Big 4th Quarter Squashes Bugs

The one thing the Raptors have failed to be in many ways in consistent. This game has a good example of that in one night. If the Raptors have been consistent at anything, it is getting off to slow starts and that was the case on this night with the Hornets getting off to a 10-2 start. But the Raptors would storm back and make this a game in short order. The Raptors after the slow start caught fire shooting the basketball. Toronto after missing 4 of their first 5 shots many of which were in the paint the Raptors would get hot from long range. Jose Calderon made a couple of three pointers which would be his only two makes from long range on the night. The Raptors would eventually take the lead 22-21, their first lead since 2-0 on a Calderon jumper for 2. The quarter would end with Barbosa hitting a buzzer beater 2 giving the Raptors a 29-25 lead after one and they were shooting above 60% from the field.

The second quarter would be the most even the two teams would play all night. The Raptors would get the lead to lead to 10 on a couple James Johnson free throws to make it 36-26. But the Raptors would let that advantage slip away. The Hornets on a couple of Jarrett Jack free throws had cut the lead to 40-38 with 4:18 to play in the half. The Raptors would re-establish an advantage leading 51-42 with 44 second to play in the half. Some sloppy stuff to close the quarter. Casey would sub in Anthony Carter to guard Jarrett Jack with 10 seconds to play and he would get blown by for an easy layup and to add to an earlier buck and those 4 points made a 9 point lead just a 5 point lead at the half with the score 51-46.

That sloppy ending would lead to a terrible 3rd quarter for the Raptors. How bad was it? Well remember how the Raptors were shooting above 60% after the first? They would be below 40% after the third quarter was done. Raptors only made 4 field goals in the entire quarter 3 of which were made by Demar DeRozan. In total the Raptors managed just 11 points in the 3rd Quarter. So given that information, it was not a case of if the Hornets would take the lead, just when did they take the lead? Surprisingly, it took longer than you think, as with 3:59 left in the 3rd Trevor Ariza would make a 2 point shot to give the Hornets a 60-58 lead. There were points where both teams were just jacking up threes and missing them. There is a reason these teams are not all that good and it was on full display in the 3rd. Unlike the Raptors did down the stretch in the 2nd, the Hornets would do what you are suppose to do with a lead by adding to it. They held the Raptors to just 4 points in the final four minutes and had a 69-62 lead to take to the 4th quarter.

It only took the Raptors 1 minute and 17 seconds to tie the game at 69. Linas Kleiza who had a strong night hit a three as part of that 7-0 run to start the 4th. After a Hornet bucket to get back ahead by two it would be Kleiza again with 3 to give the Raptors a 72-71 still less than 2 minutes into the 4th. The Raptors had a 10-2 run to answer the one the Hornets had to start the game. Former Raptor Marco Belinelli would hit a three to answer to give the Hornets a 74-72 lead. It is the last time the Hornets would lead in this game as it turned out. The game would be tied at 77 and Bayless would make two at the line to give the Raptors the lead back. After that a Barbosa three pointer and the Raptors would not look back from there. The Raptors would pull away in the final seven minutes and change to end up with an eleven point win for their 11th win of season with a final score of 95-84.

DeRozan was big in this game after not being happy about being benched for the 4th quarter in Houston he had 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists on the night. He tied for the scoring lead in this game with Linas Kleiza who was hot from long range going 5-7 from the 3 point line accounting for15 of his 21 points. Barbosa had 15 points as well off the bench with only one made three as part of that total. Those 3 guys were the main reason the Raptors got a win on this night. It was not how you would want to script it. The Raptors did have their ugly moments in this game. However when you come out and score 33 points in the 4th quarter and only allow your opponent to score 15 a lot can be forgiven. When you only have 11 wins on the season you are not going to be picky in how you get a win at the end of the day.

Raptors Shuffle Deck- Trade Marco For Wright

ESPN's Mark Stein is reporting the Toronto Raptors have traded Marco Belinelli for Julian Wright. Marco Belinelli was deep in the Raptor doghouse for most of last season and had fallen out of the rotation for the most part. Wright has spent his career with the Hornets and averaged just 4 ppg and last season played in 68 games and started 14 for the Hornets. In his 3 years with New Orleans has averaged just 12 minutes of floor time.

This is a minor move and nothing really to start jumping up and down about. But it does at least give the indication that the Raptors are still searching to make moves and improve the roster for next season. It does not address the issue at Center. Wright at 6 foot 8 can play at the small forward and add some depth that is lacking at that position though.

The Raptors announced that they indeed will be holding training camp at campus of UBC in British Columbia from October 1-6. This is the first time the Raptors have ventured west for camp after 2 years of holding training camp in Ottawa. Raptors will also be taking on the Suns in an exhibition game during their stay out west. Raps will officially start camp in Toronto at ACC from September 28-30th.

So a little news for you to chew on during these dog days of August.

Dark Days In Raptorland

About the only thing that makes me smile of late, in terms of the Raptors is Sonny Weems. He once again came through and with a depleted Raptors line-up, he again stepped up and had a career high 21 points. Thankfully, he is under contract and will be back next season. Weems is a great story, in a season that has not offered many. To have climbed the ladder in the rapid way he has, speaks to his play and the lack of play of the people in front of him on the roster. For example, Marco Belinelli who Colangelo at beginning of the season billed as a guy capable of being a contender for 6th man of the year. In reality he has been more like 12th man of the Raptors forget the league.

Something that was said in our liveblog on The Score is haunting me over the last few days. Almost right after Chris Bosh made his exit from the bloody floor in Cleveland, someone said " What if that is the last time we see Chris in a Raptors uniform". The news that would follow of Bosh having to have surgery in Cleveland ,and then the doctors saying he can not be re-evaluated for at least 7-10 days. This in effect ending Bosh's regular season and perhaps his Raptor career, depending on what happens. It would be a truly sad ending, to what has been a great 7 years of watching him play for the Raptors. I find it sad, pathetic and somewhat stupid the amount of criticism this guy takes. He has come such a long way over his time with the Raptors. Watching him growing into NBA All-Star and one of the true elite players in this league has been a treat. He has grown up before my eyes and I have personally enjoyed it. I get the fact that some people only see the ultimate team results, with him as the "Franchise" player. However, in my opinion, he has done more than his part to carry the load for 7 years. If that ends with him a bloody mess on a floor in Cleveland, that is sad and will disappoint me for years to come.

What people can't take away, is the fact that a banner for a Division Title will hang in the ACC, that Chris Bosh was a huge part of putting there. Vince Carter didn't do that. Carter may call the ACC his house as he did in the past. But there is no evidence that he left behind. They don't put up a banner for a Slam Dunk Championship, for being a leading vote getter for the All Star Game and they don't for a playoff series win. If Bosh does leave the debate will rage for years of who was the best Raptor ever. It really is a case of flash vs substance. Carter was the flash with the dunks and drama that surrounded him. Bosh was the substance that night in and night out gave what he had to make a team less talented than the ones Carter was on to be successful. For my money, Bosh is the guy and will be the guy for a long time to come. It seems painfully obvious, that there is no next one on this Raptors roster right now. That might not be fair to Demar DeRozan, who I personally still hold out hope that he can be great. But in terms of Bargnani that ship has sailed. He will never go down as good as Carter or Bosh. He just is not on that level.

The Raptors seem like a team in need of a miracle at this point. I think the person that I feel most sorry for in all of this is Jarrett Jack. If you have been watching the last few games you can see that Jack is busting his butt to try and get to post season. It would be the first time he would get there. At the All-Star Break it seemed a sure thing that he would get to experience the playoffs with his college team mate in Bosh. He lost his starting job to Calderon...which by the way how is that going Jay Triano and Calderon fans? Jack has always been a straight shooter about this team and how it has performed or not performed throughout the season. If you could combine the leadership he shows with the talent Chris Bosh has you would have a heck of a basketball player. I truly feel sorry for Jack that his chances of making his first post season have been dealt death blow after death blow. Which after all of that you may have to watch your friend leave in the off-season only getting to play one season with him. Not exactly a fair tale story at all.

Flat out if you care at all for this team and the last few days have not been depressing, then you honestly don't really care. If the Raptors can pull this thing out of the black hole this season seems to have fallen into, it would be amazing and somewhat shocking. Having said that even if they make the playoffs we still have no clue if Bosh could play in a series vs Lebron James, the soon to be 2 time M.V.P and Cavs. It just seems like mission impossible at this point. This is going to be a tough week to stomach for Raptors fans. But that may not be nearly as tough as the off-season that lies ahead.

Safe to say Bryan Colangelo has a heck of a challenge in front of him and if he some how is able to look good on the other side of this it would be amazing. Sign and Trades are nice but seriously find me the example where a team trading it's best player via that method has lead to success. Off the top of my head I can't think of one.

Raps Better But Mello Best In The End

Three words to describe this game: HOLY FRICKEN JESUS. It was almost unbelievable considering the Raptors track record as of late. Tonight's match-up between the Denver Nuggets and the beloved Toronto Raptors was a chance for both teams to get back on track. The last time these two clubs met this season, Denver took the contest with a 130 - 112 score back in November. So Denver was not really concerned about Toronto going into tonight's game and or the fact that Hedo was off sick. Boy, were they ever wrong. If the Raptors continue to play like they did tonight, a play-off spot is in their future for sure. I would like to say that the Nuggets look better on paper since they haven't lost 4 in a row since February 2007 but really, I tried to be positive. I know Denver came out on top but I just felt the Raptors couldn't continue down this path forever and needed a win tonight to get out of this funky-monkey-funk of theirs. Forget about the fact Toronto sits 8th in the playoff race, and having "issues" with defence (Ask James to describe the Raptors defence and you will probably get a more colourful description). The final score could have been 97-96 for Raptors but it wasn't. Here's how it all went down.

First Quarter - No consistency

The Raptors were little shaky off the start with a game of greasy ball between Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh. With only a few minutes into the game, things didn't look too hot for the Raptors with 2 turnovers, taking too many 3's and not connecting. But Jose Calderon hits a three and little light seems to shine through. I think the major thing the Raptors proved tonight is the depth of their second string is still there and they definitely poured it on tonight. DeMar DeRozen came in with guns blazing at about 6:30 left in the first quarter and I am telling you, this boy brought some real energy off the bench and turned the momentum of the game around. He shows some aggression on a two - point attempt, misses and is tipped in by Bosh and I could swear I saw CB4's furled brow flatten with evidence of his teammates starting to help out. I think if the Raptors were a little more consistent starting in the first quarter, the game may have turned out in their favour.

Second Quarter - Bellisimo Belinelli

The Raptors have been trailing up to this point but with a fantastic drive off a turnover steal, PLUS drawing the foul, DeMar "don't doubt me" DeRozen makes the free throw and pulls the Raptors to within 5. But Marco Belinelli had some hot hands coming off the bench and all of a sudden there's hope for the first time in a while the Raptors might actually gain the advantage. Hope is a beautiful thing especially when you are a club trying regain the trust of fans. I think Jay Triano did a good job of taking advantage of the strengths of the bench in this quarter. The Raptors gain their first lead of the game and it came with about 6 minutes left to the half when "Bellismo Belinelli" makes it 37-36. He really capitalized on the energy DeRozen injected into the first quarter and really made you invest your own energy into the game. It was so refreshing to see them have a mini celebration on the floor after a DeRozen tip in since it seems like they were starting to relax and focus. At this point, they had 17 breakaways and 7 turnover rebounds, so they were making a great effort off the glass.

Third/Fourth Quarter - Weems makes us Dream but our hearts are still broken

As you know, when the score is so close and you've been working so hard to gain control, it's important not to let the other team get on a roll. Denver is number one in the NBA at the free throw line, so the Raptors needed to stay focused in this half and not make any silly mistakes. At one point Sonny Weems makes a huge play with a drive to the basket and draws the foul, making it 64-62 with 2 made free throws. This is the part of the game when I think Bosh really becomes engaged. Not like he didn't want to win before, but now he's enjoying not starring in tonight's version of "Hustle 'n' Flow" and having the supporting cast step it up a little. With less than 6 minutes left in the third, Bosh hammers not one, but two within 30 seconds of each other, making it 68-66 at this point for the Raptors and really gaining some leverage.

In my opinion, Sonny Weems was a huge factor in the second half. He was really confident from behind the arc hitting multiple 3s, having so much fun - you could see it in his face. Weems and Belinelli were playing both ends tonight and really stepping it up. They really helped the Raptors go nose to nose with a good team. They forced Denver to make some costly errors - one of them sent Bosh to the line with about 3 minutes left in the game. Bosh drains one and it's 90-86 for the Raptors. But then our hearts get ripped in the other direction when the game is tied at 92 with over a minute left in the game. Anyone tuning in at this point not knowing what time of the year it was, would've have thought this was a freakin play-off game. Bargnani makes a huge play penetrating deep to the basket and drawing the foul. Then Jay Triano sends in DeRozen with thirty seconds left maybe thinking DeRozen's early-quarter hot hands might come in handy? Quite possible. At this point you want to do 2 things: contain those looking to penetrate deep and what I like to call the "buzzer snipers". And unfortunately for the Raptors, Carmelo Anthony was one of those sneaky snipers making it 97-96 for Denver at the buzzer. I was hoping against hope when officials reviewed Carmelo's shot they would somehow recall the basket, but alas it wasn't. Man, what a hard game to swallow.

Finally CB4 Has Come Back To The Raptors

Well I was there to see the return of Chris Bosh live and in person. Hedo Turkoglu was a no go though as the Raptors amazingly have only fielded it's complete roster 1 time this season. Still that being said that was not an excuse for what we saw today. The Raptors just have trouble with athletic teams and despite the Sixers poor record they are athletic. This is why the Raptors playing the Hawks in the playoffs could be a bad draw for Toronto. On March 17th they will get a chance to change minds on that but today's game was another example of why that likely is a terrible match-up.

Before the game got going, I sat and watched Bosh warming up. He seemed to be doing O.K. Making more than missing. Bosh had 12 points and 12 rebounds in his return and played over 30 minutes. He did leave briefly from the Raptors bench. However he confirmed post game everything was o.k he just was getting a re-tape job on his injured ankle. Bosh as Triano said post game seemed to have his timing a bit off and I noticed at times he did seem a bit winded and took some time to get back on D on a couple of occasions. Still the Raptors have to be happy to have him back despite the result today.

Some of the same issues that were problems during Bosh's absence remained problems in his return. for example with defense or lack there of, in terms of the 3 point line. Sixers shot a stunning 75% from behind the arc. Thaddeus Young and rookie Jrue Holiday were both 3-4 behind the arc. Young had a career high 32 points and goes to the impressive list of stars that have their career high vs Toronto that includes the league's best 2 players Kobe and Lebron. Holiday had 21 as well for Sixers. Everyone in the starting 5 for Sixers reached double digits.

If there was a lone bright sport for the Raptors beyond the return of CB4, Marco Belinelli lives, as he led the bench with 11. Jarrett Jack had a strong game as well with 20 points and 9 assists and 4 steals. Raptors played fairly even with Sixers in both the 1st and 4th but lost this game in the middle. Sixers scored 65 of their 114 points in the middle quarters.

So the Raptors hit the road and have some things to work out. I wondered if trying to figure those things out on the road might be easier for the Raptors. Chris Bosh chimed in with his thoughts on that.

CB4 Post Game

DNB Productions

Bosh and the Raptors fly out to the west coast tonight with the sting of the 114-101 loss to Philly fresh in their minds. Although Bosh also said that as for today you have to forget it and move on. I agree in part with that. But don't forget the reasons why you lost. The Lakers are up next and just in case they might have taken the Raptors lightly. No problem Phil Jackson only needs to pop in the tap of the loss to the Raptors at the ACC. Oh and Ron Ron has hair looking like Dennis Rodman these days. If for no other reason that is reason to tune in Tuesday.

A win for the Raptors will be tough but a 2-2 trip is essential and a 3-1 trip is possible. However if the Raptors don't sure up their defensive problems quickly it could go very wrong and go 0-4. As Bosh said every game counts now. Also you have to figure every game counts towards the decision he has to make in the summer as well. No pressure at all...Just Win Raptors.

Or the next time Chris Bosh Finally comes back to Toronto it may not be as a Raptor next season. That honestly can not happen if this teams hopes to remain a competitive club.

An Unimportant Note:

Also my head made it into C.B.4's post game comments. This is the first time to my knowledge more then my pudgy hand has got on camera. I am 6ft tall and look like a smurf in comparison to CB4. So now there is video evidence of me being at the ACC. according to my Twitter account I was also spotted on the Go-Train heading home. Not that I am ever in Toronto a lot but if you do read the blog and recognize me feel free to come say hello. I am very friendly and do not bite.

Raptors Rewind- Welcome To Second Half Edition

The Raptors ironically start the second half of season begins for the Raptors the same as the first vs the Cleveland Cavs. This time on the road in the home of the Rock and Roll hall of fame....Cleveland Ohio. Shaq with just 1 basket will reach 28,000 points in his career that has spanned 4 teams and many awards both team and individually along the way. Raptors have as I mentioned this morning lost 9 straight games at the Cleveland. Both teams are 7-3 in their last 10 games and the eyes of America will be watching on NBA-TV as this is just 1 of 2 games in the NBA after a busy schedule on the MLK day holiday in the United States. Big challenge for the Raptors so let's see how they make out.

1st Quarter

Raptors win the tip but fail to score and LBJ drives to the basket scores and draws an early foul on Hedo Turkoglu. Cavs would make it 2 straight baskets and Shaq had his milestone. A second quick foul on Hedo and he did not last 2 minutes in the first quarter. Demar Derozan finally got Raps on the board with a jumper to break a 6-0 Cavs run to start the game. Bosh would find DD to make it back to back buckets for the rookie from USC. Bargnani scored and was fouled but could not make the and 1. But the run would not stop as Demar an early 6 points. Shaq and Bosh trade baskets Raps had an early 10-8 edge. Mo Williams and Cris Bosh trade 2 point efforts and the Raps after a slow beginning trading blow for blow with the Cavs.

J.J Hickson missed on an alley oop earlier but drove to the basket and scored with Bargs on him. Jack would score to restore the 2 point lead. Mo Williams would even it up at 16 all. Call off the shooting guard search as Demar DeRozan on fire with 8 early with another basket this one in the paint. Mo Williams hit a corner 3 and Wright answered with a quick 2 as he was seeing early time thanks to Hedo's quick two fouls. Raptors looking solid up 20-19. Am I crazy to think the Cavs might be the best match-up for the Raptors come April? A win tonight and maybe not.

Big Z in the game and hit a jumper to give the Cavs the lead 21-20. Lebron draws contact and gets to the line extends the lead to 3 at the line. Wright obvious upset about his F grade in the DNB midterm ratings score and is fouled and ties it up at 23. Heir Canada lives and keep the game tied after a Cleveland score to make it 25 all we are under 2 to go in an entertaining first quarter. Andrea Bargnani for 3 and it goes...Raps on top 28-25. But Lebron James would drive score draw the foul and make the and 1....After 1 and it was even at 28.

2nd Quarter

Cavs shooting 61% but only tied with the Raptors. D needs to pick it up but Raps are hanging with the Cavs. Teams trade buckets to make it 30 all. Delonte West hit a 3 off a broken play and Hedo off the bench with an answer for 3. Raptors lead 35-34. Marco Belinelli back from the flu a long 2 would make it a 3 point lead. Raps are having some issues as Mo Williams the latest to nail a 3 from corner and Cavs on top 39-37. Jose Calderon a nice jumper for 2 and Shaq puts the Cavs back on top with the 2 and was fouled but it's Shaq no and 1.

Marco Belinelli appears to be healthy as he slams one down to to give Raps a 42-41. Raptors were battling hard with the Cavs and Shaq gave Chris Bosh a love tap let's call it. CB4 answers with his jumper and Raps lead 46-45. He would get to the line later and again give Raps lead back at 48-47. Bosh is the Raptors answer with 10 in the corner and for 3 rd straight time giving the Raps the lead back. Then back to back baskets would make it a 3 point lead 52-49 Raps. Hedo gets his 3rd foul and teched up and good bye Hedo at least for rest of the half. Cavs would make the Tech and would go on to take the lead 53-52. James was getting the benefit of some calls and the Raptors were getting frustrated and now Wright would get teched up. The Cavs as result had built a 5 point advantage with score 57-52. Andrea a big 3 late has cut lead to just 2 with score 59-57. Ex-Raptor A.P answers with 3. However Wright would answer that with 3. Defense not on the menu as Cavs lead 62-60.

3rd Quarter

Raps are putting on a solid show for the folks south of the border but could they shock the folks tuning in on NBA-TV? Shaq and Jack trade buckets and were off and running in the 3rd. Bosh a score he has 18 already and Mo Williams answers with a long 2. G-Tech team up as Jack answers with a 3 ball and Raptors buzzing down just 1 with score 68-67. LBJ was dropping dimes as well as buckets his 7th dime of the night a great pass to Hickson for a dunk. Demar DeRozan show NO FEAR as he drives it at Shaq and gets whacked and head to line and drains a pair. But some vintage A.P with Parkerville Court in Cleveland now as he dials up a 3. Later though Anrea Bargnani would answer with a 3 and we were tied at 73.

Jarrett Jack is fearless as well as he also drives and get walloped by the Big Shaq Diesel. This was a heck of a battle going on. Demar DeRozan would give the Raps the lead. But Anderson Varejao would score and draw a foul to tie the game at 77 with his free throw to come after a time out. Varejao would make the and 1 and Raps a quick miss and James score. James miss and Varejao put back lead climbs to 5. Bargnani breaks up the run only to have Williams hook up James for the easy score. Jack and Parker trade baskets and Cavs lead 86-81. Amir Johnson in the game and making an impact with a block on Varejao. Raptors were is a battle trailing 86-83 to the Cavs.

Mo Williams another corner 3 as he must have a rental agreement with Parker on Parkervillie court...Hit a big 3 and Cavs have a 6 point lead. Moments later Williams would check out of game clutching his shoulder. Raptors were struggling to close out the 3rd as the lead had expanded to 8. A Lebron James turnaround 3.....NO....Whew...Raps escape quarter still down 8.

4th Quarter

Raptors will need a strong push if they want to stay in the running to win the game. Raps went the last 3:52 of the 3rd without a field goal. Marco Belinelli starting the quarter strong with 2 then later a 3 ball and Calderon would score and Raptors had cut lead to just 3.Cleveland call a time out and turnover the basketball out of time out. Hedo tries for 3 to tie and his struggles continue as he missed. Bargnani the big block and the long 2 Raptors on a 9-0 run and down just 1. A costly turnover for CB4 and Cavs score in transition to end the run.

Marco Belinelli making and impact in his return to the line up as he makes the pretty reverse lay up as he leaked out on the break. Bosh another turnover on let's just say a suspect offensive 3 second call. Raptors sitll down just 1 with score 95-94. Mo Williams back in the game and shoulder must be ok as he nails a 3. Hedo a miss and Cavs make them pay. 100-94 Cavs a Lebron James slam makes it 102-94 and Cavs answering the bell with a 7-0 run.

Raptors had been fought hard the whole night long but down the stretch Cavs looking like the Eastern Conference leaders that they are. Still over 3 minute to play but Cavs looking well in control of things. However Raps refusing to go away as they trail 104-100. Jose Calderon does to one thing well on D at times and that is drawing charges and he draws a key one down the stretch in this one. Bosh has been muted by the Cavs with just 3 points in the half and he attempted a jumper and missed it. James draws a foul and that is 5 on Andrea and James makes the free throws and the lead is 6. In the final moments Demar Derozan getting minutes worth noting. Bosh another costly turnover late and that will likely seal it.

Raptors will not find the winners circle on this night but it was a good effort overall with some glaring exceptions but overall this team hung with the best team in the East. Raptors fall 108-100 and are 21-21 but they did show they can hang with just about anyone. If you are honest with yourself did you actually think the Raptors would win tonight? The answer is likely know. But they did play a good competitive game for 4 quarters and that is something to build from. People will take Hedo and Bosh to task no doubt. However Raptors got great contributions from Bellinelli and Wright with a combined 26 points which made up for some of that. There is really not much folks can say to defend Hedo with just 3 points in a big game. He was in part brought in for his ability to perform in the clutch and in big games. As a Raptor we have seen little of that. In terms of Bosh he had a really bad second half after getting off to a great start and looked on pace to have a great night through 2.

When you take who you were cheering for out of the equation that was a very entertaining basketball game and folks on NBA TV in the U.S got to see a solid performance from Canada's NBA team.

DNB Notebook- Raps vs Knicks

The Raptors head to NYC tonight and will be taking on the Knicks. I will be at the controls live blogging this one for The Score.com. In fact doing the next 2 games for The Score. If you have not come to check out a liveblog before it can be a fun experience as you watch the game. If you have to miss the game it can help you keep in the loop on what your missing. Score Mobile has apps for both Iphone and Blackberries. I do my best to make it a fun experience for all. I will get direct links later in the day and post them here and on my Twitter account ( @dinonationblog ).

Join me just before 8pm on Score.com and Score Mobile < Raptors vs Knicks LiveBlog

This game was originally scheduled to be on ESPN but after the terrible start for the Knicks and a not so hot start for the Raptors it was dropped from the schedule. So it will be a later start at 8pm. Ironically both the Knicks and Raptors have improved since getting the boot from ESPN. Overall the Knicks and Raptors have had a close all time series with the Knicks holding a 28-25 advantage. The Knicks are 18-9 at MSG vs the Raps though all-time. The teams split their 4 game series last season. The teams were once considered rivals meeting up in the playoffs in back to back seasons. Andrea Bargnani lead the Raptors in scoring vs the Knicks last season averaging 21.8 points in the 4 games. Gallinari and Andrea Bargnani could start to develop a rivalry battling for best NBA player out of Italy. Marco Belinelli may not go according to Eric Smith on the Fan 590. He is under the weather and may miss out on Italian Heritage Night at MSG. Also in doing my research did you know that Chris Duhon and Jarrett Jack are cousins? It is no T-Mac and V.C but something I stumbled on that I did not know.

Raptors will need to be on high alert for 3 balls as the Knicks average 26 attempts from beyond the arc only connecting on about 33% of those attempts. As I noted earlier in the week the Knicks got crushed on the boards in the win over the Sixers. David Lee has made it back to the team in time for this one after being away for a death in his family. He is expected to start. Lee was huge in that win for the Knicks and scored the winning basket in the win over Philly. This in the Knicks first game back after 3 on the road where they went 1-2.

Raptors come in well rested after blowing a 23 point lead to the Pacers on Monday. Hedo Turkoglu missed practice on Wednesday but is back and will play. Reggie Evans is also on the trip but no word on when Reggie will finally make his debut with the Raptors. If I was the Raptors I would keep that info under my hat and just one night have Reggie ready to go.

Demar DeRozan found out last night he is going to All Star Weekend and the NYC media was paying him a lot of attention as a result. It will be interesting to see how all this impacts on DeRozan making his first trip to MSG as a professional. Demar did play at MSG as a high schooler so this is not his first time stepping on the MSG floor. Last night in my rush to post the news about Demar DeRozan getting in this dunk off with Eric Gordon, I totally forgot Jamario Moon getting in the dunk contest. Much like Jamario totally forgot to play defense at times. So thanks to the person who left the comment reminding me.

Raptors really need to take advantage of the fact they play in the weak Atlantic Division and that means beating the Knicks, Nets and Sixers. It seems pretty clear that they can't beat Boston. So that makes those 12 other in Division games all the more vital for the Raptors.

Raptors Turning The Corner?

The Toronto Raptors have now won 7 of their last 8 games and climbed the mountain all the way back to .500 in early January. A place they have not been since Mid-November. Allen Iverson will not like this but the fact the Raptors have had more time to practice seems to be paying off.The schedule has turned not just in the quality of competition but in the number of games the Raptors are facing. The Raptors are also getting healthy at the right time as well. It was a good return to the line-up for Jose Calderon last night. He was the typical Jose on offense and there were not any off those noticeable defensive breakdowns. Jarrett Jack was not at his greatest in the 4th last night but now the Raptors have options. Triano continues to use Jack and Calderon together at times as well. When the Raptors have Jack, Calderon and Turkoglu on the floor together it makes for some very interesting options. Those 3 along with Bosh and Bargnani can be very interesting. All 3 guys can play as the point and it has to be a headache to defend that group.

In terms of Bargnani that was one of the more complete games of his NBA career last night. He was very solid on the defensive end and was effective offensively as well. He did end up fouling out but it was a great all around performance. In the past the Raptors would have turned to a Rasho Nesterovic in games vs Dwight Howard. However not last night and that speaks to the faith that they have in Andrea on the defensive end of the floor. When Andrea challenges himself to play good defense he has proven to be beyond a capable defender at the 5 spot. The fact he worked hard to add some extra pounds has been a big help to him on that end of the floor. It has not had a negative effect on his offense to any degree. It makes him even more scray when he decides to take the ball to the hoop.

There was a time with the Lakers where Kobe Bryant did not have much faith in Andrew Bynum. I think even thought it has never been said Chris Bosh has wondered the same things about Andrea. This is not to say that Bosh is Kobe or Andrea is Bynum they are not. However the idea of the star believing in the young player is the same situation. Bosh will often talk about this team needing Andrea to be successful and he is starting to answer that call more times and not just on the offensive end. In fact some would make the argument that Andrea is doing a better job on the defensive end than Bosh. I am not here to say that they are wrong, last night they were not for sure.

Demar DeRozan continues to show signs of growth on the floor. He was 6 for 6 before he missed last night. They were all jumpers and not one dunk to be found. Now I am not endorsing that DeRozan become a jump shooter. I think we have more than enough of those guys on this team. However if he can proof the he can make his shots it will force guys to play him not just to drive. When that starts to happen he can use his best skills of driving and slashing to the basket and making the dunks happen. He has had his struggles on defense at times but the learning process continues. However I give great credit to Jay Triano and the organization for sticking with him in the starting line-up. If Sam Mitchell had one downfall it was how he dealt with Andrea Bargnani. Sam did not have the patience or the willingness to let him play through mistakes. Triano has been given credit for the development of Bargnani under him and eventually he should be getting credit for Demar as well. Sam did do a good job in helping Chris Bosh grow to where he is at thought. Sam pushed Bosh and got him to the point that he is a multi-time all star. That should not be forgotten.

I have liked the chemistry between certain combos on this team. Last night there was some of that between Bargnani and Belinelli. I tend to refer to it as team Italy and you can see the natural chemistry between the two. Belinelli is often talked about in terms of his shooting but he is a sold passer and that shines the brightest when those passes are going to Bargnani. Jack and Bosh have shown that natural chemistry at times as well although it was not a great night for that duo last night in Orlando. The overall ability of this team to move the basketball as a group is impressive. Even now in January you still see moments where guys are still not on the same page. However the reality of things is you want to be playing your best ball in April when it matters most.

I am convinced based on what I have seen in the Eastern Conference to this point that the Raptors are a playoff team. When you look ahead to the schedule especially in February, it would be shocking to me if Raptors were not pretty much a lock for playoffs by March 1st. What the question is shifting to for me is can this team advance once they get there. On that front I am not at all convinced yet. If you believe that the top 4 teams in the East will remain the same which I do. Then the question becomes who can the Raptors beat in a 7 game series? Boston, Cleveland and Orlando to me seem like they would not be beatable at this point in that scenario. The only other team is the Atlanta Hawks a team that has always seemed to own the Raptors. They are just the perfect foil to the Raptors. So that would not look like a good match-up as well. That is what I am looking at is if the Raptors can change my mind and convince me they can beat any of those 4 teams in a 7 game set.

Still that being said the Raptors are heading in the right direction. Also the Hawks have hit the skids of late. If the Raptors could some how work their way up to 4th would that change my mind? It might help change it but 4th place is a long way off at this point. Things are heading the right direction and even Reggie Evans has yet to be added to the mix. Things are starting to look good on that front and will see how that impacts on this team. They are starting to show signs of being able to play better D. Adding the rebounding and toughness of Reggie to the mix in a duo with an Amir Johnson could be very fun to watch.

I think when you take a step back and look at the Raptors Schedule with an objective eye really they are not that far off the pace you would think they would or should have been at prior to the season. So to answer the question in the title for me the Raptors have or are turning a corner in my mind. Now we will see what this team can do. If they can be successful the odds on Chris Bosh staying will likely grow along with their win total. Raptors earned a day off today before they play Philly on Friday.

Raps Close 2009 On The Posiitive Tip

It is always a lot different checking out a game at the ACC rather than at home. It was a pretty decent sized crowd with the Bobcats paying a visit to the ACC. Actually was in a new spot checking out the game last night. Normally I am way up high but I was down in the lower bowl next stop press row. Just kidding truth is I just feel fortunate to be covering games. It has been a year of learning for me and it has been a great experience. Each time it gets a little easier and I don't feel as much like...what the heck am I doing here? It is a different perspective to get to be around the players and see them off the floor as well as on it. I mean you can watch the post game media scrums and get a little sense of it. There is lots of other stuff though that you don't see on Raps T.V.

The best example for me is Chris Bosh talking proud about his hometown Cowboys. There is not a lot I have in common with Chris Bosh I would imagine, but we do have that. Never asked him this but I wonder who Chris thinks is hotter right now? His Boys or his Cowboys? Both are riding high heading into 2010. But seeing as this is a basketball blog will stick to the Raptors. Another fun thing that goes on is the verbal banter between Sonny Weems and Demar DeRozan. There has been an on going friendly debate on who would win a dunk off between the 2 players. Both claim that it is no contest and that the other would lose. Nothing like some internal competition. The point to all of this is you get to see a little of what all these guys are like as people beyond stats on a sheet.

On the injury front still no clear idea on when Jose Calderon or Reggie Evans will return. Jay Triano said prior to the game that Jose is starting to do some things but does not expect him back in the near future. Best case scenario he is still a couple weeks away. In terms of Reggie it is still very much in the dark. More on him later on but there is a game to talk about. It was a pretty good game at that. It would see another Raptor go down with an injury. Hedo Turkoglu left the game at halftime with a bruised knee. The injury did not happen in the game though as it was said by Jay Triano that the knee had been bruised in practice.

The Game, almost forgot about that. The Bobcats for whatever reason can not play well on the road. At least not well enough to win. They had to feel some level of confidence though playing the Raptors who they had scored their largest win in franchise history against. This would turnout to be a very scrappy affair at the ACC. The Bobcats to a lesser extent offer many of the same problems that a team like the Hawks do for the Raptors. Raptors would get a solid effort from both Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani through out the night. When both Bosh and Bargnani have it going on the same night the Raptors make for a tough win for anyone.

The Raptors on the defensive end did not do a good job in terms of shooting percentage but what they did successfully was force Bobcats into turnovers. Triano in the post game press conference suggested that he wanted his team to take chances and be aggressive. The Raptors were very scrappy through out the night. They would fall behind in the battle on glass but would fight back and eventually win the battle.They would edge Bobcats 36-35 including 17 of those 36 on the offensive end. The Raptors would trail at the half 56-55 on the scoreboard after the had held the lead for the majority of the half.

The Raptors would get off to a slow start in the 3rd and it was not looking good for a time. They continued to fight and would eventually take the lead the lead back and Marco Belinelli would hit a clutch shot at the end of the quarter to take a 84-80 lead into the 4th. It was a quite the battle in the 4th. A foul by Marcus Banks would draw a crowd and draw a crowd. This team has come a long way from that team vs Boston that many questioned. When Bosh was hit below the belt and there was little to no reaction to it. Those days seem like a long time ago as this group really seems to have come together. In the end it would be Bosh and Bargnani that would combine on the key play to win it. A kick out to Bargnani and open look from 3 that Bargnani would drill to give the Raptors a 104-100 lead. Bosh had 33 and Bargnani 28 in the 107-103 win.

Bosh on Bargnani- "Andrea we need him to play. He's done a very good job, He did a spectacular job tonight. We need him to score and play good defense"

So the Raptors close out 2009 winning 5 in a row. Jarrett Jack has been running the offense through this stretch. Jarrett Jack said that it was more about defending home court as much as it was about closing the year on a streak.

Jarrett Jack- " I think for one, we came back and we took care of home court for the most part. Anytime you come into your building you want to use that to your advantage. When you go on the road you can use that rhythm that you build when you go on the road. That is definitely what were going to need when you go to a hostile place like Boston."

Jack also talked about there being a college like vibe in terms of the hustle and taking charges. Just an overall more aggressive attitude and approach. He said that the knocks this team had taken in the past in terms of toughness were in the past and this team has a new attitude about things. There was no talk about what happens when Jose eventually comes back. Jarrett Jack is not going to go there and that is likely a good thing. What is clear though is Jack really is growing into a leader on this team on and off the floor. It is not expected that Jose will be back for some big match-ups vs Boston, San Antonio and Orlando. If Jack plays well in these upcoming games it will only strengthen the case he should remain in the starting 5. Whatever ends up happening this should be a lot less toxic a situation. What would the Raptors be without some drama at the point guard spot.

Besides things are going well and the Raptors enter 2010 just 1 game below .500. Which when you looked at the schedule they have faced is not really all that bad. I will have some more stuff on Reggie and Demar later today before the DNB closes up shop for 2009.

Raptors Rewind- No Win Situation

Leading up to this one I had said it real is a no win situation for the Raptors. If they win tonight by 30 it will be a case of so what. After all the Nets are 2-24 and have lost their last 5 basketball games. If they happen to lose a Raptor fan base on the brink of total meltdown will go mental. It really is a tough spot to be in for the Raptors. However given how things have been of late I don't think they will care. Just get a win over anyone at this point will be a positive. A couple other positives as well. Prior to this game Reggie Evans was seen on the floor taking some shots. We can only hope that means a Reggie return may be coming soon. Also the Raps are busting out the Huskies uniforms and the Huskies are 1-0 this season. Hey when things are not going well I am willing to take any positive I can get. So if you are afraid close your eyes cause this one is about to start. Raptors will try to avoid what for fans would be a Doomsday like scenario with a loss to the Nets.

1st Quarter

Quick basket from Hedo to start things in a very empty ACC. This is odd with no V.C. Jack to Bosh for another score and Raps get a 4-0 jump start. Nets would score but then Hedo would find a cutting Demar Derozan who would throw it down and draw the foul. The Raps would jump out to a 9-2 lead and look very impressive doing it. The good play would continue as Bosh would get to the line and make a couple free throws as he gets closer to becoming the all-time leader in franchise scoring. Raptors were looking good ahead 15-6.

Even Andrea Bargnani was on target hitting a 3 ball and the Raps lead 18-8 and for those who care the silly 3 point streak marches on. Nets were making sloppy turnovers as we are learning just why this team was 0-18 an NBA record for the worst start ever in NBA history. Bargnani with another 3 and Raps were more than doubling the Nets 26-12. A steal and a Sonny Weems throw down would make it 28-12. Derozan had the dime on the dunk and later Sonny would return the favour. It was a dunkathon at the ACC and Amir Johnson would get in on the act as well Raptors were crushing the Nets and having fun for first time in awhile. Raptors had 18 points in the pain part of the 34-12 lead they had built. Can you believe folks were worried about this game(Myself included) it seems it was not necessary...Raptors leading 37-15 with 11 assists on those 37 points. Weems put back and Raptors lead 39-15 after 1.

2nd Quarter

Marcus Banks makes a 3 pointer to make it 42-17 yeah this game is done. He hit another 3 and it is 47-17 this is unreal. This was getting so bad some people were tweeting they felt bad for the Nets. Screw that I say as Hedo hits a shot in the lane and Raptors lead 51-19. Honestly the Nets are just a terrible basketball team and the Raptors were playing at a very HIGH level. It was nice to see the Raptors not worry about what was in front of them and just play hard and not let up.

Raptors got a CB4 put back jam and the lead was 57-26 and we still had just under 4 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter. It was the Raptor putting up 60 as Hedo hit a 3 pointer and it was 60-26. The beat down was in full effect and I really don't have much to say about it. Raptors were rolling and took a 70-33 lead at the half. Nets had 16 turnovers at the half leading to 22 of that massive Raptors halftime total.

3rd Quarter

Hedo would hit a 3 to start the second and Demar would swat a Lee shot but it would get ruled goaltending. Don't care though I love the message it sends as Raps lead 73-41. Raptors had actually taken the foot off the gas pedal on the defensive end a bit. But a Bargs slam might get them going again as the lead was back to 30 at 75-45. This was like many nights this season the one difference is the Raptors were handing out the embarrassment for a change.

Raptors really had kind of lost that killer edge in the 3rd quarter but the being said they were still up 83-54. The game as a whole seemed to just be in slow motion for both teams at times. A real summer league feel to the second half for both sides. The Nets have improved and quit the turnovers for the most part but far to late for the them. Jack was looking fantastic tonight and hooked up Amir Johnson with a dunk and Raptors lead 94-60 after 3.

4th Quarter

Sonny Weems had a dunk fans had Pizza and it was 100-62 to we need to say anything else about this one? Banks hits a jumper and the lead was 40.....108-68 this was a throw down a show down hell no I can't slow down....Raps reserves were still keeping up the beat down. About the only down point on the night is Marco Belinelli continued to struggle and this was a night he could have shook off his slump. and even though I give him verbal beatings on him on Twitter. Marcus Banks had double digits points. He hit a 3 as I was typing that and he has 15. The score is 116-95 Raps. The final score would end up 118-95. Amir Johnson was big with 18 points 2 away from his career high of 20 with the Pistons.

I admit watching this was a lot of fun. In the light of day tomorrow I will come to grips with this was just a win over a team the Raptors should beat everyday of the week and twice on Sunday but for now I will enjoy this one. Raptors move up to 12-17 and hopefully the Raptors can carry some of this over to the game vs the Hornets on Sunday. Raptors had 7 players in double figures on the night. I did say at the start of this it was a no win situation for the Raptors but maybe that was unfair. It is clear this team was able to enjoy a win together as a team and maybe that is a win. Will see on Sunday.

Jack Armstrong Makes A Holiday Visit To The DNB

Well tonight was not pretty in Orlando. I live blogged the game for The Score so if you want to get the blow by blow of another though loss for the Raptors you can check it out on The Score.com. Jack Armstrong just returned from Florida as he called the first half of this back to back in Miami which was also a disappointing, to say the least, defeat to Miami. One of the things I have always admired and respected about Jack is his honesty in his thoughts and opinions about this team over the years. He was no different today, when I had a chance to talk with him prior to the Orlando Magic game tonight. Unfortunately the audio is not the greatest. However the conversation that we had was. So I hope that it will not impact to greatly on your listening enjoyment. I did the best I could to make the problems less of a distraction. Sometimes in dealing with cell phones it can be hit or miss. We get into a conversation about the general frustration that has been the Toronto Raptors. I ask some questions that call on Jack and his experience as a coach. He was at one time the youngest coach in Division 1 College basketball in the NCAA. We talk about a number of the issues for Jay Triano. Also we talk about this team and it's lack of defense and inconsistency. In addition 2 players that Jack had said he has been personally disappointed with in Hedo and Marco. Along with some thoughts on the Raptors point guard situation once Jose Calderon returns. Which is still very much up in the air. This along with what I reference as the Elephant in the room in Chris Bosh's contract status in the midst of this down period for the basketball team. We do have a little fun at the end of all of this. Jack is kind enough to do a little something for me as a bit of a birthday gift for the Dino Nation Blog's biggest fan....My mom. It is her birthday today and she is a big fan of snow. Not something we share. So hopefully you all enjoy this Christmas time visit with Jack Armstrong. I personally think that to have Jack working for the Raptors is a great gift for anyone that is a fan of the sport and the Raptors all year long.

JacK Armstrong in Starting 5

DNB's Starting 5 Podcast

I want to wish Jack and his family all the best this Christmas and to all of you that ready the Dino Nation Blog may you and your families enjoy this holiday season as well. It may not be the greatest time for the Raptors right now, but in this holiday season do not let it turn you into a scrooge and make sure you still enjoy what life has to offer. Basketball is a great distraction and is great entertainment but it is far from life and death. If you get to the point you have had enough holiday family time the NBA has 5 games on Christmas Day. I remember the old days when it was just one.

All that being said is it to much to ask to hold a team under 60 points in a half? I mean come on....Oh well Happy Holidays from the DNB to all of you.

Raptors Reborn?

I took the weekend to re-charge my battery. But the Dino Nation Blog is back and it appears so are the Raptors. I think be it media or fans we all become pretty skeptical of things. When the Raptors had a meeting and came out of it saying all the right things you still likely were not convinced. When they were able to fight it out and get a win over the Wizards you still might not have been sold. On Saturday the Raptors came out and blew the doors off the Bulls. So I ask you, now do you believe? Even for the most casual fan the differences have been noticeable. You see the team moving around at a much faster level on defense. Some players hitting the deck diving for balls. It was like a brand new Raptors team. The Raptors really were in fact on the verge of having the season fall apart. But 2 wins in a row and the way hey won them have to at least make you feel a little better about this basketball team.

What may have been the most encouraging was Chris Bosh was back playing like Chris Bosh again. He had really gone in the tank after the incident in Boston with Paul Pierce. However whatever did go on in that meeting Chris Bosh seems to have bought in. He just gave you the feeling against the Wizards on Friday he was going to will this team to a win if it killed him. If the Raptors lost Chris Bosh and he had mentally checked out it would have been a long and painful season. However Bosh alone is not enough, as we learned earlier in the year, when he was putting up huge numbers yet the Raps were still struggling to get wins. He has been getting help and it has come from lots of folks.

Demar DeRozan got his career high in points in that terrible loss to the Hawks. It was something that was not really of note given what happened in that game. However since that game he has really picked up his game scoreing double digits in both wins. There was talk the starting line-up was going to change and everyone figured that the first change would likely be Demar. Triano would not make any changes. After how Demar has played in the last 3, it would seem that is starting spot is safe for now.

Jarrett Jack was one of the most vocal about this team and it's lack of performance. He was one of the people front and center in this turn around as well. Things were going so well he was able to stop and tie is shoe during the beat down of the Bulls. It was one of the most bizarre plays I have seen in a lifetime of watching basketball. The Bulls may want to have a meeting like the Raptors did as they looked lifeless and that play with Jack was a glaring example. But Jack was diving for balls and really busting his tail for the Raptors. It could be a moment that Jack has stepped up and become a vocal leader for this team which they clearly need. Bosh has never been one who has been great in that role. He would prefer to lead by example on the floor.

Finally we have seen some effort and results from Hedo Turkoglu. Even Hedo hit the deck for a ball and even won a jump ball. Fans have been deeply disappointed with his performance and rightfully so. He did miss the shot at the end of regulation in Washington but made a key shot in the overtime that would help position the Raps to get the win. Both Hedo and Demar will be moonlighting as male models today. The Raptors are going to show off there Huskies throwback uniforms today at the ACC. Demar and Hedo are expected to be on hand to show them off. Raptors will be wearing those new uniforms when they take on the T-Wolves on Tuesday.

Jose Calderon has been doing better as well. He is even managing to show a little more effort on the defensive end. I have come to accept that Jose is never going to be a good defender but at least you are seeing more of an effort in that regard. One of the other knocks against Jose has been his ability or lack of ability to throw the Alley Oop pass. However he has seemed to have found a chemistry with Demar DeRozan on the other end of that pass. DeRozan joked that Jose has thought him Spanish. So the "Amigo" Alley Oop has been working pretty well for both.

Amir Johnson was a beast against Washington and Marco Belinelli was very good against the Bulls. The Raps bench as a unit has been better with different guys stepping up on different nights. That is what you need to be successful in back to back scenarios which was something this team had clearly not done up until this weekend.

If there is anyone that is still of concern it might be Andrea Bargnani. There was not the noticeable change in his game for me. He was truly brutal most of the night in Washington and still his defense is leaving a lot to be desired. It would not shock me if we eventually see him end up on the bench at some point and playing in the second unit with Belinelli. The hope would be in playing with Marco that he would not go in the tank if he got shifted to the bench.

In general the Raptors effort on defense was far better. The rotations were quicker and there was a much more noticeable effort on that end of the floor. The Raptors seemed to have been embarrassed to the point of coming together and working out there issues defensively. There was just a better energy in how they played and it was nice to see. It is a but frustrating it has taken this long but perhaps the Raptors have turned a corner and will be a better team moving forward. Only time will tell if that meeting in Washington will be pointed to as the turning point of the season. However if you judge it based on what we have seen since it seems clear whatever was said has brought this team together and got everyone fighting hard and playing better basketball. This is what fans have wanted and now we are seeing it so enjoy it as much as you were frustrated by the low points.

3 up and 3 down Edition 2

Time to play once again another edition of 3 up and 3 down. Feel free to play along at home and add your own ideas in the comments. So with that being said let's start with positive vibes of 3 good things going on right now with the Raps or the NBA.

3 Up

1- Chris Bosh has been playing like a champ. The Raptors record of 5-7 may not suggest that but his numbers truly do. He has 10 double doubles and leads the league in that stat. Enjoy all the Bosh you can this season. It would be a shame if he is not here next season. So do yourself a favour and enjoy him while he is. In fact let's take it a step further. Let's all do the best we can as Raptor fans to get this guy voted in to the starting line-up for the All Star Game in his hometown of Dallas. He has given all he has to the Raps his entire career so let's give something back.

2- Marco Belinelli- Proving to be more than just a buddy for Andrea Bargnani to hang out with. A lot more. He has been instant offense off the bench and is fitting in well on this Raptors squad. Will it be long before he gets to co-star in a pasta ad Or maybe he will do so well he will get his very own. Dare to dream. But jokes aside Marco has been pretty good and looks to be a keeper.

3- Antwan Jamison- He is back and my fantasy squad needs him. He came out and had a great performance in a 31 points and 10 rebounds. The Wiz get the upset win over the rival Cleveland 108-91. So welcome back and as much as I need him the Wizards need him more as they are just 4-7 even with the win.

3 Down

1. Raptors D- The house is getting torched and the Raptors have just not had enough effort consistently to be good enough. The Raptors as an organization to a man have talked about defense and it being the key to being successful. So if fans are all fired up as to how they have failed to bring the goods on D, the blame falls to them. If the Raptors said we are going to focus on being a great offensive team and challenge teams to score with us. That would be a different story. However they have sold fans on a platform of defense and now they need to live up to that promise. Much like a political platform the Raps have not delivered on the promise that they made. There is no polls to go to vote out the Raps. However fans will be heard and you can count on that. In fact you are already hearing them.

2. LBJ Retiring 23- I am glad that Lebron James wants to honour M.J. Good for him. However before we all bow to the King. Here is a thought...maybe Lebron James has made up his mind about 2010. If he has and the plan is to stay in Cleveland he will profit from his act of honouring M.J. The same as Kobe did when he swapped 8 for 24. When it comes to retiring the number throughout the entire league I am not down with that. Bill Russell, Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and many other legends have their numbers retired where they played. It was good enough for them. They never bailed to go play baseball for a few years. They never had a comeback in Washington that fell kind of flat when all was said and done. Jordan is on of the greatest of all time, some will say the greatest. That is fine but he is not Jackie Robinson who had his number retired in all of baseball.He was a pioneer breaking the colour barrier in the sport. Jordan was a great player but he did not change things other than how much money folks can make doing this. Was he a hero for Lebron, Kobe and others it would seem he was. But that is not reason enough to hang 23 in every building in the NBA. Name an award after him or do something to acknowledge him but that is not it.

3. Allen Iverson- Shame on you for bringing God into the farce that was your move to Memphis. That lasted about as long as your rap career. The Answer is not able to figure out the answer to his own problem. Accept that you are now on the other side of your career and take advantage of your skills and go win a ring. There are a lot of guys like Charles Barkley that wish they still had that chance. Don't throw away that chance to make some fast money and save your pride. They say pride goes before the fall. If wearing a Grizzlies jersey was not a big enough fall how about a Knicks one. I had grown to respect A.I over the years. That respect for him is falling fast.

So if you have comments on these or have your own 3up and 3 down let's hear them Dino Nation.

Lucky 13 For Raps?

The Raptors are in the weird and wacky land that is L.A for Friday the 13th. Did you know that Friday the 13th is considered lucky by folks from Italy? Growing up here in Hamilton, I have had many friends who have roots back to Italy. You get a reminder of that every time there is a World Cup going on. You would swear that I had moved to Italy. If you have ever been to Hamilton at that time you know what I am talking about. So if my friends from Italy were telling me the truth that should mean it is a lucky day for Bellinelli and Bargnani tonight. Not sure the background as to why it is considered lucky if someone knows please leave a comment and explain.

The Raptors will take any kind of good fortune they can get going off to the West Coast as not been kind. Speaking of not kind Matt Devlin peels off some dreadful stats about the Clippers in his " Life On The Second Bus" Feature on Raps.com. If you are a younger reader you may not realize the Clippers use to be the Buffalo Braves back in the day as Matt mentions in that feature with Jack Armstrong. Buffalo has been a cursed town with the Bills Super Bowl losses, The Sabres loss in a Stanley Cup on a goal that should not have counted. The Music City Miracle and on and on it goes. Moving to California has not helped the Clippers escape that Buffalo bad luck. The Clippers lost the first round pick Blake Griffin on the eve of the season for 6-8 weeks. They also will be with out their young star in Eric Gordon as well tonight. While the Raptors, despite a hip issue, should have Hedo Turkoglu good to go tonight.

The Raptors really need a win here as no surprise that the Clippers are the easiest team they will face on this trip. The Suns despite losing 121-102 the Lakers the Suns have been on a major tear to start the season. The only other loss they have is to the Orlando Magic. It is important the Raptors do not let the long trip to L.A allow them an excuse to not bring it from the opening tip. When you are a team like the Raptors you can not afford to take anyone or any situation lightly. We have already seen in Memphis and San Antonio cases where the Raptors did and they have to L's to show for it. If the Raps won those 2 games the outlook from this team would be a lot different. 6-2 sounds a heck of a lot better than 4-4 does it not? If the Raptors can return home 6-6 they likely would be a happy group. In order for that to happen there is no question a win over the Clippers has to be part of that equation. After that if they can steal on from the Suns, Nuggets or Jazz you have a 2-2 trip and do not lose any momentum. If the team goes 1-3 or God forbid 0-4 that is not going to be good news. They face a tough 3 game homestand vs Miami, Orlando and an easier one vs the Pacers. Although don't tell T.J Ford and the Pacers that.

No one said that November was going to be easy and as the Raptors advance through this month you are getting to see that. How the Raptors can survive it is to play better on the defensive end. It is clear this team has more than enough offense to get the job done on most nights. They can score with just about anyone in this league. Where the difference happens is the great teams can start strong and finish stronger. I have always felt basketball is on of the hardest sports to come from behind and win. It is like you are trying to climb a mountain. Once you get to the top and get back to level or ahead by just 2. Many times the team that has lead throughout will have one final push and get the win. What happened against the Bulls went totally against that logic and is rare. Good teams be they great defensively or not understand when there are those key moments and possessions in game that they need to step it up. The Playoffs only increase in those moments and if a team can not get those stops the odds will catch up with them in the end.

Chris Bosh and his play may not land him on the Tonight Show while in L.A. Even though he did work for them in playoffs when it was Jay Leno's show. You know when they got good ratings. However his start has been one of the better ones in the NBA. It may get ignored by some because of the Raps 4-4 record but CB4 has been very good. This is also a homecoming for Demar DeRozan who is an L.A kid. He rolls back home on the momentum of his best game as a pro. It should be a big thrill for him to be playing at the Staples Center and better to do that the first time against the Clippers and NOT THE LAKERS!!!

Perhaps the worst thing about the Raptors failures on the west coast in the past is that you have to stay up so late to watch them fail. It is no fun to watch a game that starts at 10:30 and come out on the losing end of it. That does not send you to bed with happy thoughts. Here is hoping the Raps get a win and send Raps fans to bed with a positive attitude and a 5-4 record. Losing to the Clippers no matter the circumstances is always a tough pill to swallow.

The Morning After Glow

If you are a Toronto Raptor fan and did not wake up with a huge smile on your face, I got a question for you. What the heck is wrong with you? Last night was an incredible performance and really shocking for anyone that paid the least bit of attention to the pre-season. I am reminded how Sam Mitchell talked about not knowing what guys had until the lights came on for real. Well last night was the real deal and the Raptors answer the bell in a major way. The most shocking of it all was the way this team played on the defensive end of floor. Shaq last year had called out Bosh and along with calling him the Rue Paul line, he said that he made him quit. Well there was not quit to be found in Bosh or any of the Raptors last night. Last season there was always talk about playing a full 48 minutes. A dip in the 3rd quarter that saw Cleveland battle back to tie the game at 69 the Raptors gave that effort. I am only a sports fan of one team in Toronto but for those who are not they finally have a winner. The Argos, Leafs, Blue Jays and Toronto FC all have had disappointing seasons to date. This Raptor win was like a shining star in a very dark time on the T.O Sports scene.

As good as everything went last night, it all can be washed away with a loss in Memphis. The Raptors must have continued effort and not let up against the them. Memphis is a mess and Allen Iverson has yet to suit up for the team God told him to go to. Thabeet in his NBA debut did not have as good a time as Demar DeRozan. His team lost and he did not score a point in his NBA debut and only had 2 rebounds. Demar had 5 playing at shooting guard. I have been very disappointed in Thabeet's progress after being drafted second. O.J Mayo and Rudy Gay and the rest of the Grizzlies seem doomed for a very long season. The Raptors would lose everything that they gained from a win vs Cavs if they stubbed there toe and lost to Memphis.

If you were one of the people that doubted Andrea Bargnani... please join me in saying sorry. I was one of many that doubted if Andrea Bargnani could ever be great. Well if you don't consider him great yet, you have to at least admit he is on the verge of greatness. The one player that from when I was in Ottawa until now, that has looked solid to me has been Bargnani. He is adding tools to his game and was showing some of them last night. A very nice up and under move in the second half was something Andrea never had even a year ago. He now has a running mate from Italy in Marco Belinelli who actually struggled in the pre-season but had a great debut himself.

The Raptors in fact announced just today, that they are picking up the 4th year option on Belinelli's contract. Which will keep the 2 players together through 2010/11 season. Andrea of course signed his extension in the summer for 50 million. Which if you base it on last night may end up looking like a steal moving forward. It is a tandem that should be good for both players going forward. Andrea seems a lot more comfortable on and off the floor and adding Marco just adds to that.

Antonie Wright last night reminded me of Morris Peterson on the defensive end last night. He was taking charges and hitting the floor. We had all heard the praise of his defense from his former coach in Dallas and it seems that talk was genuine. When Reggie Evans gets back in the mix this team can improve more potentially. The effort we saw last night brought a smile to Reggie Evans face on the bench. He was not alone in that smile as one of the biggest concerns for most fans. Jay Triano had said a few weeks back that the defense was process and that he was not concerned with the lack of perimeter defense we had seen that was so glaring in the pre-season. Well I guess he knows what he was talking about. Although Cleveland did make some 3's to get back in that game briefly in the 3rd.

Chris Bosh had a hard night in terms of shooting. However when you get 16 rebounds and do a solid job on the defensive end that can be forgiven. Jose Calderon and Jarrett Jack marriage looked to be working well. Calderon also had a terrible night shooting and even missed 2 straight free throws. However he had 10 assists and worked well with both him and Jack on the floor. In terms of Jack you saw a few glimpses of the chemistry he had and has with Chris Bosh. The two former Yellow Jackets looked solid on the floor together. The easiest way to put all the Bosh talk of 2010 to the side is for this team to win. If this team is a success that is the best selling point to keep Chris Bosh here going forward.

So the 15th season of Raptors basketball got off to a very positive start. Here is hoping that it will continue moving forward. There is still a very challenging schedule that lies ahead but a much more positive outlook for fans when they look ahead at it. The Raps did start 3-0 last season but they did not beat a team to the level of the Cavs in that stretch. This is a new team and a very different attitude and look. Have to say after the debut..I like it and I like it a lot!!!

Raptors Rewind Returns Shaqtastically

A brand new season of Raptors Rewind on the Dino Nation Blog. The Cleveland Cavs with Shaq, Lebron and a couple ex-raps provide the opposition. The Raps limped into the season with a 2-6 pre-season record and a terrible loss to the T-Wolves. Major concerns about the Raptors defense and Reggie Evans out of the opening day line-up. While the Cavs rolled into Toronto off a loss to the Celtics that had to have left a bad taste in their collective mouths. The Cavs early in that game looked like a team on a mission and made me feel very secure in picking them to win the NBA finals. It all seemed to look like the perfect mix for a Raptor loss in the home opener. Well will see if it is or it isn't. Demar DeRozan win or lose is going to make his NBA debut as a starter with his family on hand at the ACC to take it all in. I really have become a fan of Demar. So much so that beyond Bosh he has become my second favourite player on the squad. What can he do in his debut? Going to find out that as well. There are about 100 other questions that need answers but I don't think there is enough time to list them all. How will the defense do against one of the top 3 teams in the Eastern Conference? Will Hedo Turkoglu hear the bell go off for the start of the season? Wright has hardly played what can he bring to the table? Those are just a few off the top of my head. Time for answers is here it is game time in Toronto. Well it will be after this over the top intro to kick off season number 15 of Raptors Basketball. It is opening night, but man this is a little much for my tastes...Maybe I am just getting old. I think Shaq is the only guy playing in this game that is older than me...NEVER RETIRE SHAQ!!! You make me feel young. Like Shaq is reading the Dino Nation Blog right? But if you know Shaq please pass along the message. So here is hoping this will not be a painful experience. Oh and also tell him that Rue Paul comment was MEAN!!!

1st Quarter

Here we go time to tip it up in the T-dot. I forgot to mention really nice response for AP and well deserved. Like I said time to get this show on the road. Bosh and Shaq on the tip and Bosh wins it. Andrea Bargnani before you can blink with a throw down and it's 2-0 Raps. A couple failed trips for each and a foul on Bargnani on Shaq. Shaq's free throw form is still the same as a Cav...Bad. He misses both. Shaq takes it through a double team from Bosh and Bargnani for the score. An ugly hook as Bosh took it at Shaq likely not a wise idea. Cavs score on the following possession and take the lead. Demar DeRozan takes it from the corner straight to the bucket and draws the foul. He goes 2 for 2 at the line and store that in your memory banks as that will be the first points of many for him in his NBA career. After a Cavs bucket Demar scores again on a jumper. This is followed by a 3 from Bargnani and a steal and another score for him on the break. Raptors lead 11-6 and Cavs along with yours truly are stunned and need a timeout.

James jumper does not fall and on the other end it does fall for CB4. Raptors are flying around like a pack of crazed dogs. This is nothing like what we saw in the preseason at all. Bargnani fouled and goes to the line and drains a pair. Raptors lead 15-6 and this is a perfect start for the Raps. Bosh scores and it is a 13-0 Raps run. O'Neal finally stops the run with a basket. A block and a attempt for 3 for Bargnani no dice. But he would get a 2 the next time down the floor. Andrea Bargnani has come out on fire and so have the Raps. The effort on both ends of the floor has been fantastic. Bargnani scores again and the Raptor lead is 10 at 21-11. Bargnani got a steal and he missed a open dunk. I guess he is human tonight. Lebron James a score and a foul as well he gets the Cavs closer as the lead it cut to 21-15 with a foul shot to come. Andrea takes a seat with 13 points in 9 minutes out of the time out. Lebron remains in the game and hits the and 1. Bosh taps in a basket to get the lead back to a half dozen. Mo Williams for 3 and Raps are on the ropes but still ahead by 3 points. No free throw streak this year for Jose as he missed 2 at the line. Cavs score and get the closest they have been in a long time down just 1. Bosh draws a foul and heads to the line. He makes both and Raps lead back to 3. Raps are up 5 after one and this is pretty surprising but I am not complaining. Raptors lead 27-22 after 1.

2nd Quarter

Both teams not shooting it great but Raps at 39% is better than Cleveland at 33%.Big Z starts the second and gets the score as he now comes of the bench. Heir Canada back in game and scores no nerves for Demar in his big debut. Mo Williams fouled and to the line. He makes a pair. Demar a jumper that did not look good and it did not fall. Basket for Shaq as both he and Big Z on floor together. A foul as well on Bosh his second. Shaq can tie the game but no on the free throw. Bargnani gets an open look for 2 and he makes it. Belinelli draws a foul on Shaq then on the other end hits a jumper off a Bosh pass. Hedo fakes the shot and drives and scores and the Raps lead is back to 7 with the score 35-28 and a time out on the floor.

Jamario Moon with that ill advised 3 that will all know so well. Just like with Toronto it does not fall. Meanwhile Andrea Bargnani is a new man and a scary one at that. Drives to the lane and takes the contact and is back at the line. Makes both and has 17 and the Raptors lead 37-28. James answers with a jumper as he just had checked back in. James with a pretty move and score and Andrea Bargnani answers with a nice up and under move adding tools to his game. Marco Belinelli drives down a wide open lane for a dunk...Time OUT CAVS!!! Down 41-32 to the Raptors was not something to many folks expected.

Out of the time out Leron James drives and draws the foul trying to get his Cavs back on track. He makes both at the line and the lead cut to 7. However Marco Belinelli who struggled in pre-season is not tonight as he takes and makes a 3. The lead expanded to 12 as Hedo was fouled and made 2 at the line. We are not done as Belinelli scores off a curl. Raptor lead it 48-34 and I am starting to wonder if I am watching my X-Box and if this is actually real? Bosh fouled and makes a pair and Raps are 14-16 from line. Ironically the lone to misses by Calderon. Wright in the game and draws a charge and that leads to a Bargnani dunk and he has 21. Raptors lead is 52-36 and this is truly fun to watch. Reggie Evans is enjoying it having a laugh on the bench. Welcome back Rasho Nesterovic as he hits a jumper and the crowd is going crazy at the ACC. Raptors are up 20 and Mike Brown calls a time out. Lebron James has the ball knocked away from his hands and Cavs end up with a shot clock violation out of time out. Belinelli to the line and splits a pair but has 10 off the bench. James gets fouled and heads to the line. James splits a pair at the line and a turnover and a score for Lebron. However the Raptors are up 57-39 at the half. Wow that is all I can say.

3rd Quarter

So can this continue? The Cavs Locker room could not have been a happy place. The ACC on the other hand was a party and the Cavs were only shooting 30% at the half in comparison to the Raps at now a 47% clip. Mo Williams take the ball to the hoop and draws a foul on Bosh and that is 3 for him. Bosh on the other end taking it right at Shaq. Rue Paul that Shaq!!! Bosh had said it was in the past but Brett Favre also said playing the Packers was not about revenge. Bosh missing on a jump shot and Williams (who replaced an injured Bosh in All Star Game Last Year) nailed a 3. Lead has been cut to 14. James drives scores and gets the generous call on the continuation so count the basket. Hedo hits a 3 and gets the Raps offense going again. Score is 61-46 Raptors. Jose drops a dime for Bargnani and Raps have built lead back to 17.

Hedo short on a 3 that would have made the lead 20 again. Gibson makes a 3 ball and that is a 6 point swing in favour of the Cavs. Hedo would get fouled and go to the line. He has a bit more jump to him after a very sleepy preseason. Illegal defense call against the Raps then an AP drive and score and Cavs cut lead to 13. Bosh having a roughing night so far from field just 3 for 11. He missed a short jumper in the lane. Parker nails a 3 and is leading his new team back against his old one as the score now is just 65-55 Raps. Bosh fouled and makes a pair from the line. Wright is the new Moe P as he draws his 3rd charge something Peterson use to do a lot for the Raps back in the day. Cleveland showing signs of life have cut the lead to 65-55.

Mo Williams hit a 3 and the lead is now just 7. After that Bargnani gets called for offensive foul and crowd hates the call as do the Raps. Mo Williams hit a runner and here come the Cavs. Bosh fouled as he was being double teamed. Bosh goes 1 for 2 at line but Raps get rebound but James steals it away and finds Mo Williams for 3 and he nails it and the lead in just 3. Cavs have been using a small lineup with James actually playing at the 4 spot. The Cavs score again and the lead that was once 20 is now just 1. Bosh fouled but misses his first and makes the second. Bosh has 12 rebounds despite the average scoring night so far. James is fouled and can tie the game at the line. He can only get 1 of 2 and Raps lead is just 1 again. Thank you Jamario Moon as he jacks up a terrible shot that is an airball. Just thinking out loud but Moon and his future in Cleveland may not be long based on his play in pre-season and first couple games.

Bosh has the ball stripped by Lebron James and he takes it the other way James is fouled by Jose and he has 4. Enter Jarrett Jack and Lebron with a chance to take the lead can only manage to tie it. Jack finds his fellow Yellow Jacket for the easy 2. Raps back on top 71-69. Wright a pretty spin move and a score. Demar DeRozan make a very long 2 from the corner to make the lead 4 again at 75-71. The Raptors would add 3 more and an AP jumper at the buzzer find only air. Raptors taking a 78-71 lead to the 4th Quarter and honestly who saw this coming? If you did go buy a lotto ticket now.

4th Quarter

Can this Raptor team hold a lead and close this game out? Jack drives and misses to start the 4th. Moon gets fouled and is at the line. If I am Mike Brown he would be glued to the bench by now. He makes second and the lead is 6. Cue Andrea Bargnani who has had a quiet second half but nails a 3 and lead is back to 9. Jack a drive and score and the lead is back to 11 and you know what the Raps may just win this thing. Big Z gets a score out of a time out. He should have been called for a foul but a quick make up call and all is right. Bargnani scores and he has 28 that is 4 touchdowns all converted.

Bosh sneaks out on the break after going for a block and he gets the pass and G-Tech memories as Jack and Bosh hook up again. Raptors lead 87-76 with 8:06 to go. Shaq draws foul number 5 on Andrea and Rasho checks in for him. He does a good enough job to stop Shaq. DeRozan missed on a shot but Rasho there to clean it up for 2. Jack got the ball to the hoop on the drive and it is 91-78. Chris Bosh hits a step back jumper and the lead is 93-78 and under 6 to play.

Time was quickly fading on the Cavs and what I said seemed unthinkable is suddenly becoming very realistic. The Cavs starting 0-2 is rapidly looking to be a reality. Raps have outscored the Cavs 24-9 since the Cavs tied the game at 69. Jack with a bit of an over aggressive play draws a foul. Just 4:32 to play after the fouls shots the score would be 93-80. Gibson hits a 3 and the lead is 10 and Cavs are making one final push. Wright hits a huge 3 that extends the lead back to 13. Put from Parkerville court AP answers with a 3. How good is this? Raps lead 96-86 and there is more excitement in the ACC than there had been all last year. Bosh has a hook fall out but the Cavs fail to score and there is 2 minutes left. Loose ball and Jose tried to call time but it will be a jump between Gibson and Jose. Gibson wins the tap and James drives and gets a call on Bosh for a block and he was clearly outside circle and had position. Really bad call send James to the line. James would make first and miss the second. But Cleveland got the board and James nails a 3 and the score is 96-90. James despite his teams struggles has a triple double. Raps get to line and split a pair. The lead is 97-90 and Raptors trying to hang on. James get fouled and again splits a pair this time Bosh grabs the rebound on the second that he missed. Hedo gets fouled with the lead at 97-91. He splits a pair and Raps get the ball off a steal Jose the basket and the foul call on James. This game is over as Jose hits the and 1 and the Raptors shock the Cavs and send a LOUD MESSAGE TO THE NBA and all Raptor Fans.

Final Score- Raptors 101 Cavs 91 .

Chris Bosh had 21 points and 16 rebounds and a fantastic start to his season with a win over the Cavs. Bargnani had 28 points to lead all scorers. Lebron James as I mentioned had a triple double in defeat with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. For the Rookie Demar DeRozan he had 8 points and 5 rebounds along with a block, an assist and a steal filling up that boxscore.

I really sit here totally stunned and in shock. The Raptors never showed anything close to this in the preseason and this was totally unexpected from my point of view. However the Raptors remained confident as they went along in the preseason. There was a lot of doubt and uncertainty heading into this game. Now you just hope this team does not show any let up as the head to Memphis with a very realistic chance to start 2-0. After that back to the ACC for Vince and the Magic. If game 1 was any indication of what is to come this season it is going to be a fun year.

The defense really showed up like it had not all preseason. There was still some open looks from 3 at times but the overall effort was off the charts. The Raptors win and this is a win that will cause a lot of folks to take a second look both north and south of the U.S/Canada border. The crowd was off the charts and no fans in the NBA deserve a good team than Raptor fans. Finally fans may have a team that brings the same effort that you all do. It is just 1 game of 82 but what a game it was.