All-Star Weekend Preview

It's that time of year again when the NBA's elite, best shooters, most athletic and a few legends gather to celebrate the league's annual All-Star weekend. After being in Dallas last year in which a record attendance was set in Cowboy stadium, the event will be taking place in the City of Angeles, Los Angeles, which is home to the Lakers and Clippers this year. This event is the league's way of giving the fans a fun filled weekend with various activities and I thought why not make my predictions for the weekends main events. James will also be chipping in with his predictions so this should be fun. Let's get things started with tonight’s event.

Rookie-Sophomore game:

Rookie Roster: E. Bledsoe (LAC), D. Cousins (SAC), D. Favors (NJN), L. Fields (NYK), B. Griffin (LAC), W. Johnson (MIN), G. Monroe (DET), G. Neal (SAS), J. Wall (WAS)

Sophomore Roster: D. Blair (SAS), D. DeRozan (TOR), S. Curry (GSW), T. Gibson (CHI), J. Harden (OKC), J. Holiday (PHI), S. Ibaka (OKC), B. Jennings (MIL), W. Matthews (POR), T. Evans (SAC)

The weekend kicks off with the Rookie-Sophomore game which pits the top performing rookies from the season against the top performing sophomores. After losing for seven straight years against the sophomores the Rookies were able to get the win last year and are looking to extend that streak to two straight wins. This game usually features a lot of in-game dunks and with three of the slam dunk participates (DeRozan, Griffin, Ibaka) taking part in this game that trend will most likely continue.

Predictions:

Ryan: Sophomores reign supreme, Curry wins MVP. Curry will probably get a lot of open threes and he won't miss much of those.

James: Sophomores win, DeRozan wins MVP. This type of game suits DeMar's style and if his side wins which history suggests they will he has an excellent chance. Raptor bias aside.

Saturdays Events:

Haier Shooting Stars:

Team Atlanta: Al Horford (Hawks), Coco Miller (WNBA's Atlanta Dream), Steve Smith (Legend)

Team Chicago: Taj Gibson (Bulls), Cathrine Kraayveld (WNBA's Chicago Sky), Steve Kerr (Legend)

Team Los Angeles: Pau Gasol (Lakers), Tina Thompson (WNBA's L.A. Sparks), Rick Fox (Legend)

Team Texas: Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks), Roneeka Hodges (WNBA's S.A. Silver Stars), Kenny Smith (Legend)

In this event NBA and WNBA players team up with an NBA legend to compete in a shooting competition, with shots ranging from midrange jumpers to half-court shots.. Team Texas, then led by Dirk, Becky Hammon and Kenny Smith, as the reigning champs will be looking to defend their title after winning in Dallas last year, but face some stiff competition with the lineups this year, especially since Team LA will have the home-court advantage.

Predictions:

Ryan: Team Texas repeats as champs. Dirk is gonna lead then to another title, plus Kenny Smith would want some bragging rights.

James: Would rather watch a mascot dunk contest instead.

Taco Bell Skills Challenge:

Participants: C. Paul (NOH), R. Westbrook (OKC), S. Curry (GSW), D. Rose (CHI), J. Wall (WAS)

With last year’s champ Steve Nash not participating this year a new champ will be crowned. After going through several drills including dribble courses and passing the player with the faster time in the final round wins. With the talent in this year's competition it should be a very competitive event.

Predictions:

Ryan: CP3 claims the crown as the best PG. Well at least for one night.

James: Westbrook. Seriously this kid is fast and has improved more than any PG in the league. If he can pass through those tire things he can win. THUNDER UP!!

Foot Locker 3-Point Contest:

Participants: P. Pierce (BOS), R. Allen (BOS), J. Jones (MIA), K. Durant (OKC), D. Wright (GSW), D. Gibson (CLE)

The name says it all, this contest it all about the three point shooting. after winning the title last year and boldly declaring himself as the "World's Greatest Shooter" Pierce will have a tough time winning again this year with the guys participating this year. But if he somehow does repeat maybe, just maybe, he is the world's greatest shooter.

Predictions:

Ryan: Pierce's teammate Ray Allen will take the title and show why he's now the NBA's leader in made 3-point FG's. He will also be adding another 3-point trophy to the one he won in 2001.

James: Just to stick it to Reggie Miller, I will pick Ray Allen. His track record in these is not good, but I will gamble and go with him.

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest:

Participants: D. DeRozan (TOR), B. Griffin (LAC), J. McGee (WAS), S. Ibaka (OKC)

After last year’s mediocre contest it seems like this year's will be one worth watching. After losing out to Nate Robinson in last year's contest DeRozan is looking to win this year and bring that trophy back to Toronto for the first time since a fellow by the name of Vince Carter last won a few years ago. Griffin is the odds on favourite to win the contest this year, but he has some tough competitors to go through to claim that trophy. One thing that's new to this year's contest is that there are no rules so we may be seeing some pretty creative things tomorrow night. Each participant was also assigned a dunk coach, so we'll see just how great a coach they were as well.

Predictions:

Ryan: It comes down to the Compton Kid (DeRozan) vs the new face of the PF (Griffin), and in the end Griffin will emerge as the champ. I may be wrong though so don't hold it against me.

James: Ok. I think I know something. I am not going to spill it here, so check out the blog tomorrow prior to dunk contest and I will. But if what I think is true NO ONE IS BEATING DEMAR DEROZAN. No he is not jumping over a chicken on a ladder, but if he does what I am thinking he is going to do, he will win. Blake Griffin is the heavy favourite, but is a better in-game dunker than in a dunk contest.

Sundays Event:

60th NBA All-Star Game:

East Roster: P. Pierce, R. Allen, K. Garnett, R. Rondo (BOS), D-Wade, C. Bosh, L. James (MIA), A. Horford, J. Johnson (ATL), D. Howard (ORL), A. Stoudemire (NYK), D. Rose (CHI)

West Roster: K. Bryant, P. Gasol (LAL), C. Paul (NOH), K. Durant, R. Westbrook (OKC), C. Anthony (DEN), T. Duncan, M. Ginobli (SAS), D. Nowitzki (DAL), B. Griffin (LAC), K. Love (MIN), D. Williams (UTH)

The East won last year due to huge games by the Heat's current Big 3 (Wade, Bosh and Lebron), who each played for their own separate team, with Wade claiming the MVP trophy. Though this game is mostly for fun and a way for the league's best to give the fans a show, things get serious in the final minutes of the 4th quarter and the teams plays with one goal in mind which is to win. The East leads the all-time series with a 36-23 record, but the West will be looking to get win number 24 on Sunday.

Prediction:

Ryan: The Boston Big 4 and Heat Big 3 prove to be too much and the East walk away with another victory. Lebron claims the MVP trophy.

James: Common sense says West should take this as they are the better conference with more talent in theory, but the East has 4 Celtics and 3 members of the Heat you might have heard of. That team chemistry even in a crazy game like this will mean a lot. Your MVP winner will is Cleveland's "Former" King, Lebron James. I will be live-blogging that game for The Score and Scoremobile so feel free to tune in at 8pm.

Overall it should be a great entertaining weekend with many memorable events. Unlike the regular season well see the players in a more relaxed setting as they would only have one goal this weekend, and that is to give the fans who have continuously supported them a great show and some laughs. This was noted before since it wasn't a main event, but the Celebrity game is also tonight at 7pm EST and features celebrities like Justin Bieber and Common, WNBA stars, and past NBA players/legends like Jalen Rose and Chris Mullen. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this year's festivities and may the Raptors be well represent on Saturday night.

Demar DeRozan All-Star Adventure Begins

Last year the only time we saw Demar DeRozan was in the one and now done dunk in contest at halftime of the Rookie/Sophomore game. DeRozan had been snubbed from the game itself, but this year head return home to L.A and will play in the game on Friday night. This is a game that is set up for a player like DeRozan that can get to the hoop and throw it down. He also might have a small chip on his shoulder after the snub last season. Blake Griffin his main competition in the Dunk Contest the next night will be playing all 3 nights including in the All-Star Game itself. If you were going to make a list of candidates for M.V.P of this game, it likely starts with Griffin but DeRozan is on that list as well.

Now let's face it awards at All-Star Weekend are not going to change that the Raptors have 41 losses. But if DeRozan on this big stage that is All-Star Weekend could walk away with some hardware from this game tonight and/or the dunk contest tomorrow night it is a good thing. Here are a few reasons as to why:

• First and foremost it is good for his personal confidence and gets him some national exposure which is important. Just ask Chris Bosh. But for DeRozan who is trying to build himself into a franchise player this would be a big shot of confidence in the quest to get there. Also in talking with Demar he is very excited at the fact this is all taking place in his hometown where his family and friends can share in it with him.

• This may sound a bit off the wall and stupid but it can't hurt the Raptors in terms of getting free agents to come here. DeRozan can build his profile it won't hurt in giving players some reason to come to Toronto. Maybe this is wishful thinking on my part but it sure isn't a negative in terms of recruiting for free agency.

• In a season that has not offered a lot of positives for the Raptors as a team, this individual honour is a reward for a kid that has improved in major ways this season. The Raptors outlook post All-Star Weekend is bleak, but if DeRozan comes back as a winner it can add to his motivation to improve and work hard down the stretch.

• Raptor fans are desperate for something, anything to feel good about at this point. I have not been this excited for an All-Star Weekend since Vince was in the Dunk Contest. No offence to Jason Kapono winning the 3 point shoot-out or Chris Bosh appearing in several All-Star games since. Kapono's performance with the Raptors and his over priced contract did not exactly make me thrilled at his victory. While Bosh being a big man in an All-Star Game makes your chances of winning the M.V.P of the game on Sunday slim at best. Dwight Howard has never won M.V.P of the game. I think Shaq won it like once. It doesn't happen very often is the point.

There is also the fact that last year I think DeRozan was robbed in the Dunk Contest, he was the only guy to get a 50, and in a year that was forgettable for the contest as a whole he provided the lone highlight to the event. It is something to cheer for as well. DeRozan is a hard working kid and I have had the chance to talk with him several times over his year and half with the Raptors. I really like him and he is someone that is really easy to root for. So I will be watching tonight and tomorrow with more excitement than I have had for most Raptor games this season. So here is hoping that Demar can represent himself and the Raptors well over the next two days, it may help down the road in the development of DeRozan. I stand behind what I have said at the start of this season. What was that? The most important thing about this season was and is the development of Demar DeRozan. This may just be an exhibition and not mean much. It actually can mean a lot for DeRozan and that means it means a lot for the Raptors.

Thanks CB...I Am A Cartoon

This will be the last mention of Chris Bosh in the blog for awhile. Least I hope it is. Ian McClusky is a talented guy who did a number of funny cartoons with Nat from Heels on Hardwood. He also won a contest put on by former Raptor Charlie V. He is beyond being talented at what he does, a passionate Raptor fan as well. In his latest Cartoon from his website he made for the Chris Bosh Return, it seems that I make an appearance as well. I had joked with Ian about doing a cartoon of me. Well he took me at my word and made a pretty good likeness. So I don't want to ruin the cartoon for you, so just go look and see what happens but needless to say I come off better than Chris Bosh does at the end of it all. While you are on the site check out some of the other cartoons as well. I have seen them all and they all make me laugh. So now I am a cartoon what is next? A talking Dino Blogger Bobble Head? Who knows. But I can't tell you how thrilled I am that Ian thought enough of me to turn me into a Cartoon Hero!!! Thanks Man!!!

So Now What?

It is all over Chris Bosh came back and Toronto is still standing. The Raptors put up a much better fight then Cavs did under similar circumstances in December. The Raptors and the fans refused to lay down and play dead in this one. Chris Bosh like all the other former stars performed well in his return to Toronto. From the Raptor point of view their 2 best players left in the post Bosh era played like it last night at least on offence. Bargnani's defence makes you just cringe at times but no one can deny his offence was on point last night. Lots of clutch shots and a number of them big three pointers. While DeRozan before a busy All-Star Weekend back at home was focused on the task at hand. Perfect 6-6 at the line and had 24 points a couple steals and block. While Ed Davis who some pointed to as the eventual replacement of Bosh when he was drafted out of UNC came to play last night. He had 8 points and was one of few Raptors active on the glass with 13 rebounds. He combined with Amir Johnson with 11 boards accounted for over half of the Raptors rebounds on the night with 41 all totalled for the team. Davis is never going to be what Bosh is on offence but on defence he has potential to be much better.

The future for Bosh in Toronto was sealed with kisses to the crowd after he was booed loudly during a post game interview. People who think they know better will say this is going away eventually. It isn't, Chris Bosh and Toronto will always be at odds and like Vince Carter and T-Mac he is always going to hear boos from the fans. Honestly with his immature and stupid behaviour he has earned all of it. To continue to preach that you did nothing wrong in how you left is not anything anyone is going to buy except Chris. Bosh went from a guy that once claimed to want to be part of the solution in Toronto, to now a footnote in the problems for Toronto. You can certainly question the job the Raptors did in surrounding him. No matter how anyone may feel personally about him the point he made about this franchise not being a tax team and going that extra mile to win is 100% correct. But what is also true is Chris Bosh has done nothing but stick his foot in his mouth in talking about Toronto since he left. Bosh said that if people were able to boo him they never really supported him to begin with. I am paraphrasing but it was basically something to that effect. He just doesn't get it and doubt he ever will. Most people I think are disappointed in how he has changed as person. He is not the same person and many will say it is not for the better. He may win titles and get all the fame he wants. But he also might have sold his character as a person to do it. In the world we live some would say that it doesn't matter as long as you win. But it should matter how you win as well.

It is good that this game was last before the All-Star Break because I think everyone needs some time to recover from this. The most important thing about all of this I said was how the Raptors young players would respond to this circus like environment. The good news is for the most part they stepped up to the challenge. What becomes difficult now is how the Raptors will close out the rest of this season. There is at least for me, a sense of climax to this season. Let's face it there will not be another game like this all year. The Heat will return to Toronto to close out the season and unless it means something for Miami there is no guarantee Bosh, Wade or James will even play much if at all. But despite that this season will march on and the development and decisions that are made will impact on this team's future. It is vital that a guy like Andrea Bargnani build off what he did tonight and DeRozan as well. Not to mention Ed Davis, Bayless and a list of others all have to continue to grow.

I do not expect the trade deadline to provide many answers for the future. I expect the Raptors to be fairly quiet at the deadline. There is just a sense that while there is still roughly 2 months left in this season that this was the peak, and on the other side there is the cold reality of what this season has been. Which is a major disappointment. I laugh at how people suggest the Raptors are some how better without Chris Bosh. They are not. Can they fix this and make the team better and eventually have a new star and new face for this franchise. Absolutely they can. While the person Chris Bosh has become makes me both sick and sad at the same time. The basketball player is still one of the most skilled players at his position in the league. Ed Davis is not going to replace Chris Bosh and no one else is. If you are truly honest about it no one has ever really replaced Vince Carter. I wonder what Carter thought of last night as a side note. The boos were louder for him. But the boos will still come for both. But the Raptors can not easily replace them as both were deserving All-Stars in their time here. NBA All-Stars do not just come along ever year. In the history of this franchise there have only been 3. Antonio Davis was an All-Star once but was a replacement and not originally named an All-Star at the time.

How the Raptors and maybe more importantly the fans approach the rest of this season will be interesting. I have noticed as have many that attendance and interest has dropped off in the Toronto Raptors this season in terms of attendance and ratings. Last night was a reminder of what Toronto can be in terms of a basketball market. But this was more like the circus coming to town. There is enough hardcore interest in this team for it to never truly be in danger. However people want and crave more nights like last night and none of those are coming anytime soon. Add in the fact there lockout looming, if I was MLSE it would concern me. A lot of the hardcore fans are fed up to a point. Last night some of that frustration got aimed at Chris Bosh. But if you were listening to fans comments in the build up to this game a lot was at Colangelo and MLSE as well. Four times now this franchise has failed to keep it's marquee attraction and they have to find a way to fix this problem. When you already see fans talking about "When DeRozan Leaves" you have a problem. It is easy to think a kid from L.A would bolt just like everyone else. But will see what future holds. If there is a guy that stays for the long haul he will be loved like no other in this franchises history. I am excited to see what Demar can do this weekend. After that I am not sure if anything will be all that exciting the rest of this year.

A sad way to end this but a very honest one. But I don't want to go out on a downer like that. So instead I will thank all the folks that came out last night to our party. I also want to thank Manu and the entire staff at St Louis Wings for being a great host to our event. Also thanks to Forest Kenney from Molsons/MGD, The Young Onez, Tas Melas from Basketball Jones, and Julian Wright who was an unexpected visitor after the party had wrapped up. They all contributed in making it a great experience for everyone that came out. Also for all that did come out thanks to all of you as well. Hamilton is my home but more and more Toronto is becoming my second home and it is as a result of all the great people I have got to know there. It is an ever growing list and it makes it feel like a 2nd home for me. You all make me feel like a Champion and I got the picture to prove it:

"Behind Enemy Lines"

Due to NBA All-Star Weekend, the Raptors are off for a few days and only play two games before next Friday. DeMar DeRozan will be working hard, though. He is in the Rookie Challenge playing for the Sophomore side on Friday and representing the Raptors on Saturday in the Slam Dunk Contest. He has the most support and talent around him and has a really good shot at challenging the Blake Griffin Show. Moving onto this week for the Raptors, they host Charlotte at home on Tuesday and visit the Bulls on Wednesday. Let's dive in.


Toronto Raptors @ Charlotte Bobcats - Tuesday, February 22nd

• The Raptors and Bobcats have played twice this season. Charlotte won both times: November 10th - 101-96; December 14th -97-91.
• During their last meeting, Toronto lead the first quarter by nine points (29-20) and Charlotte picked up the lead in the second - sustaining it through to the end.
• This game saw the Raptors' starters outscore Bobcats' starters 64-62. Jerryd Bayless had 17 points on the night - tops for the Raptors and Nazr Mohammed put up 18 for Charlotte.
• The key to this game seemed to be the energy off the Charlotte bench. They combined for 35 points from 4 of their players, while the Raptors' bench put up 27 from 3 of five players.
• Bobcats Inactive List: Matt Carroll, Desagana Diop and Tyrus Thomas.
• Bobcats Head Coach Paul Silas signed a 1-year contract extension Wednesday and is no longer just the interim coach. Under his leadership, the Bobcats are now within one game off the Pacers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
• Raptors need to watch: Gerald Henderson. In their last game against the Bulls, the Bobcats' bench put up 43 points, almost half of which were Henderson's (22).

Chicago Bulls @ Toronto Raptors - Wednesday, February 23rd

• The Raptors and Bulls played twice this season. Chicago took both contests: 110-93 on December 15 and 111-91 on January 4rth.
• During their last meeting, Chicago lead at the half by 18 points (59-41). Toronto rallied in the third but the effort wasn't enough.
• This is where it gets interesting. Toronto's starters that night outscored Chicago's by 10 (69-59). However, Chicago's bench was far superior and put up 52 points to Toronto's 22.
• As of Thursday, Chicago sits at 37-16 on the season and third in the Eastern Conference.
• Bulls Inactive List: Joakim Noah.
• Raptors need to watch: The obvious? Luol Deng and Derrick Rose. Deng had 24 points versus Toronto during their last meeting and versus the Bobcats Tuesday. 2011 All-Star Derrick Rose put up a double double (18points, 13 assists) against the Bobcats Tuesday. The not-so-obvious? Keith Bogans and Kyle Korver. Both were successful from three point range three times Tuesday. Do not leave these guys alone.

Thanks once again for joining me this week. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Keep them coming by following me on Twitter (@ddegraauw) and on Facebook (Danielle de Graauw). Have a great All-Star Weekend and see you on Tuesday for more NBA news (including All-Star Weekend) in "NBAz in 7 Dayz".

"Bosh Returns to Toronto" Game Recap

This was billed "Boshmageden" and did not live up to the hype. Fans seemed subdued at the start, then booed Bosh every time he touched the ball. But it wasn't as bad as everyone thought it was going to be. In fact, he even received some approval in the form of cheers and clapping as he left to the locker room at the end of the game. For the Raptors tonight, Andrea Bargnani put up serious points (38) and effort against an elite team like Miami and showed he is capable of scoring against any team in the NBA. Ed Davis grabbed 13 rebounds and played 22 minutes tonight and seemed to fight every minute. Jose Calderon also was able to read the hot hands so-to-speak and get the ball to where it needed to be. Here is your recap:


1st Quarter:

• During Miami Heat introductions, Chris Bosh was booed but not that bad. Raptors introduction showed some extra pizazz to get the fans going.
• Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, Sonny Weems, Amir Johnson and Andrea Bargnani start for the Raptors.
• Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Zydrunas Ilgauskus and Mario Chalmers start for the Miami Heat.
• Demar DeRozan missed a good first break. But it's made up for later with a 3 from Bargnani.
• Chris Bosh gets his first shot knocked away. @10:00 Raptors 6-2.
• Another three from Bargnani and draws the foul. 0-1 at the line.
• Bosh's first bucket came with throng of boos at just under 9 minutes.
• LeBron James ties the score at 12 with any easy 2 points and draws the foul. 1-0 at the line at just over 6 minutes.
• Bosh's first trip to line 2-0 at just over 5 minutes.
• DeRozan with the slam with less than 2 minutes left - Miami 24-23.
• Amir ties the score at 25 with a rebound off his own missed shot.
• Miami 29-27 going into the second quarter.

1ST QUARTER THOUGHTS: Raptors displayed some good energy; however, they were not doing a good job of capitalizing on Miami's turnovers. Miami was taking some easy shots and barley hung onto the lead.

Second Quarter:

• Bosh fouled hard by Ed Davis. Bosh was 2-0 at the line at just under 11 minutes. Still getting booed every time he touched the ball.
• Timeout by Jay Triano. 37-33 Miami.
• Jaryd Bayless puts up two to make it 37-35 but Wade makes it a 4 point game shortly after.
• 41-37 Miami @ 6:18 - so far not the "Boshmagedden" some people were billing this as.
• Ed Davis with the slam at over 6 mins to brings Raps within 2. 41-39 Miami.
• Bosh fouled by DeRozan on a line drive. Bosh was 2-0 at the line. 43-39 Miami.
• Amir fouled by Bosh on what would have been a nice reversal. Amir was 1-1 from the line.
• A nice slam by Bargnani to get the Raptors within 1 point off the lead. 43-42 Miami.
• Jose kicks it out to Derozan to make it 50-46 Raptors. Lebron gets the ball and runs down the clock, attempts the 3 and misses.

2ND QUARTER THOUGHTS: Ed Davis worked hard on grabbing those offensive rebounds and certainly has been a key to the Raptors' survival at this point in the game. Amir Johnson also grabbing rebounds with 9 boards at this point. The Raptors are not finishing their inside drives but holding down the scoring from Miami to 21 points from 29 in the first. Although Miami is hanging on to a slim lead, they should be leading by over 10 at this point if they wanted to show support for their teammate Chris Bosh and get him the win. At the half, Bosh has 14 points, Wade with 10.

Third Quarter:

• Andrea Bargnani with the pull away jumper. LeBron gets a technical and Jose Calderon takes the shot and misses.
• Offensive foul on Amir Johnson and seconds later another foul for Amir - his third at this point - on Dwayne Wade. Wade goes 1-0.
• Sonny Weems 2-0 at the line - his first two points of the game.
• With a reverse layup, Bosh racks up 20 points Miami 60-50 @8:30.
• Bargnani delivers a solid three point shot to bring Raps within 7.
• DeRozan is fouled on a drive and goes 2-0 at the line 7:43.
• A sloppy turnover by the Raps in their own end and Wade capitalizes with the steal and extra point. Ed Davis made the attempt to defend but no dice.
• Demar goes inside to bring the score within 10 points. Miami doing a good job of getting inside from quick passing on transition.
• Davis steps out of bounds and ball bounces off Barbosa - possession Miami. Raptors are looking worn.
• Raps pass picked off by Chalmers to James for the Jam 75-67.
• Barbosa fouled -trying for 2- by Chalmers and is 2-0 from the line.

3RD QUARTER THOUGHTS: The Raptors were looking worn and Miami trying to hide their -what could be interpreted as-complacency. I think Miami arrived in Toronto thinking this was going to be an easy win for them but the Raptors are refusing to give up. Key Raptors so far? Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani and Ed Davis.

Fourth Quarter:

• Raptors down by 8, 80-72 Miami.
• Bargnani hits a 3 and makes it a five point game.
• Andrea Bargnani hits a 3 to make it a 6 point game - 88-82 Miami. DeRozan hits a jumper off a Miami turnover and makes it 88-84 - Raptors scoring 5 straight points.
• Bargnani gets 31 points on the night so far with 2 points is fouled and is 1-0 at the line.
• Raptors get the ball back after a Miami missed shot. Calderon gets it to DeRozan who is called for travelling off the shot. If DeRozan hit that one, would have been a turning point for the Raptors.
• James denied by Amir Johnson as he drives to the basket and is fouled.
• Davis takes the rebound from James and Raptors gain possession but no shot connecting.
• Bayless drives inside and flips a pass out to Calderon who in turn passes to Bargani who hits the three. Nice passing to bring the score within 4 with less than three minutes left.
• 97-90 @1:36 with a Timeout from Jay Triano.
• Andrea Bargnani hits another three to get 38 on the night, DeRozan helps with another successful drive.
• Miami runs down the clock and makes a few shots to win it 103-95.

4th QUARTER THOUGHTS: Ed Davis really stepped up tonight and showed how fearless he can be. This was especially shown when he fought LeBron James for the ball, if only the Raptors ensuing possession produced any points. The Raptors certainly played with heart and stepped up their play also against an elite team. Bosh left to the locker room at the end of the game to half boos, half cheers. 25 points and 6 rebounds for Bosh on this game - he did what he had to do to silence the half of the ACC who were booing him and walk away with a win.

Thanks to everyone who tuned into the DNB tonight for your "Bosh returns to Toronto" recap and to those of you who checked out the ustream feed from the party. Also, much love to St. Louis Wings for putting out the spread for the DNB's "UnWelcome Back Bosh Bash". Tune into www.cjlo.com at about 12 midnight to hear our own James Borbath (Dinoblogger) talking about tonight's game on the radio for basketball fans in Montreal. Have a great night and see you tomorrow for more "Behind Enemy Lines" and a look ahead to next weeks games for the Raptors after the All-Star break.

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