to Bosh and it was taken away by Kevin Garnett. He would turn that into points out of the extra possession for the Raptors. He would later hit a 3 pointer of an offensive rebound for the Celtics. The first quarter was over and the Celtics were not taking the Raptors lightly up 32-20 after a quarter of play.

2nd Quarter

This seems like a massive task for the Raptors on this day. The Raptors had 6 turnovers and the Celtics were shooting 57% for the Celtics. Both bad signs for the Raptors. Jermaine O'Neal was on the bench after playing the entire first quarter. Raptors had a couple of scores with K.G taking a break along with the rest of Celtic starters. Roko Ukic would come in to relief Jose Calderon which speaks to Will Solomon's play of late. Kris Humphries was in the game and adding some energy. He had a basket and he had another drive and went to the line. Jermaine O'Neal had a quick break and checked back in for Bosh. But it was the Hump show at the moment he 6 points in just 3 minutes on the floor. The Raptors had climbed back against the Boston reserves down just 36-30.

Jermaine O'Neal had a jumper and the lead was down just to 4 points. But just after that J.O would tumble to floor and it looked like he gave all that he could. We may not see any more from Jermaine today we will have to wait and see. The Celtics meanwhile had the some of starters back and built back the lead to 41-32. The crowd was lit up at the fact that K.G was not called for a foul on Chris Bosh. I can't say I blame them after watching the replay. The Celtics were back and rolling with the starters, Ray Allen made a jumper for 2 and then he made a 3 point and the Celtic lead that had been cut to 4 was back to 13 points at 48-35. Tony Allen would add to that with a basket plus a foul. On top of that the Raptors were 1-8 on their last 8 chances to score. It was all leading to the largest lead of the day for the Celtics at 18 points with the score 53-35 and still three and a half minutes to play. Anthony Parker would make a much needed 3 pointer. But Eddie House answered that right away with a 3-ball for him.

Kevin Garnett scored over Bosh and the Celtics were in firm control late in the first half. Bosh was able to respond with a score on the other end. The Raptors were able to create a turnover and Jose Calderon would find Jamario Moon for an alley opp. But the Raptors would need much more of this if they had any hope of winning on this day. The Raps continued to chip away and Paul Pierce would get a technical foul late in the half. Jamario Moon was at the line and after Jose made the tech Moon would make both. Anothny Parker was just a fraction late of cutting the lead to single digits. But the Raptors should feel very fortunate to be down just 10 points at the half.

3rd Quarter

So the Celtics made some uncharacteristic turnovers and let the Raptors get with in range of a comeback. Word from Sam Mitchell that we have seen the last of Jermaine O'Neal for the day in his halftime interview. Paul Pierce had a quiet first half started the second on the right foot. The Celtics started on a 5-0 run and the Raptors were right back in trouble again. Sam Mitchell would call a time out to state what was pretty obvious. Jamario Moon made a steal and was fouled and heading to the line but he was 1-2 from the line. Ray Allen gets 3 for the Raptors 1 point from Moon. Chris Bosh would find a way to score which had been not an easy task for him today.

The Celtic lead had climbed back up to 19 with the score 71-52. This game was showing just how good the Celtics defense was. It also showed how far from being an elite level team the Raptors were. Rajon Rondo would blow by Jose Calderon for yet another time and score. Chris Bosh was still fighting as he was fouled and headed to the line making both. But it was really like shoot a sling shot at a guy with a machine gun. The Celtics were scoring far to easily and ever Raptor point was a struggle to get. That was the difference in this game. Midway through the 3rd quarter it was 79-60 and if there was a way to just hit fast forward and end this I think Raptor fans would welcome that.

A rare defensive stop by Jose Calderon as he caused Rajon Rondo to travel. But that was a small victory in a sports war that the Raptors were getting just hammered in. The lead had climbed to 21 points and Chris Bosh was showing his frustration as his Raptors were down 83-62. The crowd was upset as well booing the Raptors who had not shown much fight at all. Sam Mitchell was again with out answers and he really needed to start finding some if he wanted to remain the man calling the shots for the Raptors. The shots or plays he was calling were not working at all. The defense that Sam always says is the focus was non-existent.

Kendrick Perkins got a easy jam and he was talking smack and got a technical foul. Basically the only things the Raptors were getting was based on what Boston was giving them. Bosh was getting hammered at every point he touched the ball. The Raptors were not looking to him enough. Brain Scalabrine made a 3 pointer and it really just summed up what an awful day it was for the Raptors. The score was 92-69 and we were in the 3rd quarter. Chris Bosh would make a 3 pointer but just like everything the Celtics had an answer as Eddie House answered with a 3 pointer for them. The Celtics were 10-14 from behind the arc to this point. The Celtics lead was 95-73 after 3 quarters of play.

4th Quarter

Andrea Bargnani opened the 4th quater with a 3-pointer and Roko Ukic would score of a steal and got the basket and a foul shot. But it was likely far to late. But Roko Ukic had another steal and the Raptors started the quarter on an 8-0 run. But the Celtics Glen "Big Baby" Davis had a basket plus a foul. The Raptors were playing both Ukic and Calderon together which they had started doing near the end of the third. But no gimmick type line-up was going to be able to erase all the damage that had been done. The Celtics after the Raptors little charge got back on track and the lead was 102-83.

Chris Bosh was still in this game and it was rapidly becoming a question of why? Calderon is banged up and O'Neal was as well. What was being proved by having Chris in the game at this point? That is a question for Sam Mitchell. It is only one of many he would be asked. Anthony Parker made a couple of 3 pointers but this was a case of far to late for the Raptors as they still trailed 109-91.

On a day with almost no bright spots. Roko Ukic was getting time on the floor and was one of few Raptors who was showing some good things. That will help in his development and is likely the only positive you can pull out of this game from a Raptor perspective. He had 7 points, 4 assists, 2 steals and 4 turnovers in almost 14 minutes to this point. There was still over 5 minutes of time to learn for Roko. For everyone else it was 5:23 of pain to endure. Bosh was finally taken out of this game and that should have happened a lot sooner. Graham and Adams were in the game which was a clear sign that even Sam Mitchell had the understanding it was garbage time. The dejection on Chris Bosh's face jumped off your T.V screen. The Raptors were taking advantage of the garbage time to make the final score look much different from what it really deserved to be. A Joey Graham bucket made the score 115-103. The Raptors had a lot of soul searching to do over the next few days as they do not play again till Wednesday against the Bobcats. They will still be in search of their first win of this home stand. The Celtics during the time out were trading tips about golfing as the need to talk about basketball was long gone. While on the Raptor bench there was a lot of blank stares. The final score for the record was 118-103.

If you want to put yourself through the pain I will provide you with the boxscore. No need to do a summary as I think much of it was said in the 4th quarter. I have a rest of a birthday to try to enjoy and hopefully that will wipe away a lot of the last few hours for me. In your case as readers I suggest you go find a good Grey Cup Party and try to forget basketball for a few hours.

Raps/Celtics Boxscore