Jiggly Bits - Danielle de Graauw

So what are you doing for Valentine's Day? I'm spending it watching the classic, yet epic drama that is the NBA All-Star Game. Every year, we talk about who got in and who didn't, who started and who didn't. And to tell you the truth, I agree with the starting line-ups in both the East and the West. However, it would have been nice to see Chris Bosh in that top five. It's too bad the coaches deciding his fate couldn't consider how the Raps have surged foward in the last 5 games. This is his fifth straight all-star game, tying Vince Carter for the most appearances in Raptors history. He's going to be busy between now and the 14th since the game will be played in his hometown of Dallas and everyone will want tickets.

NBA ALL-STAR SELECTIONS - Eastern Conference

As you all know, the coaches making selections in both conferences cannot vote for members of their own squad. This year, they've repeated themselves by picking four first-timers as All-Star reserves. Young, too - 23 years old and younger. Al Hortford (23) of the Hawks, Rajon Rondo (23 - he has teammate Paul Pierce for support and guidance in his first all-star appearance) and Bulls point guard, Derrick Rose. Now, Rose has had some injuries to deal with this season and has had to battle back. Since Christmas he has helped the Bulls to a 12-5 record and his personal stats (23.1 points, 6.5 assists, 50% shooting) are totally worthy of a spot on the All-Star Team in the East.

I think the biggest story out of the Eastern Conference Selections with only 6 teams above .500, I don't see any serious snubs. I'm thinking New York Knicks David Lee should have been at least considered. But when you consider the Knicks record so far this season (18-25), you might think this is what held him back. Is this why Chris Bosh was left out of the starting line-up? because of the Raptors record? Some of you might tell me Hedo Turkoglu was passed over, but when you're up against Lebron James, Paul Piece and your own teammate (Bosh) in the forwards category, that's a tough nut to crack. At least he made the list of considerations. Let me know what you think.

NBA ALL-STAR SELECTIONS - Western Conference

Deron Williams must be over the moon to be selected this year. He's led the Jazz to the play-offs for the last 3 years, named to the U.S. Olympic Squad, all-around awesome career so far for someone who's just 25 years old and now he's an all-star. Totally agree with this choice. Other new comers in the Western Conference? Thunder forward Kevin Durant - yes. Zach Randolph of the Grizzlies - yes. But here's where I begin to question things. Of the all-star vets that were chosen (Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul, Brandon Roy and Pau Gasol), Gasol is the surprise for me. I know you are probably thinking he would be the first one from that list I would defend. This is his third time being selected as a back-up centre but he wasn't even the "every day center" for the Lakers (Andrew Bynum is). Gasol has also missed 17 games so far this season. Are we thinking his superior games played aside from those missed games were so incredibly awe-inspiring, it out-weighed even his dip in the scoring category? Hmm. Something to think about.

Overall, the selections by the West coaches went pretty much according to schedule. But I thought for sure Chris Kaman was going to get the nod since he's been snubbed for the second time. Just looking at the stats and comparing him to other centres in the West, he's having a great season. Plus, the Clippers are making a real run for the play-offs (just ignore the 20-25 record part of that equation).

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the Dream Team

Yes, there is a connection - sort of. So I was reading an article recently talking about where all the 2010 Winter Olympic Athletes will stay while the games are on. Guess who said this: "I'm a black millionaire - I've earned the right to stay where I want to stay". Give up? Charles Barkley. He was responding to all the hoopla surrounding the U.S. Olympic Basketball team staying at a $900-per-night hotel rather than the Olympic village back in 1992. In 2004, the "Dream Team" stayed on a luxury cruise-liner during the Athens games. Seriously? This SO bothers me. Sure, some countries competing have more money, resources and talent, but it becomes a level playing field when the athletes stay together in the Olympic Village - away from the fans and the media. It takes away from the experience and the spirit of the games when we go galavanting around five-star hotels, whining there isn't a mint on the pillow. Bad move by Team U.S.A. organizers - hope they get it right next time. There - I've said my bit.

Raptors Were Ballin In NYC

The Raptors started this game looking much more like the team that was ripped apart by Atlanta and Orlando early in the season. The first quarter of this basketball game was truly one of the more brutal of recent times. That makes back to back bad starts for the Toronto Raptors. On a day that Chris Bosh was named to the All-Star game and David Lee was not, it was Lee looking like the All-Star early and at the expense of Bosh on the defensive end. The Raptors in this rise to respectability had improved on one major issue from early in the season. That would be guarding the 3 point line. But in this game early on the Knicks were having shooting practice at the expense of a lack luster Raptors defense It was the New York with a 2 touchdown lead over the Raptors after one with score 34-20.

However the Raptors would begin the comeback trail after falling behind by as many as 16 points. Two of the guys leading the charge back were a surprise indeed. Antonie Wright hit a few key 3 pointers. He was only 34.3% from behind the arc on the season. Maybe that was even after last night so it might be even lower. Whatever the case Wright was a perfect 3 for 3 from behind the are and all of his shots were big ones when the Raptors needed them. The other guy part of the comeback charge owes it all to ball. Hedo Turkoglu bizarre post game interview aside in the game was the best he has been as a Raptor. When Halftime came around the Raptors were back in the basketball game trailing by 4 points.

It was a tight 3rd quarter in terms of the score line but D for most of the night was only a rumour at MSG. Raptors would out offense the Knicks to take the 3rd quarter 30-28 and head to the 4th down just 2. Bosh would also be part of the comeback party as well. Though he would have his struggles on D and hanging on to the BALL with 6 turnovers. Bosh would end up the games high scorer (For The Raptors) and get a key rebound down the stretch to help secure the win. Along with Bosh you had Jarrett Jack yet again be part of the rally and make the most important play of this win. Jack would draw a charge on Al Harrington and that would seal a 106-104 victory and the the Raptors would hop on a plane and get the heck out of NYC feeling likely lucky to get a win.

But not before Jack Armstrong would interview Hedo Turkoglu a very relevant question to Hedo's great performance in which he 26 points, 11 rebounds a couple steals and a block. His response to Jack...BALL. Yes that is it ball. So why did Hedo play better finally.....Ball. It was one of the oddest post game interviews I have evey seen and Jack Armstrong is a pro for doing his best to pull it out of the fire. But it takes 2 to tango and clear Hedo did not want to dance. Raptors needed that performance though as Andrea Bargnani struggled with just 2 points on the night. Easily one of his worst night's offensively on the year. He did keep fighting on D though and had 3 blocks and a key one late. David Lee ticked not doubt at getting snubbed from the All-Star game was tremendous with 29 points and 18 rebounds. Bosh had 27 and 15 shooting just 10-24 from the field.

Raptors have won 4 in a row and they have come from way back to win them all. In every game of this 4 game win streak that Raptors have trailed by 10 or more at some point. I am sure Jay Triano would like to do with out that. Raptor fans would likely agree with that. However I am seeing a scrappy team the likes I have not seen since Sam Mitchell left. Whatever you thought about Sam he demanded his teams play hard and fight. Well that fight and scrappy nature is back and only likely to improve with a guy like Reggie Evans chomping at the bit to return. Raps move on to back to back encounters with the Pacers.

Raptors 106 Knicks 104

Destination NYC For Bosh & Raps

Some Advanced Scouting:

Last night the Knicks were in action and taking on the Sixers. The 2 teams had met once before this season in New York. I happened to work that game for The Score. The Knicks would fall way behind before making a huge comeback only to eventual drop the game in an overtime that was dominated by Philadelphia. This one would end up being a close affair as well. David Lee was big for the Knicks and would hit the eventual winning shot as he had 21 points and 9 rebounds in the Knicks 93-92 win. He was playing with the news that his 92 year old grandfather had passed away. He is leaving the team and not sure if he will be back for the game vs the Raptors. If he isn't that would be an unfortunate way for the Raptors to get an advantage.

The Knicks jumped out to an early lead only to have the Sixers storm back. Sam Dalembert also playing with a heavy heart given the events recently in Haiti (Sam is from there and has many family and friends from his birthplace) . The Sixers dominated the glass especially the offensive glass(18) on route to winning the battle of the boards 54-37. Could this mean back to back good games on the boards for Andrea Bargnani who is coming of a season and I believe career high 17 vs Pacers. Well Sam Dalembert topped his season high with 21 in the game. Speaking of Italy and Bargnani it will be Italian Heritage night at MSG when the Raptors visit. The Knicks Italian star in Gallinari had an off night vs Sixers shooting just 4 for 11 from the field and had just one 3 pointer in 4 attempts for 12 points.

When the Knicks struggled on defense they tried switching to a zone which had some positive impact for a short time to close out the 3rd quarter. Some other Knicks to keep an eye on heading into this one would include Al Harrington. He has been having some knee issues and it was mentioned on the Knicks broadcast he will go for an MRI. He had 15 points and was 5 for 15 from the field not exactly the dominate player that in that first match-up almost single handed brought the Knicks back in that first match up at MSG with Sixers. Like the Raptors heading into last night the Knicks had dropped 2 in a row. The Knicks run a very tight rotation with just 8 players and the 8th was Johnathan Bender who played less than 8 minutes. Yes that Bender that the Raptors drafted to trade for Antonio Davis which would turn out to be one of the better trades in Raptors history.

In watching the Knicks you see a lot of the same things you do with the Raptors. A team that has it's defense come and go that relies on shooters and is looking to push the pace. There is no doubt the Raptors are the more talented of the 2 teams and the deeper of the 2 teams as well. Friday will mark the first time the Raptors have faced the Knicks this season and this will be the first of four times they will do so this season. If Lee is out that should give the Raptors an even greater advantage on the inside with Bosh and Bargnani. The Knicks should struggle to find a way to guard both.

The short answer to how the Knicks played was a lot like how the Raptors did against Philly recently. They looked far from impressive but at the end got out of town with a win. The Knicks like the Raptors have been playing on higher level and like the Raptors have fallen off a bit of late.

As for The Raptors...

There has been a lot of talk about Hedo Turkoglu and his role along with the Raptors going with a line-up at the end of games of Jack, Calderon, Hedo, Bargnani and Bosh. The idea behind this line-up would be you have in a sense 3 point guards on the floor at the same time. But that may just be to many cooks on the court so to speak. Whenever Triano can play both Jack and Calderon together it is a way to keep both happy regardless of who is the starter. Both are in during crunch time and it adds to the minutes for both. However this is not exactly working out and you can argue it can make the Raptors weak on the defensive end of the floor. Calderon and Hedo are not exactly the greatest on the defensive end of the floor. Chris Bosh even can have his issues on the defensive end. It can lead to a collective issue in getting stops down the stretch. Jay Triano tries to sub offense for defense whenever possible but it can be an issue.

Turkoglu has questioned his role in the offense and did it in a public way. There is no doubt he is a good player with the basketball in his hands. However if you want people to listen to you it might be a wise idea to show more effort and play well in chances you have. Hedo has not done that more nights than he has in his brief time with the Raptors. If Andrea Bargnani wants to complain I will listen to him as he is doing a solid job on both ends of the floor. Hedo Turkoglu should look to make his own adjustments as well to fit in with the Raptors. It should be a two way street. Sorry to break it to the "Michael Jordan" of Turkey but he is not the best player on this basketball team. It is not like he should expect Jay Triano to turn things upside down for him. The truth be told the Raptors offense rarely struggles like they did in Indiana shooting just 21% down the stretch helping the Pacers to that victory on Monday. Hedo missed practice with some back trouble but is expected back on the floor today and will be a go vs the Knicks.

In terms of the whole point guard situation it also needs to get sorted out eventually. The 2 point guard look on the floor can only be used for so long. Granted this is a bit better pairing than the one of Ford and Calderon on the floor together. However it is still a gimmick that has a short life span in a given game. Let's be honest as well if Demar DeRozan or anyone else steps up and shows they can be counted on down the stretch they should be in there. The Raptors use this 2 point guard look as much to keep both point guards happy as they do the lack of having a true shooting guard that can produce game in and game out.

If the Raptors do move Jose Calderon it will be more about the lack of a impact shooting guard than it would be winning or losing a point guard battle with Jack. I still see that as a move that is unlikely to happen. However if Bryan Colangelo is able to get the right guy in return it would be possible. Calderon is the lone big piece the Raptors have that they would be willing to move at this point you have to figure. Beyond that really there is nothing beyond some guys who could be rotation players elsewhere.

If there are those of you that dream or dread a Chris Bosh deadline trade you can breath easy. There is no way that Bosh is dealt at the deadline unless he would go to Colangelo and say he wanted out. Which is not going to happen. It is good business for Chris Bosh to stay right where he is. At the end of the season he will decide on his future and when he does he will re-sign with the Raptors or work with them in getting a max contract for himself and a trade to another team he wants to call home. Any rumour that involves Chris Bosh moving at the deadline was created at fantasyland in Disney World or Disney Land. It makes no sense for any side of it.

• For the Raptors why trade Bosh when you can make the playoffs with him and trade him later for a higher value than his current contract and get more value in return.
  
• If you are Chris Bosh why would you leave 30 million dollars on the table and not take the money and work with an organization that has treated you well to help you move on to another place if that is his ultimate choice.
  
• If you are the team trading to get him why would you give what would be a ton of assets to get a player that can not sign with you and may not at the end of the day.

It may sound sexy to say Bosh is in play for the ESPN's and others but there is no logic to it at all. You would have to buy into the myth they have created that Chris Bosh is counting the days till he can leave Canada. Which is not true and even if was would it be worth 30 million bucks to leave 2 months early? Not really.

The Raptors best way to keep Bosh is win. So in a sense the whole Bosh scenario can be motivation for the Organization to win. It only becomes a distraction if Chris or the Raptors let it be. One of the places that has been one of the many landing spots for Bosh is the Raptors next opponent the New York Knicks. Unlike Lebron James handles it, Chris Bosh will not have shiny red sneakers and will likely say zero in terms of free agency. Bosh has handled this entire thing like a professional and that is not going to change. That is part of the reason you hope that he sticks around. Chris Bosh is perhaps one of the more low maintenance superstars in the game today.

B.C Plan? Hedo? Ariza? LEE Huh?

I guess I am suppose to write something. Just not sure what is should be? According to many sources I am suppose to believe Bryan Colangelo is willing to pass out 50 to 60 million dollars to Hedo? That is a hell of a lot of pizza money. Portland and the Raps said to be the front runners. This is one time I am cheering really hard for Raptors to lose. Because if you lose in the end you will really win. That sounds very Yogi Berra like did it not? But it is true I do not just question if Hedo is worth that much now but I am convinced he is not in year 4 and 5 of that deal.

Meanwhile on the west coast it seems Trevor Ariza and the L.A Lakers are not ready to kiss, sign on dotted line and go win another title. This is the news that should get Raps fans excited. I would give Ariza a long hard look if I am Toronto. I gave a list of my targets at the wing on the Game Plan the other day when I called in.

1. Ariza- No Laker love to take a MLE for ring 2.
2. Artest- Talk he may go to Cavs? Oh yeah Shaq, King James and Artest coached by Mike Brown?
3. Marion- Talk he may be on Cavs list as well. That math is wrong. It will be about numbers for Shawn
4. Hedo- To much $$$, to much Pizza and to many years.

Also the wild card of David Lee who is an RFA might be in the Raptors plan? However is this not a way just to force the issue and screw over a Divisional rival? That seems more realistic to me. The Bosh rumours that will fly should the Lee contract not be matched by the Kincks. If the Raptors do in fact have an offer on the table for the Restricted Free Agent.

Looking around the league Pistons made the biggest splash of day 1. Gordon and Charlie V for big bucks. Dumars had to firs his coach in Curry and this may be his last stand. Once thought of as one of the best G.M's in the league now is starting to look more like his former back court mate in Thomas. This move basically takes Detroit out of the mix for 2010. No offence to Ben Gordon or Charlie V but they are not worth that. If you can not make a run at James or perhaps more realistically a Bosh have you not seriously missed the boat?

That is my quick take on the craziness. Back to checking on who is rumoured to be going where. Can i hit the fast fwd button to July 8th please.

Raptors Rewind- Redemption Song

Bob Marley wrote the reggae classic that titles the rewind today and it talks about much higher level things from basketball. But that being said, the Raptors need to restore some pride and just play with energy and effort. No win will come without those elements being a part of it. Everyone had to feel the sting and pain of Friday's loss to the Knicks. It really requires little set-up from me for this game. If this team can not show up today it really will make a bold statement as to the direction of this team. Even the broadcasters for this team had little idea what to expect. It is the 10th anniversary of the ACC. In the very first game played there Vince Carter made on of those highlight dunks that were common place back then. I have a photo of that dunk that hangs in my bedroom on a plaque. The Knicks have not won at the ACC in 5 years not sure if that matters much. This is going to say a lot about this team today. This is not about getting back in the playoffs it is about who is part of the future and who is not. Late word that Marcus Banks will not be available today. Back trouble is the reason.

1st Quarter

Knicks win the tip and miss but get a second chance and Al Harrington makes a 3 pointer. A steal and Harrington has 5 points before the Raptors can respond. Bosh would get a basket and AP would follow that up with another basket. So it was 5-4 early and that is much better than 9-0. A.P got another and something we never saw at MSG, a Raptors lead. In fact the Raptors would answer the Knicks 5-0 run with an 13-0 run by the men in the white shirts. Everyone was getting in on the action. Chris Duhon would nail a 3 pointer and David Lee got a score plus a foul but he would miss that. Raptors lead trimmed quickly to 13-12.

Bargnani air balled a 3 pointer and that was not a good sign. An easy pass inside to Al Harrington and he scored in the paint. A.P would back it in on Chris Duhon and score it. Raptors were fighting at least early and that was already more from what we saw on Friday. Still the Knicks were getting scores almost as easy as on Friday and that was a concern. A.P had 9 points already and he had 0 in the entire game on Friday. Shawn Marion was having a tough start though. He attempted to back in and score and had two chances and could not. But the Raptors would get back to back baskets to take the lead back. Calderon would make it 3 straight scores with 2 of the last 3 being made by him. Raptors lead 21-16 and Bargnani was fouled and split a pair. Larry Hughes checked in and missed his first attempt as a Knick. Shawn Marion would get a score in transition Raptors had a 24-19 lead and this was a much better effort. It would have been hard to imagine a worse effort though right? Chris Wilcox the other new Knick checked in and he dunked it home right away. But Bargnani after the earlier air ball, he nailed a 3 pointer. Chandler who was big on Friday got things rolling for his Sunday with a spinning move in the lane to score. Nate Robinson gets that swat he had Friday returned to him as Bosh swatted him. But the Knicks would not be discouraged and would erase the Raptor 5 point lead and tie the score at 27 to close out the first quarter.

2nd Quarter

Joey Graham with a driving hook to score to open the quarter. Shawn Marion would follow that up with a score. Roko Ukic makes a 3 pointer and Kapono as well from long range. They storm out to a 10-0 run to start the second quarter. Chris Bosh still look rusty he missed an ally opp feed but Raps would keep possession and he would continue the run with a jumper. Chris Duhon would make a 3 pointer off a Knick offensive rebound to end the Raptors 12-0 run. Score was 39-30 for the Raptors with just under 9 minutes to play. J-Rich made it back to back 3 pointers. Knicks were looking to make it 3 straight from 3 pointland but Chandler would miss. Marion would get the basket on the offensive glass on the other end. Nate Robinson got his first basket of the afternoon. The Knicks had clawed back to down 41-38. Andrea Bargnani would make a big 3 pointer to double the Raptor lead to 6. Duhon would answer for Knicks with a 3 pointer. Raptors lead it 44-41 just past the mid point of the second.

Better ball movement leads to an A.P mid range jumper from the corner. Al Harrington answered that score. Steal for Knicks leads to a Harrington 3 ball in transition. Knicks had tied it up at 46. Andrea Bargnani from the feed by Jose get a basket to put Raptors back up by 2. David Lee is fouled by Bosh and makes 2 from the line and tied again at 48. Knicks missed an easy one and A.P would score in transition. However Al Harrington was hot and he made another 3 pointer to give the Knicks a 51-50 lead. Bargnani was fouled and missed one his first and made his second. All tied again at 51. Marion would toss a ball away and Raptors would turn it over. Larry Hughes an air ball was not exactly making the Raptors pay. Jose would hook up Bargnani for another score. Calderon with 7 dimes in the half to this point and that is a welcome sight on the stat sheet. Raptors lead was just 2 with the score 53-51. Chris Duhon with a drive and score out of a time out. Shawn Marion got an easy score in the paint off a Bargnani feed. Bargnani would keep it for himself the next time and score. Knicks shooting had gone cold. Al Harrington had a break away dunk at the end of the half. But he could not beat the buzzer. So the Raptors lead at the half 57-53 at the half.

3rd Quarter

Bargnani had 16 in the first half. Marion 8 points and 9 rebounds. Bargnani adds to that total to start the 3rd with two more. David Lee missed on 2 attempts on 2 possessions to start the Knicks offense. Marion fired up an air ball. Al Harrington barely caught rim on 3 pointer but Chris Duhon would hit a 3 pointer on a second chance opportunity. Shawn Marion would drive and score. Chris Bosh would hit a jumper and The Raptors lead the Knicks 63-58. Al Harrington just keeps shooting and this time he makes a 3 pointer. That is the way Mike D'Antoni wants his players to play and Harrington is taking full advantage. Calderon would find an open look off a Parker pass for 3 points. Raptors lead it 67-60. Al Harrington would get a drive and score for the Knicks. David Lee got his own rebound on his miss and put it home. Nate Robinson would get hammered by Bargnani and head to the line. He would make both and the Raptor lead of 7 had been reduced to just 1 in quick fashion.

Nate Robinson throws down an alley opp dunk that was more impressive than his entire dunk list at the All-Star game. Raptors finally would answer and take the lead back that they just lost. A.P would score another and he was playing much better today going 7-10 from the field. David Lee was fouled and sent to the line. He would split a pair. A.P was fouled and he also split a pair. Raptors lead is 72-69. Shawn Marion would earn a basket with hustle. Calderon missed a 3 pointer and Marion would get a pass from Bargnani. Joey Graham would make his way to the line. Raptors have built the lead to 6. Knicks would respond with a David Lee basket and he had a double double of 12 and 10. But Raptors got an answer and they would follow up with a Parker basket. He had 22 points and you wonder why A.P can't to this more consistently. However the Raptors will take it and not complain up 8 on the Knicks late in the 3rd quarter. Robinson forced a jumper and missed it. Bosh had his attempt blocked and he is still struggling to get back in the flow. However the Raptors had lots of help to make up for him on this day. A.P is on fire with another jumper. He is 11-14 and has 24 points. Al Harrington could not beat the clock at halftime but to close the 3rd he would making a long 2 point jumper. Raptors still had an 82-74 lead to take to the fourth quarter despite that.

4th Quarter

Knicks shooting only 40% from field. Raptors a solid 51%. Knicks were only in this game thanks to 10 of 19 shooting from behind the arc. Joey Graham with a nice drive and score to open scoring in the 4th. Robinson would rebound his own miss and score on the other end. Al Harrington would make it back to back scores for the Knicks and they were down a half dozen. Chris Wilcox one of the new Knicks had a slam to cut the lead to 4. Jason Kapono answered for the Raptors and they lead 86-80. Kapono would add 3 maore to that as he would find a look from behind the arc. Jefferies would get the score on the feed from the other new Knick Larry Hughes. Marion would hook up CB4 for the basket plus a foul after a timeout on the floor. Bosh despit having a though time scoring had a double double in this game. Bosh would make the free throw and Raptors had a 10 point lead up 92-82.

David Lee would have a reply for the Knicks on the other end. Nate Robinson would get fouled and look to cut more into the lead. He would make both and it was 92-86 for the Raptors. Roko Ukic would get a basket for the Raps. The Knicks had a quick answer. Raptors were still up 94-88 with 6:46 to play. Bargnani was fouled and at the line. He made both and the lead was back to 8 points. Nate Robinson would get a kind roll as his runner would eventually fall. Shawn Marion matched that with a basket for his side. Calderon would make it back to back baskets and deliver the pizza. It was 100-90 for the Raptors. Marion tried to make a steal or block and got poked in the eye. But it was the Knicked heading to the line on a Kapono foul. They would only manage to split a pair. Bargnani would drive and draw a foul and get to the line. He made both and was 7-10 from the line on the day. Nate Robinson would score and make the lead 9 points once again. Shawn Marion working the offensvie glass gets a basket and Raptors lead 104-93 with just 3:43 to go.

Nate Robinson would throw it away. However the Raptors would miss and Al Harrington would score in transition and was fouled and made the 3 point play. Raptors lead was 104-96. A.P would get called for an offensive foul and no one other than the Knicks liked that call despite it being the right call. If things were going better this season you would have confidence the Raptors could close this out. However they have not been so many Raptor fans will hold thier breath down down the stretch. Robinson would drive and score and Knicks were now down just 6 with 2:30 to play. Marion would miss and Chris Duhon had a chance to close it to 4 baut mised. Bosh the rebound and Bargnani would take and make a key 3 pointer. Raptors lead was 107-98 and they now should have this on sealed up. Bargnani would get a big block after a Bosh miss on the other end. Big game for Andrea in this one. Andrea was fouled and at the line making both and that was pretty much it. Couple more free throws and a Robinson lay up would mean nothing. Raptors take it 111-100.

Raptors had 4 players with double doubles. Marion, Bargnani, Bosh and Calderon. Parker the other start had 24 points. This is much more of what fans want to see. I know that I have been saying it and a lot others as well about Shawn Marion being only here for a short time. However watching him play in a few games now I am starting to hope I am wrong just a bit. He has been a lot of what the Raptors need in a lot of areas. I still say the chances of him staying are slim but it sure won't be based on his play. Andrea Bargnani lead the Raptors in scoring with 28 points he had 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks as well. That is the kind of line worth of a former # 1 pick. Does this fix all that went wrong on Friday? Well no it doesn't but does it give reason to hope this team can be fun to watch the rest of the way. That it just may do that. However the Raptors can take some small form of redemption in this boxscore below.

Raps/Knicks Boxscore

Raptors took a deserving beating from everyone after the loss in New York. However let us give them some credit for a great effort on this day. In a season of lots of disappointment the good games often get overshadowed by the doom and gloom of a season gone wrong. This was one of those good games. It may not change much and this team still has almost impossible odds to make the playoffs. However on this day in this individual game they were very good.

Raptors Rewind- The Mecca Massacre

So the Raptors and the Knicks finally get a chance to face off. They had not seen each other since the second game of the pre-season for the Raptors. But both teams look a lot different from the rosters on that night at ACC. Some holding out hope for the Raptors and the playoffs see this as a big home and home series.O'Bryant will be available for the Raptors and Wilcox was dressed for Knicks. Larry Hughes was there, but not available. Knicks were still in the playoff race and technically the Raptors are as well. But technically is the key word there.

1st Quarter

Raps win the tip and Jose Calderon takes a 3 pointer and misses. Knicks would score on first possession and it would set off a 9-0 run and Jay Triano is forced to burn a time out. The Raps shooting 0-4 to start the game. Bargnani missed what should have been an easy score. It took over 3:20 until Jose Calderon would finally score. The Knicks answered quickly and lead 11-2. Andrea Bargnani would hit a 3 pointer and Raps had scores on back to back possessions. Bosh miss a turnaround and David Lee got the rebound and the score on the other end. Al Harrington the easy score on the inside and Knicks were all over the Raptors up 15-5. Raptors a turnover and Toronto was shooting 2-10. All the talk of what this meant for this team and this is what they come out like? Playoffs? Give me a break.

Knicks continue to pour it on with score 19-7. Bosh checked out 0-3 in his first 6 minutes of action in quite some time. A lousy effort and a Calderon jumper bounces over the basket and out of play. Shawn Marion would get a basket next time down on offensive glass. But David Lee was having a hot start as he scored again. Calderon answered with a basket only to have Al Harrington nail a 3 pointer. It was 26-13 and Raptors were getting smoked. I mean this is just a joke, the Raptors defense is even worse than usual if that is possible. Bosh back in after a time out and he gets easy score in the paint in his second tour of duty on the floor. Joey G had a couple baskets but they were still down big 30-19. David Lee would go right at Bosh and score. Lee was not an all star and Bosh was but Lee was looking to make a statement against the returning Bosh. Wilson Chandler with a 3 pointer and Raptors were getting beat down. Bosh would get to the line. But it was already a huge climb back for the Raptors despite him making both at the line. Lee would score again the other way. Joey Graham a spin and score. Nate Robinson had his own spinning score and Graham would turn it over. This was seriously a brutal performance in a season that has seen a lot of them. A Nate Robinson 3 ball would make it 42-22 after 1 quarter of play. That is no typo. This was not funny it was a huge embarrassment.

2nd Quarter

Kapono with a 2 pointer and Chandler responds with a 3 pointer and he would score again. Seriously could we just forfeit this game it was 47-24. Raptors had back to back air balls. Ukic had the first I honestly missed the second air ball shooter. Joey Graham was 4-5 and that is par for the course to what I always say, Raptors suck and Joey good. The knicks lead was 51-26 and we are just over 2 minutes into the second quarter. Banks had checked in for Ukic and he missed a 3 ball but his caught iron. Nate Robinson won the dunk contest right? He was looking like a 3 point contest winner on this night as he hit another 3 pointer. I mean this is rare to say in any game but not even half way through the 2nd quarter this game is over. I mean it Raptors are done.

Offensive fouls and turnovers and just a general mess. Nate Robinson has another 3 pointer and I have a massive case of apathy setting in. Nate Robinson blocked CB4 and I am done. Seriously what are we going to talk about for 2 and half quarters? Knicks are up 24 with the score 58-34. Kapono makes a jumper off the Marion offensive board. David Lee is seriously good I will make that point. He scores again. I mean seriously this team is just getting a butt kicking and they have their star player returning in what they have said is a huge game for them? This is unacceptable. There has been a lot of debate about booing or cheering this team. Based on tonight if I was heading the the ACC regardless of performance I would boo this team for the first 2 minutes. The Knicks 62-36 lead at this point was lots of ammo for my point. Shawn Marion has been ok with 10 but it is hard to see anything good in this mess. Knicks were making it rain with 3 ball in the MSG. I admit checked my email, but seriously what am I going to type that I have not said already? This says it all 75-50 New York Knicks.

3rd Quarter

Raptors allowed the Knicks to shoot 58% and 10-20 from the 3 point line. Al Harrington comes right out and scores and just adds to the beating. Teams were trading baskets and at this point Raptors can ill afford to do that. A stop of any kind would be a major accomplishment. Andrea Bargnani had a couple scores but this game was way to far off the rails. Sure the system the Knicks play can allow teams to get back in games but not when your down 30 points which the Raptors were 86-56. The Knicks were making the Raptors look like a D-League franchise. Another wide open 3 for Wilson Chandler and the Knicks have a 91-58 lead. I serious could not do this in a video game. However this was reality and a very painful one. Hope is just not even in sight for anyone connected to this franchise. Jack Armstrong summed it up quite nicely. He said that this was unacceptable for everyone connected to this franchise be it a broadcaster, fan, coach, player or management. I totally agree with Jack Armstrong. I mean the Knicks are an improved basketball team. However they are not this good. They lead at this point 98-60 with still 4:20 to play in the 3rd quarter.

Knicks hit triple digits with just under 3 to play in the third quarter this is just the worst game I can recall in the history of this franchise. If you have a better answer leave it in the comments. I can not think of one. Jason Kapono hits a 3 point to pull the Raptors to down 26. The score is 101-75 after 3 quarters of play. This is the scary part. The Raptors have 1 more quarter to play and 4 more quarters on Sunday. Awful just does not seem to be good enough.

4th Quarter

Nate Robinson opens the 4th quarter with a 3 pointer and that was the 14th of the night for the Knicks. Wilson Chandler a dunk and this is just a pathetic effort on defense. 108-77 is the score. Bosh has not really been a factor in his return. Shawn Marion has a double double. That will make recent guest Randy Urban happy for his fantasy team. However beyond that I can't think of anything positive to say. Which honestly why should you based on what is going one.

Gallanari the fellow Italian makes a 3 ball and why not. Larry Hughes would have a 3 except he is not eligible to play. Least the Knick dancers would inspire a little HELLO from Jack. But it was Good Bye and really early for the Raptors. 111-84 for the Knicks. No hustle no desire and Raptors are just lumbering around on defense and it was truly awful. Mike D'Antoni had a huge smile and why would he not. His Knicks were bringing it and the Raptors were just waiting for the buzzer to go off. Patrick O'Bryant wearing number 13 checks in for the Raptors for his first action. I am not going to judge him to hard because honestly what can he be expected to do in a game like this at this point. Nathan Jawai was also out there. But Big Nate would miss a easy one in the paint. It was 121-94. Wilson Chandler has a career high 32 for the Knicks. He goes on a long list of NBA players that can make that claim. A blank star on Chris Bosh's face as this game goes final and thankfully so with the score 127-97.

The brutal boxscore below:
Raps/Knicks Boxscore

I got nothing more to say. Well I have one more thing. If you didn't think it was over before tonight, I think it is clear that it is now.