A Cold, No Net And Another Win

So it has been a bad 24 hours here at DNB HQ. I had a lousy spring cold and to make matters worse had no internet access, so the combination of those two things made it pretty impossible to offer much opinion on the Raptors second win in a row vs the Hawks in Atlanta. The first time the Raptors have won in the ATL in awhile as they had lost 7 straight there until last night. That included a thrashing on the MLK holiday for the Raptors with much more health bodies. Based on  that win the Raptors match their win total from last season in a shorter season this year. The Raptors are already 4 games better on the road this season as well with 10 wins and still 3 more road games to play. It proves the old phrase that defense travels to be true.

The Raptors are as Tank Nation will point out, really messing with there lottery odds winning a couple games they were not suppose too against Boston and Atlanta. They now are tied with the Nets and a half game behind the Pistons. Both of whom they will play down the stretch and will have a direct impact on their lottery odds. They play the Pistons on the road on the 22nd with 3 days rest prior to that game and close out the season against the Nets on the 26th. Golden State also is one of 4 teams with 22 wins but have 2 fewer losses than the Raptors. What you love about Casey is the exact thing that is costing the Raptors in terms of the lottery. He refuses to allow his team to quit and they continue to bring effort. What it might cost you in the draft might be worth it in terms of what you have in a coach.

Also the way Demar DeRozan has been playing down the stretch has to be impressing some folks. Even Ed Davis has shown signs of life in this late part of the season. I can't imagine the Raptors finding a way to win the next two games. An angry Hawks team rolls into Toronto tonight and then playing the Miami Heat on Wednesday should be losses. What you can take good from these games is the Raptors have competed well against some teams with everything to play for. If you choose to see the glass half empty you can say that the Raptors are playing with no pressure on them and the teams they are beating have simply overlooked them. I can't deny either of those things being true. Still you are building some confidence for some players and showing that this team will not roll over and die like it has in the past.

While I won't go as far as some have said that this team could be a playoff team if not for injuries, I will say that this is a team heading in the right direction. In terms of what happens with the Lottery if they win or lose is not the point. Let's say they did lose all of these games down the stretch and still find a way to not win at the Lottery than where are you at? At least players are ending the season on a high note and enter the off-season more motivated to improve for the future. The Charlotte Bobcats will have the best chance to win the Lottery and that has been clear for awhile. Even if they were to win and land Anthony Davis does anyone think that takes them to the next level? Worse if they don't where are they at? If the Raptors don't get Anthony Davis it likely allows them to not have to decide on if they have to say good bye to Amir Johnson or Ed Davis. They still may ultimately make a decision on those players but if they do they won't be forced into it. Besides at the end of the day isn't Jonas Valanciunas basically the guy you have for that spot? If the Raptors landed at the 3rd spot and got a shot at Kidd-Gilchrist that would be a much easier guy to fit into what you already have without having to be forced into altering the roster.

Not to mention the simple fact of you are not getting any joy out of the Raptors pulling off two pretty unexpected wins. But however those lottery balls end up your number still has to come up to win it. It would be nice if the Raptors got into the top 3 and land another good young player to add to the mix. That said this is a draft that is fairly deep and it doesn't have that break out star at the top and huge drop off beyond that. While Davis is the consensus number one pick it is not like people honestly can say he will be a giant superstar. He can be a very good NBA Player but the jury is out if he gets to that rare air of a huge superstar. There are lots of good to very good players that will be available no matter where the Raptors happen to end up selecting. There is also nothing that says Bryan Colangelo would not swing a deal to move up if he wanted to do that. He has all that cap room earlier from the Barbosa trade to play with for a reason. It could include moving up in the draft or acquiring a second first round pick. Time will tell.

The bottom line of everything is do you do not feel at least more optimistic than you were at this time last year? That is a good thing and a sign that this thing might be finally heading in the right direction.

Tying A Bow On London

This will be the last report from Michael who was kind enough to share his thoughts with us in the Dino Nation Blog on his trip to London to see the Raptors. I just want to thank him for making us a part of his experience. I felt it would add something to the blog to experience these games through someone's eyes from Europe. They would have a much different view than us. I hope everyone has enjoyed Michael's contributions to the blog here is his final instalment:

After having caught up on my sleep, and getting thrown back into my work- and university-life, I want to summarize my experience: For those who don’t know, London is a beautiful city! Besides the underground and it’s weird first and last train hours, there is literally something to be done all day long. Now, for those who reside in bigger cities like Toronto, that might be the case all the time. Since I’ve been born and raised, and am still living, in the third biggest town of Austria, Linz, a steel-city just like Hamilton of roughly 200.000, I wouldn’t really know.

Having basically only two days with both nights planned out, I didn’t really do much sightseeing as it was my sixth trip to London, and like always, shopping was more important on my list. The number one items in my calendar were both NBA games at The O2 though, the reason I made the trip in the first place!

I had never been to The O2 nor any other indoor arena holding nearly twenty thousand people. I’ve been to a soccer game for the Portuguese cup game last February but that’s it as far as my live sports experience goes. The O2 is a modern venue and what impressed me was the short lines to the bathroom even during game breaks. I don’t know if that’s normal as I can’t compare it to other arenas but that stuck in my head.

Though having touched on it before in my last post about Saturday’s game, I have to bring it up once again: GBP 55 (circa EUR 65, CAD 90) for seats in the second to last row are just too expensive. The ones in the fifth or sixth row of the upper bowl for Friday’s game were okay but asking people to pay that much for sitting in the roof? Surprisingly, the view was better than expected. But just to give you an idea, even though I sat on the side where the Raptors TV crew shot their pre-game piece, I hardly recognized Paul Jones as the third member sitting in between Matt Devlin and Leo Rautins!

Since I am already bringing up points from the last post and speaking of Paul Jones, I had a blast meeting him and fellow Fan590’s Eric Smith! They took time less than an hour before the game for a nice talk and even though I never listen to their game broadcasts as I watch games on demand on NBA League Pass Broadband International, I try catching Fan590’s Hoops or its podcast as often as I can.

Besides what I already said about the Friday and Saturday game, I was really soaking everything in you normally don’t get to see on TV. Who knew the Raptor was so active in between game breaks? Okay, most of you probably did know but for those only getting to watch on TV didn’t! I also didn’t know how much time Jay Triano always takes talking to his assistants before going into the huddle during time outs. Compared to Avery Johnson, he burns more than half his time on checking with his staff.

What I also didn’t know and had saved for my last post: I didn’t know Jose Calderon could dunk! Unless I completely lost my mind or eye-sight, I swear he dunked during warm-ups! I mean yeah, smaller people like him have won the dunk contest before, but I never figured he was that athletic! I mean, he sure is athletic compared to me but dunking athletic, I didn’t know!

Anyways, if the NBA plans on doing this again, I hope they figure out a way to persuade The O2’s management to fix WiFi and to talk to Transport for London about their maintenance work schedule. But maybe they even decide to go to another city, The O2 is not the only venue in Europa that could handle NBA games! I’m sure the NBA office knows that from the pre-season games, though I never been to any of those as they are just public work outs to me. The regular season is what counts and I hope they bring back a few games next year! Even if it’s not the Raptors, which is very, very unlikely, I’ll sure look into going.

Thanks for reading my posts and I hope you enjoyed following my thoughts on my first ever NBA experience! If you did, maybe you’ll follow me on Twitter @Euro4Raps but only if you promise not to @ me with game spoilers (as I watch them a few hours later on demand)!

Thanks to Michael for all his efforts. One of the things when I started this blog that never crossed my mind is that people all over the world would read it. I have got to know readers from not just where Michael is from but in Spain, Poland, Italy, and even see hits on occasion for the Dino Nation Blog from places like Australia and China and many other nations to numerous to mention. The Raptors try to be Canada's team and we get hits from all across this country and North America as well. I do not ever see a day in my life time the NBA goes outside of North America but for fans of the NBA across this globe we live in I hope they do attempt to bring basketball to those places. The efforts those fans make to follow the game is tremendous. They deserve to be rewarded. A game with the Raptors and Nets in New Jersey or Toronto would have been just another game of the 41 that make up the schedule. But the games in London were something special for all those fans that do not have the fortune of having the NBA in their backyard.

Jonesy and E Smith Make A Cameo Appearence In DNB

You know two of those guys. Michael was able to meet up with DNB Starting 5 guests Eric Smith and Paul Jones. Better known to non-DNB readers as the Fan 590 broadcast crew. It seems that three overtimes was less than ideal for Michael but I will allow him to explain. It has been great having his reports to share with you. I want to personal thank him for making us a part of his London adventure to see the Raptors. I really felt it offers a prospective for us here in Canada to understand why this while inconvenient for us with games at 3pm, it was a great experience and opportunity for Raptor fans abroad to see the team. Now here is Micheal's report with how he came across Eric and Paul and why he never made it till the end of game. The ending was a sad one for the Raptors as it turned out:

I spent my Saturday just like Friday with some shopping but also took TFL bus 23 which passes quit a few remarkable sights of London, like Marble Arch, Piccadilly Circus and St. Paul's Cathedral. Still, my mind was all Raptors or especially, how I could trick my way into the lower bowl to catch the Raptors/Fan590 radio crew Paul Jones and Eric Smith.

On our way to The O2 to meet up with fellow Raptors fans from the UK, Transport for London screwed us over the first time: Part of the only underground towards The O2 was closed down for maintenance and we had to go another, longer route and missed meeting the guys for dinner.

We got there in time to queue up early though and with some sweet-talking and persuasion, I managed to get into the lower bowl, though I was nearly thrown out twice. Still, I managed to scream loud enough for Eric Smith, who hollered Paul Jones to join us and we had a nice talk about the Raptors and Fridays game, as well as other things like travelling where Eric impressed me with his knowledge about European low cost airlines.

Hands down, meeting those guys was the highlight of my day and I want to thank them - again - for taking time to chat with me and also to pose for some pictures like the one in this post!

We then tried to get one of those Footlocker foam fingers for my friend but we were unable to so we decided to grab some stuff from the concession and head to our seats. Contrary to Friday, were we had been in front of the upper bowl block, we were now in the second to last row and even though we saw still fair enough, GBP 55 (circa EUR 65, CAD 90) is quite steep for those seats basically IN the roof...

The crowd was into the game early and, like the night before, I was mainly surrounded by Raptors fans. From the cheers, I assume the overall crowd was favouring the Nets though, especially the lower bowl. I'm unsure if it seemed the same way on TV, but from my seat it sure seemed this way.

The game was, again, great and I was happy the Raptors were in it for 4 quarters and two overtimes! Unfortunately, at this point the TFL screwing us came into full effect the second time: Since the underground connecting to our hotel was terminating early, we, among quite a few other spectators, had to leave just after the third overtime had started and we were lucky to catch the second to last train to our hotel. Cab was no option for us neither as our shopping spree left us basically broke besides the unavoidable cab fare in the morning towards our bus to the airport as underground service doesn't start until after we were supposed to check in on Sundays.

Unlike at the O2, whose Wifi didn't work for me the whole night after one tweet while at the entrance, thankfully I had working internet and immediately checked the final score. Obviously I was disappointed that the Raptors had lost the second London game too, though it stayed tight until the very end from what I gathered.

In the end, it was still a great night and I stayed positive even though I am still mad at TFL and the Wifi at The O2! It honestly makes me wonder how they will fare next year at the Olympics. To me, it was not really a soaring recommendation.

I am typing this on my flight back to Vienna on just 90ish minutes of sleep and I hope you can all forgive me for whatever nonsense I might have come up with. I will give a fourth and last post about the whole of my first ever NBA experience in the next few days with more pictures. For now you can follow me on Twitter @Euro4Raps and before I cant force my eyes open anymore, let me thank one other awesome guy: James, thanks for giving me an audience to write about my trip to London!

As I mentioned in the opening the thanks goes to Micheal and once he gets home and settle he is going send me some more pictures of his trip and some up his experience. Look for that on Monday or Tuesday.

Triple OT Thriller In London

I kind feel bad that I am just not that excited about all this. But it has taught me the pain and troubles people go through in other time zones in the world to watch games. Thinking living the East coast we are spoiled sports fans to a degree. But it appears that over in London it has been a success. There is no question that these games in New Jersey where they would have been played would have drawn flies. So to play in front of sellout crowds is a much better atmosphere. Maybe it just the cold reality of the Raptors just playing out the string of the season is sinking in. While other teams have made changes and are in that life and death push for the playoffs the Raptors are not. It makes the individual not as life and death. I can't bring my sell to cheer for ping pong balls that is just not me. But regardless for the 2nd and final time the Raps and Nets hook up in England.

Demar DeRozan opened the scoring coming off scoring 30 last night gets the opening two of this ball game. Bargnani would drive and draw a foul on Lopez getting to the line and evened the game up at 6. A turnover and another DeRozan bucket and it was 8-6 Raptors early. Lopez would respond and tie it at 8. Calderon would answer that with a 3 and this was a start similar to yesterday. Hump had a big day yesterday and gets on the glass and gets a rebound and score. Much like yesterday a back and forth affair tied at 15. Also like yesterday Demar was on fire starting 4-4 in this one. Bayless was looking sharp early and it has been a long time since he has had what you could class a good game. Couple hoops and a steal. DeRozan a corner 3 ball...Really...wow. Raptors had a 26-21 lead DeRozan a huge jam and it is time we start calling this kid Heir Canada again also maybe.... the Franchise Player. 30-23 the Raptors lead on the strength of Demar DeRozan with 13 in the first.

Nets started the 2nd with a Hump bucket and another hoop and harm for Petro but no and 1. So Raptors lead was 30-27. Raptors with a lot of reserves in were not looking sharp at all a Barbosa turnover and Raptors were hanging on to a 32-30 lead. Barbosa made up for turnover with a bucket on the next possession. Jordan Farmar three pointer would get the Nets to with in one. But Barbosa answers with a 3 of his own make it 37-33 with a time out on the floor. Raptors after letting Nets get back to with in one but then got on a run and took a 46-38 lead. Barbosa after early struggles had 7 off the bench. Brook Lopez was abusing Ed Davis to get a couple hoops to draw the Nets closer 46-42 with a time out after a Sasha foul. Nets would get to with in on once more and this had a similar feel as to last night's game. 53-52 Raptors with just under 3 to play. Deron Williams starting to gel with Nets? Makes a big 3 to tie it at 55. He would give the lead to the Nets at the line making it 59-57 with just over a minute to play. Bargnani was getting to the line made two more and was 8-8 at line in half. A Sasha 3 and Jose matching 3 and it was tied at 62. The Machine was on fire another 3 and Nets led 65-62 at the half. Vujacic doing his best Matt Bonner impression 4-4 from beyond the arc.

More 3's to start the 3rd this time for the Raptors from Bargnani. It was just bombs away in London and Nets were 10-18 from 3 point Range as Vujacic and Williams helped create those numbers from 3. Nets only a 76-75 lead despite hitting all that. In a game with zero defence seems pointless to attack just Bargnani, and he was getting some boards 6 and had 22 points. Quietly getting it done and his latest 2 gave the Raptors the lead back 77-76 with 5:47 to play in 3rd. DeRozan meanwhile after the great start had vanished into the London fog. It was a tight battle and Bargnani even draws a charge on Hump. Later scores to give Raps a 83-81 lead with 3 to play in the 3rd and he has 24. I am hard on the guy and many are but you can't complain much about Bargnani today. He was keeping the Raptors in this game and still with a slight 85-84 lead. It would be tied at 88 after 3.

Raptors came out and took the early control with a 95-89 lead and Avery Johnson wanted to talk it over before this got out of hand. Nets would get things going and sparked by a Farmar 3 ball and it was 97-94. Bayless was having best game he has had in quite sometime as he scored on the break to make the lead 5 once more. DeRozan get a touch and gets into Davis for the dime for double d. Bargnani was resting during all of this and Raptors had a 101-95 lead with 5:29 to play. Demar after that huge first quarter has went silent and cold missing a hook in the lane. Hump on other hand brought his lunch bucket to London was great in first game and great today. Makes two at the line 101-99 Raptors. DeRozan finally gets on board scores the bucket and the foul and makes the and 1 his first points since the first quarter. that got him going he hits again and Raptors lead 106-101 with just over 3 to play.

Ed Davis got to line looking to restore 5 point lead and missed both. Hump a big dunk on other end and it was a 1 point game. DeRozan missed and Hump the rebound. Nets fail to Cash in and Davis a big rebound his 15th. Raps fail to take advantage and Nets call a time out with 1:11 to play down 106-105. Nets run a play for Lopez and take it right at Ed Davis and draw the foul. Lopez makes both and Nets lead 107-106 and Rators call a time out with just over a minute to play. Bargnani after being hot since checking back in the 4th had not been a factor and miss a jumper at top of the circle at the foul line. Nets go to Lopez again and he scores giving him 30 and Nets a 3 point lead. Caderon gets blocked but Amir cashes it in and makes it a one point game with 26.6 to play and Nets call a time out. Raptors decide to foul right away sending The Machine to the line for 2. Sasha would make 1 of 2 and Raptors got what they were looking for with score 110-108 in favour of the Nets. DeRozan had a quiet middle to his game but with pressure on drives and scores tie game at 110. Nets ball with 19.5 to play and Raptors out of time outs. Williams decided to take it himself and it doesn't fall. Were going to OT in London.

No clue why they did not go to Lopez on that final Nets possession but Raptors Live!!! DeRozan had last bucket of regulation and first of overtime. Shot clock violation for the Nets and DeRozan got blocked by Lopez. Hump ties it up at 112. More Hump and he has 4 straight points and Nets lead 114-112. DeRozan is learning and he shows it sucking the Nets into a foul and he makes both at the line tied at 114. DeRozan got called for touching ball in cylinder and Nets get the basket and it is 116-114. Bargnani had been silent since checking back in during the 4th. But he drives scores and draws the foul and makes that. Raptors in front 117-116. Barbosa would make 2 at the line and a charge on Hump Raptors were looking good to close this out. But Raps could not slam the door shut. Nets would get ball on a shot clock violation with 11.7 to play down 3. Anything except a 3 ball is good....Sasha for 3...NO...But Yes he hits it tied at 119. But still 9.2 seconds left. Bargnani took the shot to win it....but no....Double OT anyone?

Lopez opens scoring in OT #2. DeRozan to the line for a pair makes both and it is 121-121. Lopez fouled out and that was huge he had 34 points 14 rebounds and 8 blocks. Outlaw would score to give the Nets the lead though. Gaines the 11 day Raptor was in there at crunch time again and he splits 2 at the line. Jose drives wanted a foul call but didn't get one. Outlaw airballs a three that might have clinched this. Raptors eventual get a steal and Hump stops DeRozan on the break and swats it out of play but a foul on Gaines sends DeRozan to the line. Makes both and Nets lead 124-123 with 1:37 to play. Barbosa a terrible turnover but DeRozan got a steal on the other end and Bargnani with a 3 and after Raptors looked like they had blown it now were up 2 all of the sudden with 31 seconds to play in 2nd OT. Nets get a shot partially blocked and it goes right to Williams who sticks a simple jumper. This was looking like it might go 3 overtimes. This time DeRozan had a chance to end it but NO!!! Triple OT BABY!!!

DeRozan gets swatted trying to go for the slam to start the 3rd OT. By the way last time Raps were in Triple OT they were also on the road in Sacramento and lost that one. Nets get a score and the foul and lead 129-126. Nets would make a pair at the line for 5 point lead think that is largest lead for either team since OT got going. Nets would get lead to 7 and with under two to go I am thinking 4th OT is not in the cards. Raptors were down 5 with a minute to go. Bargs drives and draws a foul as he makes the basket. Hold the phone this might not be done. Makes and 1 and it was 135-133 with 47.2 seconds left in triple OT. Nets a turnover and will this ever end? Honestly will it? Raps have a broken play off a Jose miss and DeRozan sucks everyone to him on the drive and kicks to wide open Barbosa and he hits the open 3...Raps lead 136-135. Outlaw got fouled with 12.6 to play and he makes both. This was looking like it was going to end but who was going to win. Bargnani with another chance to win it and NO!!! It is over.....What a game...I need a nap. Nets take it 137-136.

Not sure stats click on link to boxscore but this was a huge learn experience for the Raptors in a playoff like atmosphere and lots of key moments. They can learn and grow from this. But don't tell them that right now that is a heartbreaking way to lose.

Nets Pull Away Late In London Night.

Here we go with some NBA History as Raptors and Nets play the first ever regular season game in Europe for the NBA. Jose Calderon and Deron Williams both addressed the crowd together and this was different from you average NBA game.

The Nets once all the per-game hoopla was done scored the first 4 points in this one. Raptors would get back to even up at 4 and this was settling in to be your regular NBA game. Both teams were having no issues with the new arena for both. Shots were falling and the Nets were back on top in a see-saw affair. Andrea would tie it up at 10 only to have Nets sink a 3 on the other end and it was 13-10. Demar DeRozan with the first big highlight of the afternoon here and the night there. A throw down on the break on the pass from Jose it was 15-14 Nets with a time out on the floor. It was a back and forth 1st quarter and these teams might not be in a playoff race but were putting on a good show for the fans in London the Raptors on top 23-22 late in first. The Raptors on a 7-0 run had their first lead of the afternoon/evening. Nets would close the quarter strong and take a 27-23 lead after one.

The Raptors starting the 2nd on a roll and got off to at 10-0 run to start the quarter before Avery Johnson had seen enough and called a time out. Raptors were able to keep an advantage and seemed to have the edge in support even though this was technically a Nets home game. But the Nets would chip away at the Raptors lead and take the lead 43-41 after the Raptors lead by as many as 7 points. Demar Derozan had 14 points and Brook Lopez had 17 to lead their respective teams. A Weems dunk in transition would give the Raptors the lead and another Weems score gave Toronto the lead 51-47 at the half.

The momentum in this game took another turn at the start of the 3rd as the Nets stormed out of the gate to retake the lead 56-55. The wave making a comeback in London that was not a normal NBA occurrence. Meantime on the floor Nets were off to 15-6 start to the 3rd quarter and led 62-57 with just under 8 to play in the 3rd. Raptors offence was chilly and the defence in the 3rd Quarter was not good. But as the script had been for this game the Raptors would claw back and tie the game at 74 near the end of the 3rd. Raptors would keep it rolling and take their turn with the lead. After a pretty awful start to quarter but the end of it Demar DeRozan had 22 points and Raptors had a 81-78 lead.

Nets would quickly come out and tie it up at 81 but Ed Davis would score and give Raptors a 2 point lead only to see the Nets hit a 3 pointer to get on top for 84-83 and this basketball game was like a Wimbledon tennis match. Minus the grass court. Nets started to build an advantage 91-84. But as this game had gone the question would be could they hang on? Gaines who had been on the Raptors with a 10 day earlier in the year, is now on the Nets and he sparked the Nets to build on their lead to make it 98-87. Raptors would make one final push to try and get back in this cutting the lead to 100-95 with just about 4 minutes to play. But the Nets would get the net 4 points and the lead was back to 9 points. The Nets would pull away down the stretch and we going to score the first blow is this rare 2 games series of sorts. Nets take it 116-103 despite the fact Demar and Andrea combined 53 points. Kris Humphries the former Raptor had 18 points and 17 boards stepping up big for the Nets.

We will here from Michael are fan correspondent with his thoughts on his experience so far later in the DNB. Also before this game got started I was able to catch up with Holly Mackenzie and we had a really great conversation for the starting 5. So those are to come so check back for them later.

Raptors Close The Show On The Nets.

Good news prior to this one. Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon both game time decisions would in fact suit up and start. That was good news for a Raptor team that struggled badly without both against a very good Chicago team. The Nets although improved from last year which was not hard to do. They still are a brutal road team and this one was of course at the ACC. Also not only were Andrea and Jose back but Linas Klezia was back in the starting line-up. Sonny Weems did not play due to a sore lower back.

Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani both went of to acknowledge their former coach. They are the only 2 players that remain from when Mitchell coached here. That really shows you the amount of change this franchise has been through. Game started out with the Nets and Raptors trading hoops, then some sloppy turnovers by the Raptors, but the Nets were not taking advantage of them as much as they could have up 8-4. Raptors would go on a run from there with Jose dropping a couple dimes as part of a 6-0 mini-run to take the lead 10-8. Ed Davis checked in as Amir had 2 early fouls giving Davis some early minutes. Devin Harris with the blow by and Ed Davis was not there on the help and easy lay-up and Nets were now on top 15-12. Former Raptor Kris Humphries helped out his old club going just 2-4 from line as he was fouled on back to back possessions. Raptors were in a bit of a nip and tuck battle with the Nets early on. Nets would take a 23-21 lead to the 2nd quarter.

Nets came out and scored first 4 points of the second to get a 6 point lead. Both teams were finding it a challenge to score, not because either team was playing great defence necessarily. As Sam Mitchell might say, they were missing a lot of shots. But New Jersey was getting to the line and had got the advantage back to 5 with score 35-30. A crazy sequence of volleyball like action would eventually lead to a easy Andrea Bargnani lay-up that actually took at lot of effort to get to that point. Jose Calderon would later hook up Amir for an easy 2 but Nets were still out in front. Nets after that bucket would get a small burst and up the lead up to 7. Harris missed a chip shot and Raps would find a wide open Barbosa for the uncontested lay-up in transition. Raptors were labouring to score with just 38 points with 2 minutes to play in the half and the Nets lead had grown to 8. A total blown coverage allows Demar DeRozan a clear runway to the basket and he is more than happy to take flight for the throw down. In end of it Raptors were down a half dozen at the break 48-42.

Raps came out with some pep in their step and scored the first 5 points of the half. Klezia would make it back to back 3's to tie the game at 50. An early and bad foul on Amir Johnson would send Outlaw to the line for 3 and that was 3rd foul on Amir. Outlaw made all 3 at the line and Jersey was on a 7-0 run and led 57-50. Raps were speeding up the pace and got to within 3 until Kris Humphries cut down the lane and Kaboom...Nets led 61-56. However, Hump would commit a turnover and then fouled Demar DeRozan. Raps were left down 2. Bargnani with a rare poster making slam would tie the game at 61 and get a huge pop from the crowd. Bargnani had 10 in the quarter and was looking really good at this point in the 3rd. But the Nets, on what was a 2nd night of a back to back for them, were scrappy and build back a 4 point lead 67-63. Amir Johnson's foul troubles continued and that got Joey Dorsey some PT as Amir would sit with 4 fouls. Raps were just struggling and a DeRozan attempt from 3 was not going change that. That miss would lead to a easy lay-up for THE MACHINE that is Vujacic. Nets were taking to many shots at Raptors were inviting them to take long range jumpers by playing zone and Nets were happy to accommodate them. It led to the Raptors tying the game at 69. Devin Harris a fade away jumper would nose the Nets in front 71-69 after 3.

Bargnani was looking healthy and get this the drive and score which Andrea can do, but also taking one on other end on the numbers. Bargs would score again and give Raps first lead since the 1st Quarter. It would be short lived as Farmar made 1st three pointer of night for the Nets who had been 0-8 prior to that. Farmar would hit another 3 and then a slam on a steal and Raps called the time out with score 79-73. A rebound for Kleiza out of time out gave him a double double with 14 points and 10 boards at the time. But more importantly the rebound would lead to an Andrea 3. It was part of a 7-0 run out of time out that left Raps up 1...80-79. Harris would give Nets lead back briefly but a Klezia 3 would change that and a steal led to a Barbosa bucket, Raptors on the strength of a 12-2 run had 85-81 lead. Andrea Bargnani was laying the smack down on Kris Humphries a guy that Andrea knows he can beat from old days? Whatever it was Andre has ZERO fear of Hump and was taking it to him. Raptors now had an 8 point edge with 4 and change to play. Raps looked like the team that had the energy and it was showing. Amir Johnson fouls out with 3:34 to play a tough night for him in foul trouble the whole night long.

Raptors shooting got a little chilly and Nets had pulled back to make this a 4 point game with under 3 to play. Brook Lopez was at the line and made 1 of 2 and the lead was down to 3. on the other end Demar would get himself to the line and he would also split a pair leaving us at 90-86. On defence double D looked to draw a charge but no luck and Lopez was back at the line and made both this time. A 2 point ballgame as Raps lead 90-88. Bargnani took advantage of a switch and nailed jumper over Harris. Hump a bucket on the other end and a huge rebound and it was the Nets ball again down just 2. Outlaw an airball and Sasha a miss...Bargnani the big board with under a minute to play. Time out Raptors need a basket and they get an major way from Demar DeRozan with the HUGE THROW DOWN!!! Lopez would score, another time out and Barbosa the 3 off the kick out from Bargs and TURN OUT THE LIGHTS PARTY IS OVER. Raptors were going to take a win home on a Friday night at ACC.

It was not the Young Onez so much at the International ones on this night. Bargnani (32 points 9 Rebounds) , Calderon (15 points and 14 Assists) and Klezia (18 Points and 12 Rebounds) were all outstanding. Bargnani the most of that group. He was a true game time decision as even when Jay Triano talked to media pre-game he still could not confirm if Bargnani would play. Jose did an excellent job running the offence and was not a liability on D on many occasions that I can recall. While Klezia gets the surprise start and makes the most off it. At times it wasn't pretty but the Raptors will take the win and not worry about the style points. They closed the show with a bang and that is what counts. Make the final Raptors 98 Nets 92. That makes it 6 straight vs the Nets overall and Raptors our .500 at home with 7 up and 7 down.

TGIF DNB Preview- Raps vs Nets

The biggest question for the Raptors before they even talk about the Nets is will Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani play? According to Jay Triano on the Fan 590 yesterday it is possible they might but not likely. He seemed to suggest that Calderon was more likely than Bargnani. If both don't play it could be another long night at the office for the Raptors. The Nets are struggling and are 2-11 on the Road and 2-8 in their last 10 games. They are coming in off a win over the Wizards at home. That being said the Wizards are 0-13 on the road themselves. We could see Sasha Vujacic who the Nets got in a trade that many feel is bulking them up to make a run to acquire Carmelo Anthony from Denver.

The Basics: Nets 7-19 (4-13 vs East) Raptors 9-17 (6-7 at ACC)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors were only 10 strong and it was not nearly strong enough. The Bulls bullied the Raptors all over the ACC. Carlos Boozer did anything and everything he wanted. The Raptors were without Andrea and Jose and they could have used both.

Key Match-ups: Devin Harris is coming in off scoring 29 against the Wizards last night. He made a living at the line making 14 of 17. Jerryd Bayless if Jose is not able to go will draw this tough assignment. If he can keep Harris under control that will go a long way towards a Raptor win. Brook Lopez would be matched up against Andrea Bargnani if he plays or rookie Ed Davis. If it is Davis and not Bargnani this will be a tough assignment for the rookie. But he can change shots and can battle on the glass which will both serve him well against Lopez. As for the Raptors advantages it may be at an unlikely spot. DeRozan and Weems should have the advantage over Farmar and Ross. The being said Jordan Farmar has been very good for the Nets so much so that they have been playing him at the 2 spot to get him in the starting line-up. He really took off replacing an Harris at the point when he was injured earlier in the season.

Other Things Of Note: This is the first meeting of the season between these two and Raptors have won 5 straight in this series and 2 straight at the ACC. Raptors have an advantage in all of the team stats you care to look at with the exception of free throw% but they do score almost 10 more points a game. Sam Mitchell returns to the ACC for the first time since he was fired by the Raptors. He took a job this summer as the lead assistant for Avery Johnson with the Nets. Tonight is also the first night you can purchase from Brooklyn To Toronto the Christmas album that Eric Smith and Jack Armstrong have put together. It only cost 5 bucks and the money is going to Charity. How do you get it? You need to track down Eric Smith at the ACC or after the game over by Real Sports. They will be selling copies of the CD at the Raptors 3 remaining home games before Christmas.

In Case You Missed it: I decided to have some fun and write a letter to Santa on behalf of all you Raptor Fans. I made some additions to this so even if you read it maybe you missed the additions I added when I checked my list twice.

My Game Plan: First to get my CD that I mentioned. After that looking to catch up with former Raptor Kris Humphries as well as Jerryd Bayless and who knows who else. Also might do a fun thing with a Christmas theme with anyone that I talk with tonight. Will see how it all works out. I will be in the house at the ACC for the last time this year looking to get some good stuff done.

Raptors and Nets Deported To England

The Fan 590 is reporting the The Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets will play 2 games in England. The dates are said to be March 4th and 5th. New Jersey owner Mikhail Prokhrov has had grand plans to build the Nets into a global brand. Little harder to pull off when you bomb out in free agency. The Raptors have not exactly enjoyed a great off-season as well. So the fact these games are in March will not likely mean much for ether side. No details on how this will work but a safe bet would be each team will lose 1 home game and take the profit from the London games. But nothing has been confirmed on how season ticket holders would be compensated.

Since Vince Carter has left the Nets and Raptors are no longer a draw in Toronto and is anyone really a draw for the Nets? So this make good business sense for both teams. Having been at a Raptors vs Nets game last season it was far from a packed house. Still the under lying message is pretty clear that Raptors are not likely to be a playoff contender. Why else would you give up a home date (We assume) to take a long flight to England in beginning of March. There would be an obvious negative impact in doing so. While it makes good business sense it also sends a message to the fan base that is not a positive one for next season.

But who people should feel the most sorry for is all the suckers in England that will over pay for what is basically a d-level NBA game anyway you cut it. You might remember a funny story from Demar DeRozan's rookie season. He saw the pre-season schedule and thought the Raptors were playing and exhibition game in London, England. He was a bit off as it was in London, Ontario. Rookie mistake but this time Mr. DeRozan is going to England. I think it is a safe bet he isn't going to meet the queen or anything for this trip.

The Atlantic is Changing A Lot.

The Division the Raptors call home is getting a serious makeover. The biggest part of that change is the ownership of the New Jersey Nets. If you have not heard of Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov you haven't been paying attention lately. He has big money and big plans for the NBA's laughing stock the New Jersey Nets. He wants to not just make the Nets an NBA success but a global success. Both Knicks and Raptors should take note as their new rival has some serious plans. This includes a move to Brooklyn by 2013.

But he also is serious about trying to be a player for Lebron James. There have been comparisons to Mark Cuban but at least to start they don't seem valid. Prokhorov has been very tight lipped about his plans to attract the Cavs superstar. Careful not to violate NBA rules in terms of tampering. Cuban has had more NBA fines than the Celtics have titles. Prokohorov's plans seem to be clear in terms of the Nets. He wants to build them as not just a North American sports franchise, but a global sports franchise. You don't get to be a billionaire by being the same as everyone else. He has already let his G.M go and has a open spot at both coach and G.M to fill. James has been rumoured to be tied to Kentucky Coach John Calipari. Now Calipari recently claims in an ESPN article he will be back at Kentucky. You tend to take that with a grain of salt given his history. Calipari is actually a former Nets coach and did not exactly have success in his first go around in the NBA.

Regardless of if James were to seriously consider the Nets who still have Jay-Z as a minority owner is not the point. The point is from this point moving forward the Nets are going to be a major player in Free Agency and have money to burn. For teams with corporate ownership like the Knicks and Raptors this could be their worst nightmare. It will force them to spend to compete and it is clear that the bottom line for the Nets is that old business model of you have to spend money to make money. Also if successful, a move to Brooklyn may be much like if a second NHL team set up shop in Toronto area. The Knicks like the Leafs have a long history and a passionate fan base that includes celebrities like Spike Lee. What happens if the Nets come to Brooklyn and become a success? What would be the impact on the Knicks? Like the Leafs (1967) the last title for New York was a long time ago back in the 70's. Could it impact on the foothold they have on the city? Well when you look at the Rangers who took 54 years between winning Stanley Cups (1940 to 1994) it didn't hurt them. The Islanders and the Devils moved into the New York area and both had success but it did not impact on the Rangers. The Knicks who have been a franchise in the NBA from day 1 when the played the Toronto Huskies may not need to worry. Especially if they are the one that lands Lebron James. But many feel the Knicks are a long shot in the race, not as much as the Nets would be.

While in Philadelphia the Sixers had lottery luck and moved up to the second spot. That means Evan Turner will be a Sixer that is good news. But not so fast. There seems to be some suggestion that Sixers are strongly considering drafting DeMarcus Cousins behind his teammate John Wall. I love Cousins and honestly think he might deserve to be the second pick. However the majority, if not all of the draft experts disagree. Many of those being in Chicago as the combine kicked off there yesterday. Still if the Sixers were to do this, that would shake up the draft and leave Turner for the division rival Nets to select. Or perhaps move the pick and create a market for the 3rd pick. I find it hard to believe the Sixers go through with drafting Cousins, at least at number 2. This all could be just the Sixers blowing smoke to see what happens.

What is fact and not fiction in terms of the Sixers is that Doug Collins will be the coach of the Sixers. I find this move odd as well. Now Collins was a player for the Sixers and may have some love for the franchise based on that. However if it was true, that he had been offered the Chicago job not this time, but the last time the Bulls were coach shopping and turned it down. Why would you take the Sixers job now? Clearly the Bulls of a few years ago were in a better spot than the Sixers are now despite their lottery fortune. It seems pretty odd and the most painful thing of all is, does this mean more Reggie Miller on TNT? NOOOO!!!!!!

The Boston Celtics have yet to worry about all of these things and why should they as they are 6 wins away from getting another NBA Title. But after they have succeed or failed at that. The division they have owned pretty much since the big 3 came to Boston has become a much more competitive place. Clearly the Nets and Knicks are set up to improve moving forward. Much like in baseball and football the basketball version of the battle might become interesting between NYC and Boston. Even if the Knicks don't get the King they have a ton of dough to land some major players. While the Nets are starting a plan of global domination forget about the Atlantic Division.

When you turn this back to the Raptors this is cause to be afraid, when you are looking squarely in the face at saying so long to the best player you have. Not afraid? In the immortal words of Yoda..."You Will Be....You Will Be". The first impact of Mikhail Prokhorov will be felt in the Atlantic Division. He scares me more than Ivan Drago and I am not even kidding. He will break you or break his bank trying. Which is a pretty big bank to break. Lebron James wants to be a billionaire athlete. Mikhail Prokhorov doesn't have to want to be a billionaire he already is.

The Return of The Tweet Cap- Hawks vs Raps

We did this once before so here we go again. TweetCap is the tweets of those that follow the Dinonationblog or folks we follow all combined together to help us re-cap the game. Those are the rules. So if you are ready...IT IS TIME TO PLAY THE GAME...Well to be more correct...PRE-Game let's Roll.

Twitter should we bring back the DNB TWEET CAP?

@_Lenito @dinonationblog hell yea "Borbath 3:16" says you just got #Tweetcapped

dinonationblog @_Lenito If Lanny wants the #TweetCap we do it!!! GAME ON!!! TWEET CAP ON!!!

@RapsFanatic @dinonationblog omg, #tweetcap

I know it is cool no?

@stackmack #Raptors rookie says,"We can't be worried about what Chicago does, we gotta make our own destiny". C'mon, Raps. (And, uh, Nets. get that W).

That is right as this one is on going in Atlanta the Bulls are taking on the Nets...Really has it come down to cheering for the friggin New Jersey Nets? I Guess it has

@gagangandhi Call me crazy, but I think the Raptors might be able to "steal" a win tonight against Atlanta. Thoughts?

Do Atlanta have the same score keepers....ah memories of the ATL...I HATE THEM SO...THAT IS RIGHT AL HORFORD I STILL HATE YOU. Oh....and YOUR CRAZY....HE SAID TOO!!!

@raptorsrepublic Will Amir handle the spotlight?

Amir Johnson is starting where is @Liston he must me jumping up and down.

@Ronny006 Good to see Jay making the wise choice and starting Amir instead or Reggie

Did he have a choice?

@Raps_fan gametime. #raptors #nervous

Me too...Gametime in ATL....LET'S GO!!!

1st Quarter

@Raps_fan Im glad Hedo is okay. and he's lucky he's wearing the mask. #justsaying

He will need that mask next year injured or not if he doesn't play well down the stretch....Hawks make 2 at line and lead 2-0.

@stackmack Amir, appreciate you not allowing that layup, but you CANNOT get into foul trouble tonight. Think first.

I nicknamed him foul magnet for a reason....Buy holly is 100% correct.

@RapsFanatic As my coach always said: "No layups!" Nice one, Amir! #Raptors @dinonationblog

@Raps_fan I am still SHOCKED at the attendance in Atlanta...it's a shame. #Hawks

Shouldn't be Atlanta suck as a sports town. But Fans in ATL REALLY WOW?

@raptorsrepublic 2 quick fouls on Weems

Sucks He is our new ALL STAR!!!

@Ronny006 Let Hedo take a shot...we need to see if the mask is making a difference or not

He didn't but Andrea did and shockingly he made it and now a rebound....wow.....Raps lead 7-6

@Ronny006 Wow...Bargnani had time to order pizza an still missed a wide open three

MA MA MIA....Crawford jumper and it is 8-7....Bargnani say pasta fazu to you Ronny...makes a jumper....Raps another score 11-7 Raps.

@Eric__Smith 11-8 ... Raptors lead with 4:25 to go in the 1st QRT. ATL shooting just 2/14 FG (14.3%)

Thank you Hawks...are Raps playing good D? Nah can't be.

@Ronny006 See if Bargnani attacks the basket he can be successful...doesn't have to rely on the three all the time

you love him now don't you....15-8 Raptors...it ain't pretty but doesn't have to be.

@RapsFanatic "Defense has been effective." #wtf Jack Armstrong?!? #Hawks just dead cold, have #Raptors really contributed? @dinonationblog

Jack is our favourite guest in the Dino Nation Blog if he says it I am willing to believe him. He did coach in NCAA so he knows what he is talking about.

@ swirsk054 Just min. before tipoff--you can feel the intensity in the building...NOT Boy do I miss the United Center!

See you Sunday Chuck...meanwhile back at our game which has a similar crowd buzz it is 16-10 Raps under 3 to play in Quarter.

@dinonationblog HeDO for 3....Raps on a 7-0 run....YEAH BABY!!!

easy fan boy....23-14 Raptors and he um I mean I am right...wait 9-0 run...Raps 25-14.

@AndrewVC15 LOL its not the mask, it's THE OTHER MASK

Back in my day it was all about the shoes...ask Spike Lee....Raps take that 25-14 lead to the 1st quarter break.

@TheAudman The Raps hold the high scoring Hawks to 14 pts after 1st quarter in a must win game. 36 minutes of game time to go.

Who else is shocked? BE HONEST!!!

2nd Quarter

@NicolasGheysens @dinonationblog best defensive qt of the season without bosh is it a sign ?

He broke his face give the dude a break...bad choice of words...Get well soon @ChrisBosh. Joe Johnson 3 and that D gone bye bye early in 2nd 27-22 Raptors.

@outsidethenba "Money Weems?"

Ok..I love Matt...but yeah not feeling that my M.J of Arkansas is even better than that....29-23 Raptors.

@ Raps_fan wow...nice pass Rasho. #raptors

Injures = Rasho PT.....Raps up 8....make it 5...damn zone defense....33-28 Raptors.

@TheRounder Crawford best not light it up again!!! #Raptors

I remember when he dropped 50 on us it ranks slightly behind Lebron's 50+ and miles behind Kobes's 81. D has done gone to sleep like @Kid_Raptor on a school night

@RapsFanatic Not even I'm THAT pessimistic! RT @Ptrishalyn @RapsFanatic Just wait, Hedo eventually does something to screw it up #Raptors @dinonationblog

@raptorsrepublic Wow. Not often do you see a player throw a shot clear OVER the backboard from 5 feet out. Reggie Evans is the best.

Damn Dance Pak rehearsal where is @Raptorspacekat I need some positive tweeters...LOL...Hawks down 4...37-33.

@RaptorspaceKat What's the word in Raptorland? The ladies and I are wondering .. #Raptors

Raptors up 3...first quarter was better than second....Bulls up 3 as well. By the way I didn't plan that just dumb luck.

@stackmack Reggie Evans free throws are like snowfakes. Every single one looks different. Love his hustle, though.

Hustle is great and so is Reggie at the moment Raptors are not. Holly is great though that was a kick but analogy. Good Job Mrs Mackenzie. 38-38 with 5:33 to go in half.

@Nat77 The offensive rebounds are killing the #raptors. Clean that up and we have a ballgame!

I hope it is that simple. Nat is holding it down on The Score live blog not doubt.

@thejockocracy Having a beer, watchin the Raptors game after a long week of work. Feels good, man.

Raptors D may cause you to drink more watch at your own risk....Carwford 3!!! DAMN PASS ME AN MGD!!! 45-42 Hawks.

@StephonDixonDC @dinonationblog aiight this 2nd quarter n 3rd quarter is the real test for the raps bro if we can withstand they fire i think we can do it

Got to find their D.....down 45-43. Hey I mentioned Spike Lee and he is actually at this game? What the hell is he doing in ATL?

@dinonationblog Jack Armstrong and Spike Lee talking that would be CLASSIC!!!

This game not so much.....Hawks lead 49-45.

@ swirsk054 Hinrich and T. Williams exchange crazy baskets near the end of the half..Williams a runner for 3 to end the quarter 29-24 Bulls 1st

SWIRSKY!!!! nah I can't hate chuck even if I try. Back here in ATL not good Hawks up 8 and get a clear path foul? What the heck kinda call was that?

@gagangandhi Memo to the Raptors: Reggie Evans is the team's 5th option.

Reggie never got memo and I am not telling him.

@StephonDixonDC @dinonationblog too many shots on offense too many 1 and done and our transition defense n def rebounding is horrible man its killin us

Fine breakdown...I agree. Crawford 3 and 1...OH NO!!! That makes it a 59-47 halftime ATL lead.

@stackmack Been waiting for JCreezy to get a 4-point play. Did it have to come when Raps were down eight? Crushing finish to 1st half. 45-point 2nd Q.

You kids and your crazy nicknames...Holly liked Matt's Money Weems line too....Keep in mind she also liked Will Solomon when I met here...Remember Him..LOL

@ Rounder JAMAL CRAWFORD! Somebody check him!!! #Raptors #Tweetcap

Please forward this tweet to Jay Triano ASAP.

@ kevhooker ...for the folks at home, the #Raptors gave up 3.75 points per minute in the 2nd quarter.

Oh you mathlete you...stay in school kids and you can be like Kevin. I inspired him to start a blog on Raps....I feel like I should apologize. Now I feel like Tiger Woods....That feels both cool and icky....but boy can golf in 3rd at Masters. Raptors don't start balling they will be golfing.

@thisisanas Rod Black reminds me of a Rogers TV sportscaster in the 90s. Problem is it's 2010 and this is national television.

Rod Black did golf...in fact what sport hasn't he tried and failed at?

@wwe WWE.com NEWS: Live SmackDown results - Refresh your browser to see the latest results:

Ah there you go he never did Pro Wresting...Rod Black is no Billy Red Lyons....If you are old like me you know who that is.

@johnschuhmann-The Hawks average 60.1 points per half against the Raptors (3 1/2 games).

It almost makes me not want to watch second half....Yikes...Crawford has 19.

3rd Quarter.

@AndrewVC15 in honor of #bulls vs #nets , GO YI !!!!!!!!!!!!


In honour of the Miz for WWE....Really Andrew Really? Hawks up 15...66-51....I asked this on Twitter did we win last time I did this? Hope so. I don't want to be accused of a #TweetCapCurse.

@swirsk054 Nets have scored 30 pts in the paint and trail Bulls 51-50

Go Nets Go? That feels SO WRONG!!!

@thisisanas How do you say "Hello Clarice" in Turkish? He should say it to whoever he's checking.

HeDON't do Defense....not that he is alone Raps down 2 TD's....Mike Vick not at this one.

@AndreHoops "To hell with them fellas, buzzards gotta eat---same as worms." Josey Wales, June 1865 [How the Raptors and Bulls feel about each other.]

Andre Aldridge classing up the #Tweetcap.

@Ronny006 @dinonationblog yea, but they played the twolves

Good...so we are 1-0 in #Tweetcaps...that is good news...bad is it is 74-62....5:28 to go in 3rd.

@StephonDixonDC @dinonationblog Al horford with drifting jumpers omg raptors come onnnnnnnnnnn!!!

HORFORD!!!! FORD4LIFE!!! NUFF SAID....WEEMS ON FIRE like T.J was in ATL once....4 straight for Weems and lead is 10.

@RapsFanatic I'm getting too tired to even care that #Raptors suck! Good night, see you sometime soon, maybe @dinonationblog

Wait Raps on a 12-3 run time out Hawks maybe some HOPE? Obama did well with that. Selling Hope WORKS!!

@Ronny006 Can Bargnani get his 7 foot Italian self to the FT line once in this game plz...lay off the jumpers

That is your Future Franchise Player....OH GOD...PLEASE CHRIS BOSH STAY...I MEAN SERIOUSLY....CAN WE GIVE YOU YOUR OWN PROVINCE? PEI is small but
really NICE!!!

@TheAudman Quick really shots have a way of killing a run especially when they rim out.

and loose lips sink ships....Raps ship in danger of sinking like the Titanic....Jay Triano is the captain of this ship.

@ StephonDixonDC @dinonationblog LETS GOO RAPTORSS !!!! please

Cut lead to 79-73 only cause you said please...manners are good.

@outsidethenba Antoine Wright on the ground, slapping the floor in pain. S^#T!

Another injury or in this case....re-injury....I loved the show M*A*S*H but not while watching basketball.

@StephonDixonDC @dinonationblog NOOO NOW ANTOINE !!!!!!!!!! NOOOO !!! - yo this is horrible n its really bad man

dropping like flies. Quarter ends 81-73 Hawks.

@raptorsrepublic Put a uniform on Alvin and see if they notice. Stat.

I am game for that BOOGIE WILLIAMS!!!

4th Quarter

@Swirsk054 Bulls just not crisp....trail 63-61---552 left 3rd--energy just not there

Least Nets are trying and so is Sonny Weems...needs some help.

@Eric__Smith Sprained left ankle for A. Wright. He will not return. I guess the 'good' news ... it's not the knee (which it looked like was possible)

Asta la wago Mr. Wright....Raps go on a run and lead 89-75...GO NETS GO I GUESS.

@TheRounder Keep ur heads up #Raptors!!! Show some heart!!! Pick up the intensity!!! Ur looking mentality beat! Confidence! Come on now!!!


Yes Coach....I sound like that damn HeDON'T ad!!! 91-76 Hawks....Joe Johnson 3 make it 94....I need an MGD...no...Zamboka ----Think that is how you spell it.

@CornerSniper I am looking to cut back on my drinking. Therefore, I will only take a shot every time Andrea gets to the line. /via @raptorsrepublic

ZING!!!Raps down 20....Shots all around...Who is buying....@Liston?

@RaptorspaceKat I will try! We closed the gap earlier .. RT: @dinonationblog Kat Good by all means provide some positivity for my #Tweetcap

To late I think...But Kat brings it night in night out. 98-81 Hawks. Dance Pak > Raptors Defense

@RaptorspaceKat Jack Armstrong just said your true habits come out the deeper you go into the half ..#Raptors down by 18

See she is using Jack Armstrong quotes smart girl....Raps just got tank on E!!! and not talking E Smith.

@gagangandhi I want the Raptors to lay someone out next time Atlanta drives the lane. Just TKO them.

This is the NBA not the UFC!!! But yeah I feel ya!!!

@chicagobulls End of the 3rd quarter, Nets lead the Bulls 75-69.

Go Nets, Raps down 102-91 it is time to cheer for someone else to help us yet again.

@stackmack Someone might wanna show the Bulls how to make free throws before the playoffs start. Or, you know, the Cavs can rest LeBron for round one.

Raps or Bulls might be able..to...Jack Armstrong said Just Tie Baby We Want Lebron...Some how I don't think he is sweating Bulls or Raps. Under 2 to play Raps closed to with in a touchdown. Paging Doug Flutie!!!

_Lenito

@dinonationblog BTW - cheap suit don't bend this easily do they??

That sums up Raps D nicely...Raps still down 5 with under 20 seconds to play....GOOD NIGHT NURSE!!! GO NETS GO...MAKES ME ILL TO SAY THAT. 107-101 the final YIKES. Raps fall short.

THANK YOU NEW JERSEY IN DOUBLE OT WIN!!!! Raps may not have won but neither do the BULLS!!!

Raptors Flirt With Epic Failure But Sweep Away Nets

I am going to be honest off the top of this one. Raptors won but I am not even happy about it. They were battling into the 3rd quarter to get a win over Nets. That is SO UNACCEPTABLE it is not even funny. Sure the Celtics lost to these Nets and twice the Bobcats lost to them. That being said I don't care. After yet another debacle vs the Thunder it took the Raptors 2 and half quarters to wake the heck up. The net result if you will excuse the pun is a Raptors 100-90 win. However nothing has been fixed in terms of what is wrong with this team. I have little doubt the Raptors may in fact beat the T-Wolves as well and get 2 wins in a row in the first time in forever. 2 straight road wins in even longer than that. It ultimately doesn't matter. When this team was going good I had said I remained unconvinced this team could win in the playoffs. I am now almost ultimately convinced they can not win in the playoffs. The goals for this season were not to sneak in the back door and make the playoffs.

Chris Bosh was sloppy with 6 turnovers he did get this thing going with 15 in the 3rd and 36 points overall. But if Chris is a leader by example. Which is what we are always told he is then he can't be so careless with the ball. 6 turnovers in the playoffs and you dead. Simple as that. Chris has had a lot to say of late and I applaud what he is saying. There is a real truth to it. That being said Chris also said once that he wanted to be part of the solution in Toronto. Well that means playing smart. If it is because of a lack of support no one would argue about that. However Bosh has always been a bit turnover prone.

Bosh wants a lot in terms of a max deal that he has earned. However if he gets that there is more I want from him as well. While some see Bosh's comments of late as signs he is out the door. That may in fact be true only Chris knows if it is or isn't. However I am cool with what is being said. In fact don't just say the team....say names call people out. Step up and lead this team by more than example. Remember that Chris Bosh that took a stripe out of Bargnani's butt back in Oakland in his rookie season. I want that Chris Bosh. The fired up pissed off doesn't care what you think I am going to win SOB CB4.

If Bosh does not want to be the Robin to a D-Wade or LBJ then be BATMAN. If Chris Bosh is a super hero at this point it is more like Spiderman. There was a very human element to Spidey he was imperfect human super hero. Peter Parker/Spiderman failed he never always was able to have it all. Chris Bosh/CB4 is not unlike that guy. He has to depend on others to help him get the basketball. He sometimes thinks he can fly and shoot 3's and make jumpers like M.J. He even has self doubt like Spiderman in terms of he sometimes will shy away from driving to the hoop. Yet despite all of his faults both Chris Bosh and Spidey have tons of loyal fans that love them anyway.

But this is one of those times you have to come in and be the hero. You have to motivate the folks behind you as well. The time has come for Chris Bosh to be vocal and let it all hang out. If this is the end or only the end of a chapter with the Raptors it doesn't matter. Do not let the Chris Bosh era become much like the Vince Carter one. Go out fighting and if you have to call out every single person in this locker room to get it done so be it.

If Chris is not willing to take that next step and become the vocal conscious of this team then he mise well go sign on to be D-Wade or Lebron's lackey. Be like Shaq and be a useless sidekick. I think there is more inside of Chris Bosh that he has in him. If that means going up to some guy from Turkey and saying that you know what you suck. So be it. I mean the guy gave his all when he was with Dwight Howard what Chris is not good enough for you?

Honestly what does Bosh really have to lose. If you are of the camp he is going regardless then who cares if he insults anyone or challenges anyone. I want that Bosh from Oakland....That Bosh will win or die trying. He will also expect and demand everyone else does the same.

In the end this was a ho hum win over one of the worst NBA team's in history. It is up to Chris Bosh to will this team forward. While making sure he is doing his part along the way. If this is going to be the end for CB4 or a new beginning I want to see it end or begin with some fire and passion.

Just to carry this whole Spiderman thing to the max. In one of the Spidey movies he decided to throw it all away and give up being Spiderman. He felt under appreciated and decided to give it up. Some feel that Bosh has done the same with the idea of being a Raptor. However in the movie Spiderman would eventually come back. Bosh may at times feel that he is under appreciated and given far to much of the blame. In the end Bosh has a special thing here in Toronto that he is not going to find anywhere else. I have always felt with no evidence to proof I am right or wrong, that Bosh is desperate to be given a reason to remain a Raptor and stay.

I think deep down just like Spiderman believed in the expression that to much is given much is expected. That applies to Bosh as well. But I think the CB4 Credo is that one about "I want to be part of the solution in Toronto". If Bosh leaves he will have failed in accomplishing that. I don't think that is something that will sit well with him.

Bosh sometimes can be an easy target for Raptor fans rage. He has made himself much more of a persona beyond just basketball now. If you are like me you likely feel you have watched this guy grow in front of your eyes. He is not perfect like Spiderman. However he tries hard to be your superhero and sometimes he succeeds and other times he fails. But there is always the effort to try. It seems pretty clear the Bosh is at some kind of crossroads here. Just like Damon,T-Mac and Vince and others have faced. While everyone in the past has took the fork in the road that leads out of town there is no guarantee Bosh does the same. However if this team doesn't make the playoffs there is no superhero that can save CB4 for Toronto. That being said there is still time to show some fight and save this thing. That will take Bosh doing what he said years ago. Being part of the solution but not just him, making everyone in that dressing room accountable in that dressing room to do the same.

Often so many folks talk about what Bosh isn't and not what he is. Still people love the guy despite sometimes not always being thrilled with him. I said when this season started it would always be about 1 thing and 1 thing only and like it or not CB4 and his future is what this season is about. If this does not work out there are no super heroes in that locker room to replace Bosh. Might be a few boy wonders and that is about all.

This season is about a lot more than what happens to Raptors this season. It is about the future of this franchise and it's chances of being competitive for at least the next 2 years if not more. If you are happy and content with backing into the playoffs in 8th...you shouldn't be. People get what they demand. Bosh needs to demand more from his team and himself and fans need to demand more from this organization. 15 years have been fun. But I don't think anyone will accept 15 more with the same kind of turnover and lack of true success. In the end Bosh and fans want the same thing. A Raptor team that can be a true contender.

Boshless Raptors Take On Nets

So some folks thing the Raptors can be o.k should Chris Bosh leave in 2010. Well let this be your preview of the future without him... kind of. Paul Jones (@Paul__Jones on Twitter) tweeted this stat for us all, with No Bosh the Raptors are 17-36 with a .321 winning percentage. Jonesy gives credit to John Rusin who fans may know better as " Jumping Johnny Rusin " back in the Swirsky era of Raptors basketball. Normally you would not sweat the 5-49 Nets even if it is a road game. But when you consider that stat it does make you a bit concerned.

What the Raptors will need to address most of all is how you replace the Bosh and his 24.5 points on offense. Up to this point Bosh had played and started every game this season. He had said that it was the most energy and he had never felt better this deep into an NBA season. Jay Triano said he is hopeful that Bosh will be ready to go vs Washington on Saturday. It will be a rare Saturday night contest on the CBC with Hockey taking a break for the Olympics. Obviously it is not just Triano hoping for Bosh to be ready to roll for that game. Bosh was a huge factor in keeping the Raptors in a game vs Memphis where the Raptors came out flat as a pancake.

Hedo Turkoglu had 1 point and 1 ball in that game vs Memphis. The Raptors will need a heck of a lot more than that if they hope to avoid what would be an embarrassing loss to the Nets. Jarret Jack also had a night to forget and he needs to bounce back strong as well. Some others the Raps need to step up to make up for no Bosh would include Demar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani. But beyond those starters the combination of Reggie Evans and Amir Johnson will have the bulk of the responsibility for making up for the 11.4 rebounds that Chris Bosh also provides.

A Word On Deadline

The Raptors as I was telling you did not make a move. There was a rumour of a deal with the Lakers that would have saw Powell and Vujacic coming to the Raptors for Banks and O'Bryant. However no miracle for Bryan Colangelo on that one. It would have been one too when you consider Banks and O'Bryant when this team is healthy are always a lock to be on the in-active list. The Celtics did make a move and while some praise the addition of Nate Robinson to the Celtics I think it was an epic failure for Danny Angie. The Celtics needed a major shake up and adding the Mascot of the Slam Dunk Contest was not what most had in mind. Raptor fans should know the value of a guy like Eddie House for that team and unless Ray Allen "Finds his Game" the Celtics will miss House and his 3 point shooting ability. House in that Knick system should have a lot of fun and Raps should take note of him when they play the Knicks 2 more times in March and April. The Cavs adding Jamison make them the massive favourite in the East as far as I am concerned. The Magic Hawks and Heat like the Raptors all stood pat. The only other team in the current playoff mix that made moves was the Chicago Bulls. Actually my surprise playoff pick the Bobcats also made a move so my bad Bobcats.

@jalenrose Meet @dinonationblog

The Knicks cleared a ton of cap space and look to be making a push to get to stars in the 2010 lotto. They will end up with just 4 players under contract. You will remember Jalen Rose once guaranteed that James and Bosh going to New York would happen in 2010. I mention this cause I had a little twitter exchange with the former Raptor who for the record I am a big fan of. I love the Michigan Wolverines and was a big fan of Jalen from his days at Michigan. Here is what the exchange was.

@jalenrose- "I majored in broadcasting because I was annoyed by so many "shock media reporters"..who throw stones in glass houses! Judge but cant play?!"

@dinonationblog- "So that is why you Guaranteed Bosh and James would be Knicks cause you don't like shock reporting? Just saying Jalen #GoBlue"

@jalenrose- "that day...that was the case...I KNOW BOTH situations & camps VERY well..minds change daily...it still may happen...right?"

@dinonationblog- "May yes but Guarantee no. You played here you know how T-Dot is and the fragile nature of Raps fans about guys leaving."

So that was the exchange and I thought it was interesting. I am proud of all Jalen has accomplished in broadcasting. To his credit even in his playing days he was working towards a career in sports broadcasting. He has made a very easy transition to it. I have no doubt he knows the situation better than me. He knows far more people and has far more contacts than me. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that. He should have known as a former Raptor what that comment would mean in terms of Toronto. He himself said things change daily so if that is the case why make the guarantee? I like Jalen, and someday would love to interview him and talk about not just this but many things. He is a guy that knows the game well and has done a great job in his post NBA career in broadcasting. Will It happen that I ever interview him? No idea but I have learned in doing this blog this long never to say never about anything. Jalen Rose has an open invitation to be in the DNB's Starting 5 anytime. So someone let him know OK? But seriously check out Jalen's website and hear his takes on the NBA. Majority of them I enjoy just that one about the Knicks was not among them. Hope I haven't ticked off one of the Fab 5 at me.

So enough about Tweeting and Twitter. Raptors if they were to lose Bosh in the short term to injury as they have, it could not have happened at better time with Nets and Wizards as the next 2 games and a very like February schedule overall. I am live blogging the next 2 games for The Score so be you Jalen Rose or just your average Raptors fan I will have a link for you later in the day to come experience all the action with me of the Raptors game tonight with the Nets.

Update 5:10pm

As promised you link to Raptors vs Nets on @The Score.com and Score Mobile. I will kick things off around 7:50pm

My Night At The ACC

I thought, seeing as by the time that I get around to re-capping the game it is already old news at this point, I would do something different. So instead I will take you along for the ride with me for a night of basketball at the ACC. For me that starts with a quick drive out to Burlington and hopping on the Go-Train and getting on the 3:15 train. It makes sense for me to take the train rather than bother with the stress of driving and finding some place to park that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. So hop off the train at Union Station and walk over to the ACC in the comfort of the indoors. I decided to stop at Centre Sports and pick up a Raptors Dance Pak Calender. Yes pretty pathetic that I am getting a calender on February 3rd I know. Anyway from there I go make my way to get my media pass for the night. Nice that I have now been down enough that I know the people and they know me. After that off the the media room to hang up my coat grab a beverage and get ready to try get to talk to some folks pre-game. It is pretty nice to see a lot of the folks I interview in person in the blog. Saw Paul Jones as I was hanging up my Jacket as he was already getting set to get going doing his thing for T.V and Radio. The one thing I have learned is you may see a media room as being a very competitive environment. However it is actually pretty friendly. Everyone is there to do their own individual thing but everyone is friendly and it is a place I now feel comfortable being. At first to be honest there was a bit of "how the heck did I get here?" in me. But now I feel like I belong and that makes it a lot easier to focus on getting stuff done.

There is always a chance to chat with both coaches pre-game for the media. I tend to go and listen in on those but more for just my own interest and to make sure someone isn't a surprise scratch. There was a bit of a surprise when it was learned Jarrett Jack was coming into the game playing sick. It had already been confirmed no Jose, Hedo or Demar. Jack would end up playing and still despite not being at 100% probably took questions from the media post game for a good 10 minutes. Jack will answer pretty much ever question asked of him. I tend to wait till the very end to try and talk to guys. Jack will still answer those questions with as much detail as the first one thrown his way. After he answered what I asked told him to feel better which he thanked me. He is a really polite young man and I have talked about him being a leader for this team and part of that feeling is just getting to see how he acts in the locker room and interacts with his team mates. He was asked post game if he took some pride in the fact Sonny Weems got his first double double last night. Jack has been a mentor for both Weems and Demar to a great degree. He did seem proud of Sonny and how he played. He said he told him to get the boxscore and frame it.

When you try and get stuff pregame it can be hit and miss depending on who is hanging around when the locker rooms are open to the media. Like I always like to try and catch up with Reggie to see how he is doing. I was really excited to do so on this night as he is closing in on returning finally. But unfortunately Reggie was not around when I was wondering around the Raptors Locker room. Who was around was Sonny Weems and Demar Derozan. Ryan McNeil of Hoops Addict was setting up to shoot an interview with Sonny and Demar was heckling Sonny prior to them getting rolling. Demar and Sonny are just constantly taking verbal shots at each other in a joking and playful way. Anyone that follows the 2 guys on Twitter can see how close they are. It is rare they are not doing something together in their off time based on Twitter accounts from the 2. So I asked Demar if I could talk with him for a bit after he was done giving Sonny a hard time. He was willing as he always has been. Will have that for you in the next day or two as we talk a little on the Dunk Off and what he feels has improved for him and the idea of heading to All Star Weekend itself. He may just be bringing Sonny Weems along for the ride if I heard Demar correctly.

So after talking to Demar decided to head back and see about getting some food. Along the trip back I finally ran into someone who I had been trying to meet and say hello. We exchange tweets often but have never happened to bump into one another. Kat or @Raptorspacekat on Twitter and we had a nice little chat for a couple minutes. She then was off to do her bit on Raps-TV and I was off to seek some food. I was out of luck in the food department as the only pizza that remained had veggies and it may not shock anyone that I am much more of a Meat Lovers type of guy. So I just grabbed a pop and sat down with a bunch of folks. Ryan, from Hoops Addict, Holly Mackenzie from The Score and Zack Cooper from the Fan 590 (Have talked to him before but we had never met face to face) along with some others that were around the table. There were a bunch of topics kicking around the table. Not sure if any of it would be interesting for folks in the blog. However it just is to point out what I was saying earlier about everyone getting along. In all honest the Media Business is really not as big as you may think and eventually if you are around enough you will know everyone and vice versa. I guess the best feeling of last night for me had really zero to do with the game itself or who I did or didn't talk too. It was just that feeling of belonging. Best way I can put it is like when you start high school or go to a new school. There is a sense of feeling lost, awkward and feeling like you are an outsider. Last night from the minute I walked in the door till the moment I left did not have a single feeling like that the entire night. That is progress for me not unlike what Demar has been doing on the floor. My progress is far more easy but still it is a process as well. I have come a long way from wondering how the heck did I end up here when I was at training camp in Ottawa. So has Demar come a long way in his growth process as a player and he I think should be ready to get back at it Sunday vs the Kings. He did tweet that he thought he would be ready for Sunday as well earlier in the week.

So all this hustling around then it was time to head upstairs the press box and get ready to watch the game itself. In general the Raptors would pretty much survive to get a win over the Nets. The plan heading into the game according to Jay Triano in the post game was to just have Jarrett Jack go hard for as long as he could and see what happened. He would end up battling through and having a good night. The Raptors had another drought to start the 2nd Quarter as they did in Indiana. When asked about that disturbing trend Triano seemed to think the different rotations based on the injures could be the cause of that. Whatever it is the Raptors need to solve that before they start playing good teams again.

There were individual successes but this was not that pretty of a win but it was a win and as I always like to say that is all folks will remember a month from now. The Raptors will face the Nets 2 more times and they will look for a better effort than this one but the same result. The Raptors continue that streak of winning when they hold teams to under 100 points with a 108-99 win at the ACC.

As I mentioned on My Twitter last night I walked by Vanilla Ice on my way back to my seat up top after bailing out on his halftime show. Did not ask him for an autograph but I am told people did enjoy what he did at the half. I'll take there word for it. Also as many know that read this blog I am NOT a LEAFS FAN. So Ironically when I was leaving of course I walk by Matt Devlin talking with Phil Kessel and the Newest Leaf Dion Phaneuf. I just kept my head down and kept walking. But next time I have Matt in the blog I will try to remember to ask Matt about his meeting those 2 guys for any of you poor Leaf Fans that read the Dino Nation Blog.

Another thing that came out of last night is that CB4 is going to be coaching. No he is not taking over for Jay Triano and becoming a throwback player coach like a Bill Russell was back in the day. Chris will be coaching against Kevin Durant in the Rookie/Sophomore game. Bosh is set to coach the Sophomore side in the game. It looks to be a very busy weekend back home in Dallas for CB4 and I would imagine with it being in his hometown you should get to see a lot of CB4.

On to Post Game in the Locker Room. You have all likely seen the Post Game media scums on Raptor-TV or on the various sportscasts. The media scrum is quiet the experience as everyone try to get their recorders and microphones in position to answer the various questions that everyone has. The biggest of those is the one those is the one that goes around CB4. It is quite the experience to be in that organized chaos. In a previous visit this season Bosh turned around before he started answering question and for a brief second I thought I was going to catch a CB4 elbow to the head. It all moves pretty fast as the media will move from one guy to the next based on who played well on the given night. On this night Bosh, Jack, Weems and Wright drew the crowds.

After that it is all done and I head back to catch a train and head home after a long day and hopefully a productive one. I hope you enjoyed this rather than going through the blow by blow of the game. I had written a re-cap but thought this might be more interesting. I like to share these experiences with you because I look at getting access for the Dino Nation Blog as trying to represent you folks in what I am doing. At the core of what Media is suppose to be about is representing the people and gaining info for the masses. However when you work for a network or newspaper you are also doing what you are asked to do by who you work for. In the case of the Dino Nation Blog there is no really people to answer to other than you the folks that read it. So I try to represent you and do what I can to take you along for these adventures with me.

Any experiences that I have had is based on 3 things in my view. the first is my own personal hard work and effort. The second is having people have faith and belief in me to be professional and work hard. But the 3rd is you folks that have supported this blog and made it something that is worthy of getting these chances. So I thank you for that and I do my best to pay you back with my hard work and trying to help you come along for the ride with me where ever I end up going be it the Raptors Locker room or anywhere else.

Must Win Starting 5 V-Log Edition

I am making my way to Toronto for the Raptors and Nets tonight. But before I took of to catch the Go-Train thought I would but together a little video preview of the Raptors and Nets. The Nets are just an awful basketball team and the Raptors will face them 3 more times this season starting with tonight. Most experts think the Nets will make some unwanted history setting a new mark for the worst record all time in a season. The Philadelphia Sixers back in the 70's I believe it was had a season with just 9 wins which is the current standard for futility in the NBA. The Nets of late have been knocking on the door of victory but have not yet got an answer. The Raptor fan base is always a fragile one in terms of confidence at times and most fans will just hope to God the Raptors do not lose to the Nets in tonight's game or the other to contests left on the schedule. So here is more from me in video form. Honestly it is me, not hat and looking a bit dressed up. You got to look good when you are going to see the Nets and Vanilla Ice in the same night. O.K perhaps not but I try to look like I belong with the rest of the media folks when I head to the ACC.





Ok that is it for me I have to get ready to roll and back up and take this show on the road. Next Stop ACC and if you want to see what I am up to check out my twitter feed @dinonationblog.