Raptors Make It Interesting But Lose 5th Straight

Ok so here is the story. I had a college game to do for The Score and was going to be late to this game. So decided to call on Ryan to give me a hand. The Raptors were fighting an uphill battle in this one you had to figure. Spurs were the surprise of the first half of the NBA season with racking up the NBA's best record. Bayless was back but Kleiza remained on the shelf. Ryan will get this recap rolling to see how things will go for the Raptors.

This game started out with the Spurs quickly gaining a 10-0 lead and it already looking like the Raps had already lost the game. Their jumpers weren’t falling, they weren’t getting rebounds and the spurs were getting out in transition for easy buckets. Just when it seemed like it was time to throw in the towel, the Raptors offensive switch was switched on and starting 0-5 from the field, they hit 7 of their next 13 and went on a 17-7 run to tie the game at 17 at the 3:46 mark, led by Bargnani and Jose with 5 points apiece and DeMar with 7. Just like that the Raps were back in the game and it didn’t seem so bad anymore. After a Spurs miss the Raps would take their first lead of the game off an Amir layup, but Gary Neal would tie the game not too long after. Manu would give the Spurs a 3-point lead off a pair of FT’s, but DeMar would cut that lead to 1 with 31 seconds left. Jerryd Bayless who already had 2 turnovers in the quarter would hit two FT’s with 2.9 seconds left to give the Raps a 1 point lead at the end of the quarter.

Dino Nation Blog making a substitution for the 2nd Quarter. James is back in and Ryan has been given the rest of the night off. Thanks to him for taking care of things in first quarter. I joined in on this game at 22-19 Spurs. All I asked was that it wouldn't be a blow out by time I was finished work. Mission accomplished have to say I am surprised.

Spurs pressing the Raptors and DeRozan ends up with a dunk and Raptors lead 25-22. Raptors have run going here after the Spurs started on a 10-0 run it is Raptors on 10-0 run and lead 29-22. Manu puts an end to that and drives to the hoop for a lay-up. More Manu and Spurs now trail just 29-26. Andrea gets a shooters bounce and scores to make it 32-26 with the 3 ball from up top. Blair the drive and score and Raptors were hanging on to a 4 point advantage. Manu and Andrea trade misses from 3 point land. Parker goes around Calderon with not much trouble and Spurs were just down 1 with score 33-32. But Gaines the drive and score and 1 back to a 4 point advantage. Julian Wright gets to the line and looks to extend the lead but misses both. Parker takes it the other way and from what would have been a 6 point lead to just 2. Parker again gets it up on the glass in hurry and goaltending on Johnson and were tied at 36.

Raptors would score then draw a charge on Richard Jefferson and he would have a seat with just under 4 to play. Demar the jumper and shooter's bounce and in. DeRozan had 13 in the game. After Hill makes it a 2 point game he sends Demar to the line for a pair and he makes both. Raptors leading 42-38. A steal and DeRozan on the break with the score and 1. Raptors were not done there building up an 11 point lead on a Johnson slam. DeRozan answered a Spurs score and has 11 in the 2nd and 20 in the game. Raptors leading 53-42 at the half just as everyone expected. Yeah right!!!

P.J Carlesimo spent many years as Spurs assistant maybe he knows all their tricks. Beyond that I have no clue how the Raptors were pulling this off. Duncan gets a score and the forces a Bargnani miss on the other end. That basket was Duncan's first of the game. Johnson a basket to answer but then Parker run Jose into a screen and that gives him open look and drains it. Then next possession a drop of for an easy Blair hoop. Blair would get another bucket and the lead was cut to 5 with the score 55-50. Time out Triano and he was hot and in the face of Andrea Bargnani.

Raptors would get a Julian Wright basket but Duncan would answer that and 1. Then he finds Blair with the pass and Raps lead was down to 2. Andrea a miss and Raptors lead was all gone as Spurs tied it up on the break 57-57. Raptors would fight back and get to buckets and re-take the lead. A steal and a Parker score answered by a DeRozan jumper his first 2 of the 2nd half. DeRozan on the very next play drives and draws contact. Screw Bargnani, start running plays for DeRozan he is the guy that is hot. Blair is getting it done for Spurs with help from his team. Hill a drive and Ed Davis the impressive block attempt but on the way down that is goaltending. A slam for McDyess is he really still in the league? Yes and the score is tied that 65. Spurs were not done and scored a couple more and led 69-65. A good time out by Jay Triano. Rarely get to say that. Blair was a beast and Raps had no answer he scores again and 17 point turn around in the 3rd and Spurs had a 6 point lead heading to the 4th.

A Neal 3 pointer after a score by the Raptors and this was not looking good. Spurs were taking control of this game and Bargnani was a brutal 4 for 18 in this game. Spurs had just slowly and methodically built a 12 point lead it was 89-77 with 7 minutes to play. A turnover and a slam on a 3 on 1 break for San Antonio and this game was starting to look like what many might have expected heading into it. Raptors were struggling to keep up with the Spurs down 96-83 with just 4:30 to play. A positive in this sea of sorrow was the play of Ed Davis one of only a few Raptors looking good during this meltdown portion of the evening. Raptors had fought back to down 9 but time was not on their side at the is point. Bargnani finally makes a shot his first of the half he was 1 for 8. Raptors were down 7. There was only 2:39 to play though and a silly turnover on an inbound play would end any thought of some miracle comeback. Raptors did have an 11-3 run going and lead was trimmed to 6 but a Spurs 3 pointer from Hill would basically turnout the lights with less than 2 to play. The final score would read 104-95
.

The Raptors had a good first half but fell apart in the 3rd and in the end the Spurs were like a shark that smelled blood and just tore them to pieces. Sorry for the gruesome imagery but if you watched the 2nd half you will agree it was warranted. Raps have lost 5 straight and now head to Florida and that does not promise to be much fun at all. Orlando and them Miami. This might be the toughest 3 game stretch you could have on you schedule in the NBA right now.

C.B Looks For A Historic Night And A Win At The ACC

Chris Bosh is 15 points away from becoming the all time leading scorer in Raptor history and it should happen in the first home game of 2010. What the future is for CB4 has been much talked about but none of us know what will happen come the end of the year. Regardless of that he will go down in the history books as one of the best players in the history of this team if not the best. All of that being said it was poor efforts like last night that make you wonder if this team will be good enough for him to stay. The opposition is not joke in the Spurs. TIm Duncan for some reason will not start but is expected to play. No Hedo Turkoglu for the Raptors as he is out with a cold nothing to do with his bruised knee. Antonie Wright gets the start. Still no Jose although Raptors may have him back as soon as their next game in Orlando. 9,406 points for Bosh coming in and Vince Carter sits at 9.420. Getting the record should be the easy part the hard part is going to be the win as the Spurs come in winners of 5 straight. The Raptors have won 5 straight at home. So this will be a historic night but will it be a winning one? time to find out.

1st Quarter

Spurs win the tip and Bosh called for defensive 3 second call but Parker missed the tech. Spurs would also get called for 3 seconds of the offensive variety and turn it over. Parker would score on the next trip. Raptors would start 0-4 including a Bosh miss but Bargnani would get rebound and draw a foul and split a pair. Wright forces a shot a misses it and Spurs were off to an early 6-1 lead. Chris Bosh would get his first points on a dunk in transition. It would be first made field goal of the night. Bosh drops a dime for Andrea and he slams it down and Raps now down 6-5. Wright a drive and score and the Raptors on a 6-0 run take the lead but it was short lived as Parker drives and scores. DeRozan the drive and thrown down and he is fouled makes the and 1 and Raps on top 10-8. Jefferson the jumper for 2 ties it up. Bosh would answer and Raps lead 12-10.

Teams were trading buckets with Raps on the positive side leading 16-14. A Bosh jumper was not able to find the basket to extend the lead to 20-16. DeRozan would make that scoreline happen with a slam dunk and Bosh on the bench to check it out. Parker was getting anywhere he wanted on the floor and was fouled only made 1 of 2. Bargnani a long 2 and Raps lead was 22-17. Bargs did a nice job with a fake and drawing a foul on Theo Ratliff. Marcus Banks with a pretty reverse score that I did not realize was in his tool box. Raptors were looking solid and doing a decent job early on. Raptors held Spurs to just 37% shooting and lead 27-19 after one.

2nd Quarter

Marcus Banks makes a jumper and the lead is 10. Tim Duncan final mad an appearance and Bosh welcome him hitting a jumper on him. Raptors lead was 31-19. It boggles the mind that the same Raptors team that showed little life in Boston was playing like a different team on their home floor vs the Spurs who own teams under .500 on the season. Marcus Banks was driving and scoring and is 3 for 3 and I wonder if this is really happening. Raptors lead expanding to 35-19. Even Roger Mason jr. AKA Raptor Killer almost airballed a shot the barely scraped the rim.

The pace had slowed and Raptors needed to be careful as the way things were going that is what the Spurs needed. DeRozan missed an easy lay-up and the Spurs were on a 6-0 run and the lead was 10. Make that 8-0 and 4 straight points for Timmy!!! Jarrett Jack would end the run with a score plus an and 1 foul to make it 38-27. Jack would later go old school Georgia Tech on the Spurs with an Alley Opp to CB4. Jack would then take it to the west coast all the way to USC for another Alley Opp for the Highlight Reels. Bosh was closing in on breaking the record as he scored to reach 12 on the night. Just 3 from history. Andrea Bargnani dunks on Tim Duncan this was getting crazy. Raptors are making highlights and leading this game 48-32. Spurs would add 2 points but the Raptors with an impressive and bit shocking 48-34 lead.

3rd Quarter

Teams exchange misses to start the 2nd half. Both teams off to a sluggish start. Tony Parker would break the seal with a 3 ball and cut the lead to 11. Bosh would fumble a ball away in the paint and picked up a foul his 3rd. Antonie Wright would get back to back scores and the lead was back to 14 like it was at halftime 52-38 Raps. Jefferson would hit a jumper having a quite night to this point. Jarrett Jack with shot clock heading to 0 draws a foul on Tim Duncan and got to the line for 3 shots. He would hit all 3 and the Raptors lead 55-40.

No points yet for Bosh but getting on the glass and his latest board turns into 2 points for DeRozan in transition. Raptors were not shooting great but the Spurs were terrible. Raptors had a 15 point lead with the score 59-44. Raptor Killer Roger Mason Jr for 3....OH NO!!! Bosh would answer and tie V.C as all time leading score with a 2. Bosh would hit a jumper and down goes V.C and the Spurs were down 14 with the score 65-51 late in the 3rd. Banks again with that same little reverse lay-up and Raptors lead back to 14.They would end the quarter up a dozen with the score 67-55.

4th Quarter.

Now the history part was done could it be in a win for the Raptors? Raptors exploded out of the gate to a take a 72-57 lead capped off by an Amir Johnson Slam. Spurs would rattle off 5 straight to cut the lead to 10. Spurs would continue the run and Raps were coming a bit unglued another turnover making it back to back possession and a break in the action and it was needed for Toronto.

Bosh a huge block out of time out and it was needed. He goes to the other end and pads his lead on V.C with a jumper for 2. Raps were in a dog fight now as Richard Jefferson would make a pair at the line and the lead once that was 15 had been trimmed to 6. Bargnani hits a 3 and that blasted 3 point streak continues but the Raptors need it. Raptors were battling hard hanging on to a 77-70 lead and forget the 3 point streak I want Raps to remain undefeated holding teams under 100 on the year.

Jack, Belinelli, Wright and Bosh and Bargs on the floor for crunch time. Jack with a big basket to extend lead back to 9 at 81-72. This was getting to be a gritty game and Raptors were holding their own which in the past you would not have seen. Spurs cut even closer as Duncan scores and unlike the hard foul Bosh had put on Duncan earlier Bargnani allows Duncan to score and make the and 1....Raps lead 81-78. Jack and Parker trade baskets. Bosh a miss and Duncan the same then Bosh would make up for his miss with a score with 56 seconds left to make the lead 5....85-80 RAPTORS!!! Spurs go inside to Duncan and Bargnani fouls him again but this time Timmy can't make the shot and will shoot 2 at the line. Missed the first one and the second and Raps could ice this with a basket. Jack fires up a 3 but no. Bogans hits 3 with 12.4 seconds left and the lead was 2. Spurs foul Bosh but they had a foul to give. In to Bosh again and he is fouled and amazingly this is the first time Bosh has gone to the line tonight. Bosh makes the first and and the second the lead was 4 with 11.1 to go. Duncan gets a foul call on Bosh with 8.4 seconds left. Again he misses the first one and makes the second the lead is 3. Belinelli is fouled with 7 seconds left. He makes his first...lead is 4.....second as well and lead is 5 this game is likely over. Manu scores with just 3 seconds left and the lead was back to 3. Raps have to burn a couple time outs having a heck of a time trying to inbound the basketball. Wright fouled with 1.3 left on the clock. he just needs 1 and he gets it. makes the second and Raptors take it 91-86.

Chris Bosh is your new king and Raptors get a shocking win on their home court to make it 6 in a row at the ACC. Bosh had 22 points and 15 rebounds on route to going to the top of the Raptors record books. Raptors move to 13-0 when holding teams to under a hundred points and that is the streak I am jacked about.

Injured Celtics Whack Raps

No Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Marquis Daniels for Celtics. Doc Rivers joked that the Celtics held a lottery prior to the game on who would start. Rasheed Wallace would have his number called and that was big. Wallace has always had an answer for Chris Bosh and on this night he would as well despite not having a great year himself. We all still remember the game in San Antonio near the start of the season where the Raptors faced the Spurs with no Duncan or Parker. The Raptors would fall hard on that night losing a game that many felt was a gift wrapped victory. Many had that same feeling heading into this one with a 5 game win streak heading into it. However the Celtics were on a rare 3 game slide for them and motivated to not have it climb to 4.

The Celtics that were playing were hungrier than the Raptors that were. Which did include Hedo Turkoglu who had left the Bobcats game at halftime because of a knee bruise he suffered in practice on Tuesday. Despite the odd positive from the Raptors, it was a general lack of defense and rebounding that did in the Raptors. What were those positives? Well there was a nice highlight reel dunk from Demar Derozan and Andrea Bargnani was driving and taking it to the hoop on occasion.

The Raptors did not get blown out in this one. However you never really felt that they were in it. They had closed the gap to 6 late but never could get much closer than that. Jarrett Jack had one of his worst games since taking over from Jose Calderon with his injury to his hip. Marcus Banks gave people all the proof you should need on why trading Calderon would not be a wise idea. He was even worse in relief of Jack in this one.

Chris Bosh had several cost turnovers in this one and on the defensive end both he and Bargnani were far from good. In short the Raptors had a game that should have been one they could have one slip away. There have been more than a few of those this season and that alone is a reason this team remains below .500. The Raptors could have reached the .500 mark last night with a win but with San Antonio and Orlando on the horizon those thoughts of .500 are likely to fade away for awhile. Not to mention this same Boston team in Toronto a week from today. You have to figure they will be healthier by then.

Raptors and Spurs later today with an odd 6pm start time.

Opportunity Is Knocking Will Raps Answer The Door?

When you think about the San Antonio Spurs you think Matt Bonner...well some Raps fans do, but to be serious you think Tim Duncan and you think Tony Parker. One of that dynamic twosome will be on the shelf for tonight's match up vs the Spurs. Parker suffered an injury on Friday and reports are he could be out a week and will not be in the line-up tonight for the Spurs. The Raps have been catching some breaks in this early season and have had mixed results in taking advantage of them. They faced a Magic team down 3 key players and got beat badly anyway. While they faced a Detroit team down a couple key players and got the win. Parker is a key part of what the Spurs do on the offensive end and would have given them an advantage based on his skill and speed. That being said the Spurs have added to their overall talent with the likes of Richard Jefferson and drafting Blair from Pittsburgh as well. They also have "Raptor Killer" Roger Mason Jr and a healthy Manu. George Hill will be replacing Parker in the starting line-up. The Spurs also come into this game on a rare for them 2 game losing streak and are below .500 at 2-3. So based on that alone the Raps should not take the Spurs for granted.

Not to mention the Raptors own awful performance in Dallas. It was the second half of a back to back for the Raps but that was an awful effort on the defensive end. The Spurs are a team that has a number of shooters and can take advantage of the Raptors lack of a perimeter defense. The Raptors are one of the best offensive teams in this league so far. While the Spurs traditionally have been one of the best on the defensive end of the floor. However like the Raps they are trying to get some new faces into the mix and gave up 113 and 96 points in loses to Utah and Portland.

Some Keys To the Game:

Rebounding- The Raps will need to fight and claw on the glass as the Spurs have only got better on the boards with the addition of Blair he has been averaging 7.6 boards in just 18 minutes on the floor and Duncan 11.8 but after that there is a drop off and Spurs have actually averaged on the season just 39 boards a game while giving up 42. Toronto needs to win the battle on the glass and help use defensive rebounds to launch transition offense. Also getting on the offensive glass and getting some second chances points as well.

Tempo- Raptors should look to push the pace on both ends of the floor. We have seen the Raps break out a press defense a few times this year. Might not be a bad idea tonight with no Tony Parker to handle the basketball. While on offense an easy basket via the transition is always welcomed, any easy score you can get on the Spurs is helpful. The less times you have to line up and play this team in the half court the better.

No 3's Please- The heck with the house, get those darn kids chucking rocks and breaking windows. Yes beware of Duncan on the inside but not at the expense of watching Manu, Roger Mason Jr and friends light it up from the outside. Basically if you are guarding a 3 point shooter your HELP is not required, leave it to the others on the floor to sort out. If you have ever seen the movie Top Gun, the Raptors need to stick with their wing man in the basketball sense. If Tim Duncan gets 40 and Raps lose I will say I was wrong, but pretty sure that is not happening. 3>2 and that is not changing anytime soon.

Some Key Players

Spurs: Roger Mason Jr. - He is shooting just 29.4 % from 3 point range. For whatever reason Mason has been a thorn in the Raptors side and always has had great games vs Toronto. What did we do Roger? I may never know but what I do know is this guy always brings it against the Raps

Raptors: Jose Calderon - No excuses with no Parker this is a game that Calderon must dominate and play like the Jose that some people see as a top 10 PG in the league. He has had to decent nights on this road trip he really needs to break out and have a good one tonight.

X-Factors

Spurs: DeJaun Blair- NBA scouts flat out dropped the ball on this kid. He can provide energy and effort and will be a load to deal with on the glass. He played his college ball in the rough and tumble Big East and the guy is a beast. Always need to know where he is when a shot goes up.

Raptors: Antonie Wright- He has been showing hustle and energy out on the floor and the Raps will need some of that. While many would like to see him in the starting 5...I remain happy with seeing him come off the bench and it is a role he has embraced. Manu, R.J and a few others are tough guys to guard and Wright can be a factor if he can help quiet on of them.

I just got word from The Score HQ that the Dino Blogger has once again been called to duty to cover this one for you on The Score.com and Score Mobile...this is a game on Raps T.V so if you don't have that you might want to come hang with us. Even if you do it is a great way to interact with a bunch of Raptor fans like yourself. Your own virtual Raptor Party if you will.

Raps and Spurs Live Blog Link

Also if you follow my Twitter @Dinonationblog you likely already know. However I am pleased to say tomorrow the Dino Nation Blog welcomes back Chuck Swirsky a day before his Bulls hit the T-Dot. The interview was taped today and I hope you will enjoy it. Chuck always is great to talk with and has some interesting thoughts about the Bulls, Raps and 2010. Look for links to that interview on Twitter as well as to tonight's game with Spurs and Raps. Following the Dino Nation Blog on Twitter is the best way to stay on top of what I am doing and things going on with the blog.

B.C Speaks, We Listen And Trades Happen

Why wait for tomorrow when you can do it tonight? Right? So 1,2 and 3 trades go down. But first this is the Dino Nation Blog and Bryan Colangelo was front and center for the media today. Colangelo has always been a pretty straight shooter and today was no exception. So what did we learn? From the mouth of B.C barring something totally unforeseen the next Raptor will be one of 5 guys.

Jrue Holiday (UCLA) - Expected back for a second look prior to Thursday. Just my take they are trying to convince themselves he is better than Jonny Flynn. But I am here to say no way. Size may matter but heart matters more. That being said Eric Smith in his chat today was high on him and thinks Raps are as well.

Demar DeRozan (USC)- Let's call him the people's choice. I remember another people's choice. Ed O'Bannon. Not saying Demar DeRozan is going to have that awful a career. Let's all hope so if the Raps to take him. But I am not digging this private workout against no one. I am just not digging when people say Vince Carter and this guy in the same sentence. They mean in potential talent not in attitude. I have been told and read he is a tremendous kid and I have no doubt of that. But 19 with upside is not making me get as excited as everyone else. But he could indeed be the top guy on the board for the Raps at 9.

Gearld Henderson (Duke)- Love the player hate the school. I have seen him play and I like what he can do. If I am endorsing anyone that played for Duke they have to be good. Henderson just seems to me a guy that I can trust is going to be good. I am more confident in what I am getting in him than I am convinced in what exactly I get in DeRozan. Here is something to chew on. Henderson is more ready now to play in NBA. Where have I heard that before? Brandon Roy was the most draft ready and some guy named Bargnani was drafted for his upside. Just something to think about when you compare DeRozan and Henderson. The gap in Mock drafts may make it look like these players are not close at all. But reality is that I think they are.

James Johnson (Wake Forest)- B .C likes this guy. At least he keeps saying his name. But I am not sold on this guy. He does have a black belt so please don't hurt me. He does seem like a guy that would help on defensive side of the ball. But I just don't see it even though draft express has replaced him as the Raptors pick instead of DeRozan. Seems I am not the only one not as high on DeRozan as he has be on a steady decline and now sits at #11 on their draft board going to play with the Nets and if he is V.C like he would get to see the real V.C or what is left of him.

Jonny Flynn (Syracuse)- I am putting my one year streak of being right on the Raptors draft choice on the line with Jonny Flynn. If you read this blog on a regular basis you know how much I think of the point guard position and it's importance. I also like small scrappy guys like T.J Ford, Rajon Rondo, D.J Augustine and my new fav Aaron Brooks. Jonny Flynn is an athletic freak of nature despite his lack of size. The only thing bigger might be this kid's heart. To but that type of player in a gym with Alvin Williams...OH I LIKE IT AND I LIKE IT A LOT. Jonny Flynn is going to be not just good but great. In a point guard heavy draft I am convinced that he will be in the debate for the best in this class at the point. I am more willing to bet on Jonny than Roko and after last season I am not willing to go into another season without a legit back-up. Jonny Flynn is more than legit and if Roko does turn out ok...can you say trade Jose? It could happen. But regardless of that Flynn is a guy I trust if Calderon goes down like last year. The kid flat out wants to win and he showed you that in the NCAA post season at the Big East Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. There was a tiny point guard named Damon Stoudamire that Raptors fans booed. He turned out to be rookie of the year. Don't make the mistake of booing Jonny Flynn. He will make you sorry for doing it. Trust me.

More on what Bryan had to say tomorrow. But on to the deals....

On To the Trades

To The Spurs- Richard Jefferson

Can't stand the guy and trust me this is not the answer to save the Spurs. Jefferson has done NOTHING since Jason Kidd left Jersey. I admit that I have never liked R.J even before he insulted Toronto fans in the playoff series with the Nets. I think he has been an under achiever for the majority of his career. Over hyped and not as good as everyone says he is.

To The Bucks- Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto (For a few hours)

Said to be a cap move for the Bucks. But they add some toughness and I actually like this deal for the Bucks. At least I did when they were keeping Oberto. But as you will see he was not a Buck for long.

To The Pistons- Fabricio Oberto

Minor move but I like it for Pistons.

To The Bucks- Amir Johnson

saving money seems to be a theme for the Bucks.

To The Wizards- Randy Foye and Mike Miller

Interesting not sure what to make of it but Miller could be a nice fit and add some 3 point shooting pop. Foye will never be Roy and a fresh start can only do him good.

To The T-Wolves- Etan Thomas, Oleksiy Pecherov and Darius Songaila and the fifth overall pick in Thursday’s NBA draft

Why main question is why did the T-Wolves feel the need to move up. What does this mean for their other picks in the draft? All solid questions. On the players they take back minus the draft choice I don't like the trade but add the pick and we will see.

So it is almost Midnight do you know where your favourite NBA Star is? He might not be there in the morning. The moves and trades are starting to heat up getting ready for Thursday. So hope you enjoyed this special late edition of the blog.

Avoiding International Incidents

Jose Calderon has surgery done on his dislocated finger and is said to be out of commission for 6 to 8 weeks. Hopefully the timing of this was not to be ready to play for Spain this summer. Jose needs to take a pass on playing for his national team this season. I am rapidly becoming someone in the camp of Mark Cuban on this whole issue of international basketball. Cuban has long been against the idea of players under contract in the NBA playing in international ball. I am beginning to totally agree. However to be realistic about it, there is no way the NBA is going to pull a 180 and back away from FIBA and not allow it's players to play. David Stern sees the idea of Olympics and to a lesser extent World Championships as a way to market the game globally.You can debate how much good that actual does or does not do for the league. However I am just going to suggest a compromise of sorts. Steve Nash would love this one as it comes from a sport he enjoys...Soccer. In Soccer for the Olympics they have an age limit on who can go to play at the games. I think the age is 25 if I am not mistaken. If you are over 25 you can not play simple as that. Nash as he got older decided to say no thanks to Canada. I was one of few that did not agree with that choice by him. However with this rule there would be nothing to debate on that issue. It would be cut and dry and at least if someone were to be injured playing internationally at least they would be younger and in most cases more likely to heal quicker and hopefully have no long term impact on them. I have said in this blog that it is unfair in a lot of ways to make players decide between country and team. I hear the argument that you are being paid by your club team and that is who you should be loyal too. I tend to agree with that.

However if you were to use hockey as an example and the Washington Capitals or Pittsburgh Penguins wanted to Ovechkin or Crosby not to play in the Olympics it would cause huge debate in this country. In the case of Crosby I could see Pittsburgh jersey's being burned in the streets. Also with the hockey example there is far less time where the players practice as a national team. In Basketball it is an event that goes on yearly basis each summer. When players play for their national teams the club teams get very little say if any in how practices and training is done. They also may want players to focus on certain aspects of the game that may not be the same as a national team would want from them. In hockey basically it is a group that gets thrown together for an event like the world championships that are going on currently. There are not long training camps leading up to that. In fact in some cases if players are eliminated from the NHL Playoffs they are quickly added to the line-up and just join the exsisting team.

If David Stern can determine how old you must be to enter the NBA draft. Why is it not reasonable to have him cap the age in which a player can play for his country while he is under contract to the NBA. It is the best compromise for all. Players would not feel the pressure to decide between country and team. For those who play in Europe and International players it is very hard to say no when the national team calls. Not unlike it is for players in Hockey in this country. If a player of any great skill or talent said he was going to take a pass on the upcoming Olympics in 2010 in Vancouver in hockey in this country he would be public enemy number 1 if he happened to be Canadian. So take the choice out of their hands and cap the age they can play till. It may not make everyone happy but it is the best was to solve the problem.

Speaking of injuries former Raptor Jamario Moon is done for the rest of the playoffs. He has a sports hernia and is set to have surgery which will bring an end to his season. Moon will be a free agent in the summer and will be looking to sign a deal somewhere. He has had a nice run with the Heat and developed some chemistry with D-Wade so Miami may want to have him back. We will see come the off-season.

As for the Heat they are locked in a battle with the Hawks tied at 2. However the series of the playoffs has been the Bull and Celtics. It has been high drama and last night was no different. The teams could not decide things in 48 minutes once again and went to overtime. Celtics ended up in the winners circle and even if they some how get out of this series it seems highly doubtful the will be able to defend their NBA Title. The Spurs joined the Pistons in sitting on the sidelines for the playoffs losing to Dallas is round one in 5 games. The Pistons were swept aside in the East in 4 games to the Cavs. You wonder if in both cases we are seeing the end of eras. The Pistons only managed 1 lone title in the run they had and Spurs have won 3 or 4. They also may not be done as they still have the same 3 core players and could perhaps re-tool and with some luck and health have one last run at it. But the bottom line and feeling you get from the playoffs is that this is Kobe and Lebron's party and everyone else are just guests that will eventually leave.

Both Bryant and James have been for this epic battle it seems all year. They were the 2 front runners in the MVP Debate which should be announced soon and I am thinking with go to Lebron. However most feel that will only serve as motivation for Kobe to win a title. Like he needed anymore after losing last year to the Celtics and looking pretty bad by the end of that series. It is going to be fun to watch and unless Denver, Orlando or someone else have a Magic trick in them it is going to happen.

So hope you are enjoying the playoffs and getting a chance to enjoy some great basketball even if it does not involve the Raptors.

Raps Beat The Spurs? Seriously?

I was off advanced scouting/working as I was doing the UConn vs Syracuse game on The Score live blogging. Leo Rautins was sad to learn the Orange lost to the Huskies. That was expected with Huskies having the #1 ranking in the NCAA. However Raptors beating the Spurs? That sure was not. I caught the end of the game on the Radio with Paul and Eric as I was off getting some food. To say the least I was pretty stunned by the result. Roko Ukic had an amazing night. Having not seen the game I was just think my whole blog I wrote about a Nash for Calderon trade sounds less crazy now doesn't it? I know that would make me a lot more happy than an Amare Stoudamire deal.

So I have just seen the first quarter and game in hour moves fast. But from what it looked like the Raptors were doing a good job. All of this with no Jose, CB4 and Joey G for most part. Spurs had a slim 2 point lead. Roger Mason Jr. and Jason Kapono exchanging baskets and they will be doing that on All Star Saturday night. Manu Ginobli who is the favorite play of one of the guys I am on the radio with on CJLO makes a 3. Gerry will be happy about that I am sure. Manu had pretty behind the back pass as well nice. A Moon 3 make or miss is yuck to me. Kapono has been doing well in the last two games. Triano and the staff have told him to fire it up and he is. Roko off to the good start going 3-3. Make that 4-4 he is looking good. Bonner a miss and the Red Rocket had been on fire heading into this one but has been a non factor in what I have seen to this point. Good news for Leo Rautins though even though Syracuse lost is that Matt Bonner is looking to play for Team Canada. That will be a welcome site. It is no Steve Nash but hey after last summer Canada will take it. That along with an improving Joel Anthony is a good start. Meanwhile the Raptors are up a half dozen. It makes me think if Raps could play like this when this is all done and we look back on this season you will ask where was this against teams like Oklahoma City, Memphis and others. That is why despite the result of this game which is great I am still not sold on the Raptors. Colangelo had said he felt this team was not that far away and when you see them have night like tonight you can understand why. One thing you always notice if Raps are good is ball movement. Actually make that 2 things the drive the ball as well. Roko in his brief times on the floor has done that more consistently than Calderon. Not saying he is better but at that aspect he has been to me. Calderon and his injury is obviously part of that whole equation.

This has not been a recap or game notes I am not sure what we call this. Watch along with Dino Blogger? anyway I feel a bit guilty in missing this one live. But let's be honest did anyone out there expect the Raptors to win this game? If you did, you lie or you are the most faithful fan in the world. I think it should be pointed out for the record the Spurs were on the tail end of their famous "Rodeo" road trip. It is an annual thing where the Spurs are kicked out of their building for the Rodeo each year. In Toronto Raptors have to deal with Hockey and the Leafs. In San Antonio,Texas the Spurs have to deal with cowboys and Bull...s. But not the ones from Chicago. All that being said you can bet the Spurs will not make excuses. Having seen the post game prior to the actual game they did not. The one thing that has stuck out for me and maybe is the best reason you can make for trading J.O is this coming up next. O'Neal with out Bosh seems to be much more effective and with Bosh it has not worked well. That behind said this was not one of those nights. Now some of you out there have turned in you CB4 fan club cards to avoid the rush. I am be crazy or believe in people to much but I have faith CB4 can still be a Raptor when all is said and done. So if you are in that camp with me J.O is the guy that must go. The way he has been playing makes that process a much easier one. This has been a entertaining basketball game and in the end that is all you can ask for. There have been many times including very recently it has not been. So Raps are down just 2 points after 3 quarters as I have been typing away and watching.

I am not sure what all of this will mean for the Raptors. They should be able to be healthy with a week between games. The next game the play will be on the eve of trade deadline against the Cavs. So who knows healthy or not will be playing in that game. Andrea Bargnani who some have felt has turned the corner has started to fade back to the old Andrea a bit. He has shown the ability to make big shots. When you consider all the if Bosh goes talk. I say this with great confidence. Andrea Bargnani is not the Chris Bosh to replace the star like Chris was to Vince. Bargnani is not going to be a face of this franchise or a leader of this team. Anyone that thinks that is wrong. If you want a look to a future with Bargnani as your leader check out Dirk in Dallas and think of him to a lesser level. It does not make you feel all that confident does it? Not me. But Roko is doing solid work as I ponder the future of a Bargnani lead Raptors. Thanks to Roko for snapping me out of that. Bargnani is at best a Robin to a Batman. At worst well we have seen that and it is not pretty. Colangelo I doubt will deal him but I would still entertain the idea. I mean some people that say don't trade Joey and Andrea. I ask you why? I guess you figure there is much more growing and they will become better. However I see it more as why not sell an asset that has more proof of the opposite. I admit that I have been impressed by Bargnani and would not be unhappy if Raptors kept him. I will say this about Andrea that he has shown a fight and an ability to make clutch shots. I just don't automatically think that Andrea can be as good as others might. Point is I guess not willing to slap an untradeable tag on him that is all I am saying. however as the fourth quarter marches on maybe I should just quit while I am behind. 23 points behind at last count.

However one player I am definitely moving if I can find a sucker to take him is Jason Kapono. Maybe someone after all star weekend will lose their senses after watching him in the 3 point shoot-out. But Roko Ukic is just off the charts. Ukic vs Calderon coming to a Raptors Blog, Forum or Sports bar near you. on that happy thought the Raptors have an impressive win over the Spurs.

Will it mean anything in the grand scheme of life? I really want to say that it will. However I just remain unconvinced. This was a huge effort and a major win for this team. I am not saying it was not. However there have been few nights like this in the first half of season. I always laugh how if a team losses they say the All Star break will give them time to forget about it and go forward. However if they win they can build from it. Honestly a week between games how much momentum can you take from that negative or positive. Hype and media speak to be honest. But will the Raptors head into the break a happier bunch? For sure. That being said I think given what Bryan Colangelo is thinking it is not going to matter because the team you see today will not be the team you see next Friday. If it is Bryan Colangelo will be disappointed and so will Raptor fans. Most of all so will Chris Bosh. A boxscore and recap are needed for you to believe this happened. I know it is for me even though I now have watched it.

Recap
Boxscore

So, the DNB will roll along over the next week. I am going to try and find some guests. Have some fun maybe. But we will take it at a much more relaxed pace than the normal nuts pace I work at. Dino Bloggers need rest too. I can't remember the last time I have taken a day off. I know I have not since the Blog hooked up with the Score. So if I book a day off I will let you know. But I think I have earned one. Will see how it goes. If a bunch of stuff come through I may not get my day off. But will see what happens. This sure is not where anyone expected this team to be at the All Star Break. An unexpected win does not take away from that. It may help take the sting off a little, but 21 wins is 21 wins.

Raptors Look To Crown The Kings

I said it yesterday the Raptors margin for error over these next 3 games is nothing. If they do not win their next 3 contests it pretty much is over as far as any slim playoff chances they may hold. It is all based on what the Raptors face after that. They have little to no change of getting a win in the next 4 after these 3. The Sacramento Kings have been a total failure this season and are trying to rebuild around Kevin Martin. He was not in the line-up when these teams faced off on Boxing Day. The Raptors would get a rare win on the west coast as they beat the Kings on the road for only the second time in franchise history. It is a rare 6 pm tip time at the Air Canada Centre. The Kings come into this game on a 4 losing streak and a 3-19 road record. I mean it does not get more of a gimmie win then this does it? If the Raptors get even half of the performance they got from Jose Calderon in his return to the line up it should be a cake walk.

All Star Thoughts

I have said this for years and last night offered proof to my point. Yesterday I was on CJLO in Montreal and that is the host city of the NHL ALL STAR weekend. The breakaway challenge winner was Alex Ovechkin who put on a silly hat and some sunglasses and used two hockey sticks and eventually scored. Can anyone say that was even close to as entertaining as Dwight Howard putting on a Superman outfit and dunking a basketball. Not even close. I get that I am in Canada and hockey will always be bigger then basketball. But even hockey fans have to give the nod to the NBA's All-Star Saturday night as opposed to the the NHL's pathetic rip off of the event for their sport. In the market that matters for the NHL, the United States, it will be viewed as I have stated a cheap rip off that is not good in comparison.

Gary Bettman came from the NBA and has tried to use NBA ideas in the NHL with little success. David Stern is a far better commissioner for his sport and it is made the most clear when you compare the two sports All Star Weekends. The NHL had to bring in a rule that forces players to sit out the next regular season game for the season if they skip the NHL ALL STAR GAME. The NBA ALL STAR WEEKEND is an event that most players love to be at even if they are not part of the game or events. The NBA is the better league when you get right down to it and that may not play well in Canada but the simple fact is that it is the truth. The All Star Weekends of the two sports just offer the most obvious comparison that makes that fact clear.

It will be interesting to see if Chris Bosh gets the nod to be in the ALL STAR GAME. I have seen most thinking it is likely a lock that he does. But given the Raptors record I am not convinced it is. Should he not it will be interesting to see how he handles that moving forward. He has been more vocal and angry about what is going wrong. If he were not to get the personal honour of going to the ALL STAR GAME if for no other reason then his team's poor record. That good be a point where we see Bosh say enough is enough. Whatever happens I am glad that Chris is starting to show some emotion and say loud and clear that this is not acceptable. I think on this the Fans and CB4 are on the same page.

Lakers vs Spurs

Before the Raptors take on the Kings. A match-up of 2 of the NBA's best teams with the Lakers and the Spurs. I am going to be live blogging it for The Score. You are welcome to stop by and take part as you get set for Raptors and Kings. After all there is no football being that it is the bye week before the Super Bowl. So that gives you a chance to see more basketball. It is a 3:30 tip time and if all goes well it will end before the Kings and Raptors get going and that game originally scheduled for TSN 2 has been moved over to TSN. Maybe they are finally hearing the angry basketball fans? Wishful thinking I am sure.

The Score Live Blog Link- Spurs and Lakers

After I am done with Spurs and Lakers. It is right into Raptor Rewind of Kings and Raptors. A busy day but hopefully a fun one.

Raptors In A Free Fall

So when this trip got started many folks said that this team needed to go 3-3 or 4-2. So after a loss in Texas to the Spurs that would mean the Raptors need to win 3 of 4 at least. Let's take a look shall we.

• @ Clippers (8-19 and 3-10 @ Home)
• @ Kings (7-21 and 5-7 @ Home)
• @ Trailblazers ( 17-10 and 9-2 @ Home)
• @ Warriors ( 8-20 and 4-9 @ Home )

If this Raptor team was playing well this would be an easy 3 out of 4. However this team is in a free fall losing 5 straight. A lot of Raptors fans are trying to remember a worse point for this franchise that they can recall? I am not sure it was worse but the season this is starting to remind me of is the one that saw hope reach record levels. Vince Carter had re-signed and so had Antonio Davis, Alvin Williams and JYD. Not to mention the cherry on top Hakeem "The Dream" had signed to close out his career in Toronto. Glen Grunwald was thought to be a genius and was widely regarded as having one of the best off seasons of any G.M in the league. I even remember David Stern himself saying what a wonderful job had been done here in Toronto. The Raptors were declared to be pre-season contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Now we all know how that turned out. The Dream was a bust. The Raptors over paid for Davis and the two Williams. Vince Carter would get injured and start the path to going from hero to zero in Toronto. The Raptors were declared for dead. It would take an amazing late season push with Vince Carter injured for this team to sneak in the playoffs. As the 7th seed they would push the Pistons to the (at the time) 5 games series limit in the first round. However the damage that had been done in that off-season would be long lasting.

For all the beating that Bryan Colangelo is taking let's at least give him credit, for the fact that he is not invested in anyone long term beyond Jose Calderon at this point. He has given the Raptors a chance to be players in 2010. The question becomes home much of that is he willing to give away to save this team from a short term disaster. I don't know this for a fact and I highly doubt Bryan Colangelo would admit this in any way. However my thought was always that he made the Jermaine O'Neal trade to be in the 2010 game. He may have truly thought that Jermaine could help this team and keep them in the playoffs. But he would have to count on finding a lot of talent at a discount rate. That part of the plan has not worked out. Moon, Adams Solomon and a second round guy with upside and raw talent in Nathan Jawai. Still the bottom line goal was to create cap room in 2010. If the Raptors could just manage to make the playoffs and perhaps win a round things would be on course for Colangelo. He could have fired Sam Mitchell if the team did not have playoff success this year and brought in a coach for 2009 to get the team prepared for 2010. It all seems very logical and it had a chance of working.

The things he was not counting on was that Jose Calderon would not play to a level that he would expect. He really could not hold on to T.J Ford and let Calderon walk or do a sign and trade that would not bring back the value people would want. Ford was to high of an injury risk to make him the winner of the point guard battle. I think if that was not the case that the Ford and Calderon choice would have been a much tougher one to make.

The other thing he was not counting on is his star player being at odds with the fan base and frustrated. I never thought I would be reading people seriously talking about trading Chris Bosh at this point in the season. But that is what I am seeing and hearing. It really makes no sense to trade Bosh now. He will come out of this and be the guy fans chanted M.V.P for again. Besides even though 2010 seems like it is only weeks away it isn't. The short term out look for the Raptors is not good. But the long term outlook can be fine. The only thing that might screw that up is if all of this hostility between Bosh and the fans and media grows. The comparisons to Damon, T-Mac and Vince are not fair. Bosh has done nothing to convince me he has not been committed to working hard and making things work in Toronto. He is no doubt going through a tough time at the moment. But I think he has the character to come out of it on the other side a better player and person for it. The only question is will people give him reason to walk away in 2010. Bosh said that fans are important and play a role. If that is true I think they can at least play a minor to major role in where Bosh ends up in 2010. Unless you can find me some proof that Bosh is behind the rumours that see him going to places like New York in 2010, I am not going to blame him for them. Bosh has said a lot of things lately but the one that sticks out the most for me is when he said that if fans are upset how do you think he feels? This is a kid that when Vince Carter was here laughing and joking after a loss. Chris Bosh was in tears because he wanted to win that much. Remember that the next time you want to talk trash about CB4. He cares and I never question that.

Last Night With Spurs

I think no one expected the Raptors to win that game and they did not. They did show a lot of effort and fight despite a humiliating loss the night before. But the Spurs exposed the Raptors perimeter defense in a major way. Tony Parker did much of the same to Jose Calderon. The one thing that I took away from that basketball game was about a former Raptor. Matt Bonner really has come a long way in his time with the Spurs. In the starting line-up and making key baskets. I am very happy for Matt Bonner. I still can not get use to the fact he has an NBA Championship ring. It seems wrong in some ways that he does and great players like a Barkley or Ewing do not. But that is not Matt Bonner's fault. He is becoming a pretty quality player in the NBA. I hope he gets to become a pretty quality player for Team Canada as well. Matt still comes back to Toronto and has a home. He married a girl from Toronto this past summer. I will always enjoy Matt Bonner he may never be an all-star or a huge talent in this league but he is a good person. However after last night I venture to say he is becoming a better player than a lot of people would have thought in his time in Toronto.

There was also Roger Mason Jr. He on the other hand I just can not stand. He always seems to get up for the Raptors and seems to be fired up about it. I seriously don't understand what the Raptors did to him? I mean players come and players go. What did we do Roger Mason Jr? I mean if we were wrong I am willing to admit it. But it is hard to say sorry for something that you do not know what it is. Although I am not married and I am sure many married men can explain to me how you can be sorry for something and not know what it was. Anyway whatever it is Roger Mason Jr. has been a Raptor Killer no matter the uniform he is rocking.

Christmas Is Coming Thank God

The best news of all is just one more game prior to the Christmas break. I think players and everyone connected to this team will be happy for that (even bloggers). So it is the Clippers on Monday on the TSN that we all can get. What a concept a game on T.V that everyone can watch. I may be forced to get NBA League Pass to watch my home team. How crazy is that. I think I will send a copy of the bill to Rogers, TSN and the Raptors. They can all pitch in and pay it for me. I expect that would take a month just for them to agree on who should pay and how much. They could do that or they could ignore my request for payment just like they have ignored the fans left out in the cold by this mess. Anyway that is not very Christmas spirit like. I hope despite all the Raptors troubles people are enjoying this holiday season. I had spoke with one reader who had been at a Christmas Party and missed the Oklahoma City game. We both typed in the same word...Lucky. Raptors could use some luck or anything that equals a W and not an L. Please Santa Just one early gift I have been really good this year. The Clippers have no fans anyway we need a win more.

Correction: Seems I was mistaken. The game is on TSN2. I was watching TSN this morning and they had done a promo for the game saying it was on TSN. That was the reason for the mistake. I should have realized being Monday they have the contract for Monday Night Football. I guess we are all allowed a turnover ever now and then. Sorry for that. Santa is going to have to bring me league pass that is all there is to it.

Paul Jones In Starting 5 From OKC

Here is a nice added bonus for a snowy day. I had a chance to catch-up with Paul Jones in Oklahoma City. For today we will do the audio part of my interview. The rest of the Interview will be in written form will be in the blog tomorrow. We talk about Chris Bosh, fan frustrations and the importance of this road trip among the topics. Have a listen:

Powered by Podbean.com

In the second part tomorrow talk of Jay Triano, Andrea Bargnani, Roko Ukic and much more. So be sure to come back for that Tomorrow. Also check back tonight for the Raptor Rewind and see how the Raptors made out in Oklahoma City.

Also I am going to be Live Blogging for Tomorrow Night with the Raptors taking on the Spurs which you are welcome to take part in. This is the same blog system that was used over on Raptorblog that we are helping test for The Score. Your link for the live blog below:

DIno Nation Blog- Live Blog Raps @ Spurs