Celtics and Raptors Part 4

Before we get talking about tonight's games some important news and notes about the Dino Nation Blog over the next few days that will have an impact on things. Right off the top there will be no Raptor Rewind of tonight's Celtics and Raptors games. As my two little animated helpers have been telling you I will be live blogging the game for The Score. So you are welcome to check that out and come be a part of the fun.

The Score - Raptors and Celtics Live Blog Link

It says it starts at 7:30 pm but I will likely show up and get things going like 15 minutes early to allow you folks to take part before the action gets going. Also After Midnight I will be posting the interview I did with Chuck Swirsky. It is in all audio format and in it you can here Chuck's Thoughts on the following topics:

• The Raps Early Struggles
• His Thoughts on Derrick Rose
• What Does The Swirsk Think About 2010
• His Return To Toronto
• His Thoughts on Jack Armstrong and Matt Devlin

It was great to talk to Chuck. I know I have had issues with some stuff in how he called games. But as a person you will not find a better person and proof of that is he was willing to talk with me. He was first person I ever interviewed in the Raptors media a long time ago. He was always helpful and kind and remains the same way to this day.

The only other thing of note is there will also be a delay of Raptor Rewind for Wednesday's game for the Bulls. I am going to be doing some more live blogging for The Score on a college game between Duke and Georgia Tech (CB4's Old School) so it will not be possible to be in two places at once. Also that game is a TSN 2 game that makes it even more complicated. I will do some kind of a summary when I get a chance to watch the Game in an hour on Raps T.V. So that is about all for news. I am doing a third game on Saturday if you are a fan of NCAA ball I will link you to that later in the week.

In Case You Have Not Heard

It was being reported last night that Jose Calderon and Jermaine O'Neal would not be taking the flight to Boston with the Raptors. Given how Jose was performing yesterday in trying to guard Rajon Rondo that may not be a bad thing on his end. When it comes to Jermaine O'Neal some have wondered where he has been. He is still around and has been getting re-hab during games. I heard the first mention of a return date for him being Wednesday against the Bulls. But when it comes to injuries it is all guess work. The reason for the delay in his return was said to be some unwelcome swelling in the good knee. That is right this is on the good knee the right one not the much talked about left one.

Nathan Jawai has been seen working out and getting ready. Doug Smith in the Star was suggesting the Raptors are in no hurry to get Jawai in the line-up. But I am sure that Nathan does not share that opinion. I am going to attempt to talk with Aaron Fearne next week and get an update on how Nathan has been doing. One of the question I will ask is if there is any thought of Nate going to the D-League as part of him working back into shape. It would seem like a good idea to me. I am on an island with this opinion but I really think Nathan Jawai could have had an impact this season. But his heart issue have made that seem unrealistic at this point. But he will be an impact role player once he gets rolling. I just feel really strong about this.

I Was Painful Right

Yesterday I had major bad feeling about the Celtics game and I was proven right. I had two big concerns and they were the key factors yesterday. Rajon Rondo I felt would really have a huge advantage and if Jose played it would increase that advantage. Sure enough Rondo was unreal. He just could not be stopped and the dunk he had in that game was like a huge explanation point to that fact.

You may remember when we were getting the season started on of the fantasy games I was taking part in was the Pick One Challenge that has you pick one player each day and you get his numbers for your fantasy points. Guess who I picked yesterday? Ray Allen. I just knew based on the history and if Rondo was going to do what I expected then Ray Allen had a chance to have a huge day and he did.

In fact he was feeling so good that he was having some fun in the locker room after the game. I will let Holly Mackenzie's story from Court Surfing explain.

Dino Blogger On The Air Waves In Montreal

I was happy to be a guest on CJLO on the Show "Off The Bench". We talked a lot about the Raptors and a little bit some things around the NBA. If you want to have a listen check it out.

Dino Blogger on CJLO

So I have been keeping busy. I recently wrote an article on Chuck's Return to Toronto and talking about the whole conversation about Chuck and Matt Devlin. You can read my thoughts on all of that over at T.O Sports. I also have submitted my story over at the Industry Magazine. That will not be out till February in that Article I talk about the idea of Toronto as a future host for the All-Star Game. In it I have quotes from Jack Armstrong, Eric Smith, Scott Carefoot and Chuck Swirsky on their thoughts on the impact an All Star Game could have on Toronto. As we get closer to All Star Time I will write something on the topic for the Dino Nation Blog as well. I'll link up the Industry Article when the magazine is out which I believe is at the start of February.The Industry is a Urban Culture Magazine that looks at night life and the whole scene that is the T.O. Lisa and her whole staff over there are great to work with and have made both myself and basketball feel welcome in their magazine.

So please if you are able to come pop in on the live blog tonight do so. You can find the Live Blogs for not just the NBA but all kinds of sports on The Score.com and it is part of the Score Mobile as well if you are not able to watch the game and have an Iphone or Blackberry or other tech toys you can tune in and keep up to date with what's going on. On a date or with the family? Just sneak off to the bathroom and get an update on the game. It can be our little secret as long as your family and friends don't read the blog which I wouldn't like personally. The Dino Nation Blog can always grow bigger and it can start with you by telling a friend and so on and so on. There was an ad like that for hair colouring or something. Anyway see you at the live Blog and tomorrow the Salami and Cheese and Chuck Check in at the Dino Nation Blog. Well Chuck does there was no Salami and Cheese used in this interview.

Round Ball Review Vlog On The Road To Boston

Well that was not a fun outcome today. But hopefully the latest episode of the Round Ball Review will give you a chuckle. J.B and Joey have been sent on assignment to cover the second half of the home and home series with the Celtics. They decide to send in a Vlog. I have become a big fan of the ones Paul Jones and Eric Smith do and I figured why not have my new animated staff members give it a shot. Here is Joey and J.B from parts unknown on the way to Boston.




So that is it hope you enjoyed. I attempted to get some feedback on how people like this and people seem to enjoy it. So I will try and keep the guys busy giving us all some laughs. It is free for now so that fits right in with the Dino Nation Blog budget. But I think it goes pretty well regardless of that. Thanks to Scott Carefoot who got using this program and made me aware of it.

Raptor Rewind- Will The Raptors Get Rondoed? Edition

Rajon Rondo has struggled and so have the Boston Celtics.The Celtics will be without Kendrick Perkins for today's game which was reported by Paul Jones on Raptors T.V. So the Celtics would be down a man in their starting five. The Raptors we will have to see who they have for this game. Doubtful that we will see Jermaine O'Neal and Jose Calderon is again a game time decision. But whoever plays this is going to be a tough game for the Raptors. Do not be fooled by the Celtics struggles. They have only won 3 of their last 7 and are on a 4 game slide. But I think they look at this as a chance to get back on track at expense of the Raptors. I just am not ready to overlook this team in anyway. Jose Calderon was going to give it a go in this game and I am not sure that will be a good thing or not. Chasing around Rajon Rondo with a hamstring at anything less then 100% could be bad news. But I am not trying to be the voice of doom honestly. But one more note to share that is not optimistic. Since Garnett, Allen and Pierce have come together this 4 game slide is the longest they have ever experienced as a unit The task of making that 5 games will not be an easy on at all.

1st Quarter

So how will Jose do in his return to the court? That would be question #1 as we get this thing going. Rondo has struggled shooting but if he is allowed to get into the paint that will cause problems. Raptors won the opening tip and Jose got it to Bosh who hit a fading jumper. The Celtics would respond with a basket from Brian Scalabrine who was replacing Perkins in the line-up. Jose looking good early as he would get his first score of his day. Paul Pierce, who had already killed the Raptors once this year he hit his first attempt of this day. Chris Bosh mad his way to the line and made a pair. The two teams were exchanging blows early. Pierce came back with an answer for Bosh and they both had 4 early. Jamario Moon would dial it up from long distance. Celtics would have their first failed trip of the day and the Raptors would get it to Bargnani who was fouled and heading to the line for two. He could only make 1-2 and Raptors had a 10-6 lead early on. Moon would add to that with a two point shot this time around.

Ray Allen would give the Celtics a much needed three pointer. Paul Pierce just after that would get injured as it appeared he had banged his knee. But while the Celtics had a gimpy Pierce they would march on and take the lead 14-12. Glen Davis checked in as Pierce was on the bench and in pain. No wheel chair had been brought out yet. Ray Allen was healthy though and he made another three point and the Celtics despite a key loss in Pierce were taking over. Ray Allen would drain yet another 3 point that would 4 of 4 all from long range. If you are a Raptor fan you are not happy, if you have Ray Allen on your fantasy squad your thrilled. Raptors who lead early by 6 points were now down by 8 points with the score 20-12. Rajon Rondo would get to the line looking to extend that lead. He would make both and Celtic lead was 10. Chris Bosh would finally have an answer with a score for the home side. A nice driving hook shot for Bosh. Jose Calderon would extend his free throw streak to 74 in a row as he was fouled and sent to the line. Ray Allen was just hot as a pistol though as he hit yet another 3 pointer that was 5 in the quarter if you were counting. Kevin Garnett would miss a pair from the line after getting to know Jake Voskhul. Jake would whack him again but not be as fortunate as Garnett would make both in his second chance from the line. Celtics were allowed to have 3 chances to score but they would miss them all but still lead 27-18 with just over 2 minutes to play in the quarter. Calderon was getting beat bad by Rondo but he still had his free trow streak going. It was rapidly becoming as irrelevant as the Raptor 3 pointer streak that is somewhere over 800 games if you care. Both teams were a little chilly to close the quarter with Celtics holding a 28-20 lead. Rondo with no one in his way would get a easy lay up and the Celtics lead 32-20 which ironically was the same score after the first quarter when they visited the ACC. That would lead to a 118-103 thrashing that was on my birthday. It was not exactly the present I was hoping for. This was not what the Raptor Fans were expecting from their team on this day as well.

2nd Quarter

It would start much the same. The much talked about Boston bench would score just as easy as the starters to begin the quarter. Bargnani would answer with a basket. But we were rapidly reaching the point that exchanging hoops was not going to get it done. Andrea would try to hit a 3 pointer but miss and Celtics were slowly getting defense going. Eddie House would hit a jumper. He is one of about 40 players I have heard rumours about coming to Toronto. But today he was a Celtic and making his jump shot. Joey Graham would make it to the line for a pair and Joey would make them. But defense was the issue and the Celtics were owning the paint and able to enter it at will. The Boston lead had climbed to 15 points as they lead 39-24 with 8:46 to play in the half. Raptors were now struggling to get anything they would final get a score on a Graham tip in. He would get fouled as well but miss the free throw. It was 41-26. Andrea Bargnani would hit a 3 pointer and try to draw some life to a lifeless team and crowd at the ACC.

Doc Rivers needs a win for his team and was quick to call a time out and try to stop the Raptors from getting any kind of momentum at all. It would end up doing just that and Bargnani would pick up his 3rd foul and leave. But Anthony Parker would get a 3 pointer and get the natives a little excited in the stands. A slam dunk by Bosh and a scuffle between Joey Graham and Brian Scalabrine and the crowd was back into it and so were the Raptors with the score 42-34. Graham would in the game after the double technical fouls take the ball at the red head and score. Joey was fired up and flying around. The Celitcs would score a basket and it would not calm the crowd. Paul Pierce who was back in now would make a 3 pointer that would take some wind out of the crowd. The lead was back to 11 points with the score 47-36 Celtics. Brian Scalabrine would hit a 3 pointer in response to all the Joey G energy and it was a big one as the Celtics had a 50-38 lead. Ray Allen would make a jumper and lead was climbing again. Rajon Rondo would take Will Solomon to school just like Jose and he had a dunk. Calderon meanwhile was questionable to return at all. He had looked non existent on defense. He is a bad defender normally but he was showing the signs of not being at 100 percent. That will be the Raptors story and they will stick to it. But honestly with the type of injury he had going against Rondo was not the first game back you would prefer. The Celtics had re-established firm control as they would take a 54-41 lead into the half.

3rd Quarter

Joey Graham lead the Raptors with 8 points and had 5 rebounds and a block. Good for Joey and I do mean that, but without some help it would be a wasted effort. Meanwhile Ray Allen on the strength of a strong 1st quarter had 17. Jose Calderon was going to start the second half and I strongly object for what it is worth. But I am not making those calls. Celtics would miss a 3 pointer to start the second half but Bargnani would miss as well. Paul Pierce was back and scoring after he had a long break after hurting his knee in the 1st quarter. Jamario Moon got himself to the line and made a pair. Kevin Garnett despite all the Celtic success was shooting 1-10 after another miss. Rajon Rondo was back to form as he would just wiz past Calderon again and score. Chris Bosh was not able to throw down a dunk. He and Bargnani had struggled along with Granett for the Celtics. Rondo would have a spill and turn it over and Bargnani found Bosh for an easy score. Cue Mr. Allen to make a dagger 3 pointer. Kevin Garnett would follow that with a dunk and the Celtics lead 63-45 as the Raptors started the quarter shooting just 1-8.

Andrea Bragnani would try to change it making a 3 pointer. But this game looked lost and Rondo was able to get past Jose at will. It was leading to the Celtics being able to attack the Raptors from both inside and out. Bargnani to his credit was trying to fight through as he got to the line and made a couple free throws. Chris Bosh would hammer Glen " Big Baby" Davis. But he would not cry as he stepped to the line to take and make his free throws. Parker would hit a rare jump shot for the Raptors in this quarter. But this game had got out of hand with the Celtics on top big 67-51 with 5:31 to play to 3rd quarter.

Rajon Rondo found himself guarded by Bargnani, he would blow past him draw the blocking foul on Bosh, and head to the line and make a free throw to go along with his basket. Garnett would have a dunk and the score line was getting big with it now 71-51. Bosh would drive looking to tear the rim down but instead he would get fouled and sent to the line. The Celtics were not making anything easy for the Raptors. Bosh would make the free throws but mission accomplished for the Celtics. They did not want to allow a dunk and let Bosh get confident or this crowd to get excited. Bosh would look to take an ill advised 3 pointer and it was exactly what Celtics would like to see him do. He would miss the 3 pointer and Celtics grab the rebound and just keep motoring along. Doc Rivers was really into it on the bench and you would think it was a close game by looking at him. But given the recent struggles of the Celtics you can understand why he was keeping on his team to stay after it. Chris Bosh would block Rondo from getting another easy basket. The Raptors were just getting attacked by penetration and had no way to stop it. That is why the Celtics lead 73-55 after 3 quarters of play. That and a very solid defensive effort that you have come to expect from the Celtics since the arrival of Kevin Garnett.

4th Quarter

Some eye opening stats for you. The Raptors were shooting just 31% and had only 8 points in the paint. The Raptors would get a score from Bargnani and Kapono would have one decide to spin in for him followed by another jumper and the Raptors had a 6-0 run to start the quarter but they still were down by a lot. A time out from Doc Rivers to make sure his team got back on track with a 75-61 lead to defend with just over 10 minutes to play. The big three would return after the time out as Doc Rivers was not going to trust his bench to hang on. The impact was right away as the Celtics got Ray Allen to the line for a pair to end the mini run. But Kapono would score again. But the lead was still 14 points. Jose Calderon was not going to come back for any kind of comeback. Roko Ukic was in at the moment. He would try to hit a 3 pointer that could have cut the lead to 10 points. Rajon Rondo looked to heading to making the Raptors pay but Jamario Moon would Rondo....Rondo with a block. But it was still a long road back. But the crowd was trying to hold out hope for the Raptors.

They would get to the line and make a pair and Raptors had an 11-2 run going. But it was Ray Allen time as he made another big 3 pointer. He would then pick up his 5th foul on Joey Graham who was one Raptor that was going all out all day. He would make the foul shoots and Moon had a basket. Jason Kapono had another and Raptors defense had stepped up the lead was down to just 8 point with the score 80-72. This was all being done with Chris Bosh on the bench waiting for his time to check back into the game. I am still not buying it as far as a comeback but the crowd was and the Raptors seemed to respond as well. I will say this though comeback successful of not this was important for Raptors confidence as this was first half of a back to back that concludes tomorrow night in Boston. I will be live blogging that on for The Score so no Raptor Rewind by the way. But we have a game to finish. There was still time for the comeback with 5:52 remaining.

Celtics would split a pair from the line by Davis. Ray Allen after a failed Raptor effort would step inside and make a mid-range two ball and Celtic lead was back up to 11 and the crowd had been quieted once again. Garnett with a successful trip to the line built there lead back to 85-72. But the Raptors and this crowd refused to accept defeat. Chris Bosh would get a monstrous jam and it was 85-76. But once again Ray Allen had a long distance answer for the Raptors and the crowd. It was 88-76 for the Celtics and time ticking away. Raptors had 2 chances to cut the lead to single digits again but miss. But the would be given another change and Roko Ukic would score to cut it to an 8 point lead. But we were under 2 minutes. But don't tell the Raptors as Andrea Bargnani hit a huge 3 pointer and the lead had shrunk to 5 points. Raptors had a chance to cut the lead again but Moon would miss and Paul Pierce would use a Kevin Garnett pick on Moon to get free and score and I think end all hope of a comeback. Celtics led 90-83 with only 40.3 seconds to play. Raptors had the ball after a time out and it would end up with Bargnani on the line with 34.5 seconds to play. Not what Doc Rivers wanted to see from Davis. Bargnani made both with the clock stopped. Raptors would send Ray Allen to the line who is a good free throw shooter just like he is from beyond the arc. Jesus Shuttleworth AkA Ray Allen made both. A Kapono 3 ball and Raptors were not accepting their fate. 92-88. Allen would get the ball and be fouled again and make both. Just 7.2 seconds left and down six points. Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo were huge in getting their team a win. The Celtics would walk away with what ended to be a much harder fought win then you might have guessed. But the Celtics will take the 94-88 win and head home and look to do it again.

Raps/Celtics Boxscore

Give the fans at the ACC and the Raptors credit they never gave up. But the fact was the lead was to great and every time the Raptors thought they had a chance Ray Allen would come along and say not so fast. That along with Rajon Rondo running wild half the time against a less then 100 percent Jose Calderon. It was a mistake to let him play in this game and I don't know who's call it was but it was the wrong call. Raptors with or without Calderon would be back at it tomorrow night in Boston. I will be live blogging it and I will give you the details tomorrow. I look forward to it and the Raptors can take a bit of confidence into that game based on how they tried to fight back.

Here Come The C's

Well the Raptors are hopeful to have Jose Calderon back today. But I would suggest defensively at least that may not be a great thing. Rajon Rondo is one of the fastest guys in the league and for a guy that is coming off a hamstring injury that could be bad news. Not even getting into Calderon's defensive challenges when he is healthy. But Boston has been struggling like we have not seen perhaps in the entire era since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen came to town to form the Boston Big 3. A Christmas Day loss to the Lakers snapping a 19 game win streak has sent the Celtics into a tail spin. They have loses to the Warriors,Knicks and Bobcats. I mean what the heck is going on in Boston?

Let's look back on the two previous match-ups

On November 10 it was the big 3 of Garnett, Allen and Pierce combined for 76 points. They held Chris Bosh in check with just 9 points. Jermaine O'Neal had his best game as a Raptor to that point with 23 points and 11 rebounds. He is not expected to play today from what has been said of late. It was a game that the Raptors had come out like gang busters only to see Paul Pierce give a personal display on why he was Finals M.V.P. In the end it was a 94-87 win for Boston. This was also that famous game that saw K.G talking smack with Jose Calderon that got so much attention. If you need a reminder here is the box score from that game.

Nov 10th @ Boston

On The Dino Blogger's Birthday which is November 23 rd if you are planing ahead. That did not provide a present of a win from the Raptors for me. Boston would remember how the Raptors almost embarrassed and they came out and had a balanced team scoring effort. They had all 5 starters and 2 players off the bench score in double figures. They would start off with a 32-20 first quarter and not look back. They would roll on to a 118-103 victory. If you would like to look back on that one no problem.

Nov 23 @ ACC

The next two Chapters of this story will be written in the next 48 hours. The NBA schedule is strange. The Raptors finish with the Celtics but have yet to play the Knicks or Bulls who they will see 4 times before the end of the season. Not that the Raptors will miss seeing Boston at all. The Raptors will hope the Celtics struggles last just a couple more days. But I have to be honest I think the Celtics see this as a huge chance to get back on track and will look to do just that.

In fact since Christmas the Celtics have only beat 2 teams which are team the Raptors have beat since Christmas as well. The Kings and the Wizards. The Raptors are the hot team coming into this game winners of 6 of their last 10 and 4 of the last 5. While the Celtics are on a 4 game slide and just 3-7 in their last 10 games. All this being said I am still very concerned and you should be too. Boston is not going to keep losing like this for much longer. So that was a short game set-up as this is an early 12:30 tip at the ACC on a Sunday.

The Round Ball Review Is Reborn

Hi folks I am not sure if you have seen the Raptor Blog News that Scott Carefoot has been doing over at Raptor Blog. I have become a fan of them. They are for sure PG-13 rated at least but a good laugh for sure. I decided to use the idea for use here at Dino Nation Blog. Some may recall me making reference to my old radio show The Round Ball Review. Well is was a segment of a show called Jock Talk actually. I decided to restore that show in this cartoon like format. The host of the show is J.B Superstar which was a nickname I had on my college radio station I worked at. The co-host is Joey G. No not Joey Graham but a Joe that was my co-host for the actual round ball review for a couple years. I am not sure if these guys are anything like us but they at least have our names. I hope you enjoy this first episode of the show. I had a lot of fun making it. They will pop in once in awhile to fill in for me and give us all a laugh hopefully.





So that is a wrap for today I hope you enjoyed it. I had an article to get submitted for the Industry Magazine and was on the Radio in Montreal this morning so I wanted to have a little fun in doing the blog so I hope you enjoyed this and I will try to do a few more as the season goes along. Maybe the guys will work on the weekends and give me a bit of a break. Talk with you folks tomorrow as the Celtics take on the Raptors.

Raptors Rewind- The O.J Show Hits T.O

So let's get started with a roster update. Jamario Moon is back the proud papa of a baby girl. Could having that behind him inspire him to play well. I sure hope so. He was back in the starting line-up. But no Jermaine O'Neal and despite some hopeful signs it looks like no Jose Calderon as well. Will Solomon would be your starting point guard tonight for the Raptors. This is a big game for the Raptors who could make it 4 out 5 wins for them. Also you have a back to back with a recently struggling Boston Celtics who are taking on a Cleveland Cavs team on a mission to keep them that way. That may not mean good things for the Raptors and it is why tonight against a Memphis team that is 11-25 is a must win type game. Raptors are starting to get it on track at home as well. They have won their last 2 at the ACC but are still only 7-9 on their home floor. Can Bargnani and Bosh keep things rolling as they have been of late? They will hope so as the will see a young and talented Marc Gasol.

1st Quarter

Raptors take the opening tip and we are off. Chris Bosh gets in going right away and he hits his first jumper. O.J Mayo would miss with his reply on the other end. Rudy Gay would make his first attempt count with a 3 pointer. Andrea Bargnani answered with a 2 not a 3 and Raptors were back on top. Jamario Moon made his first shot as a dad and Raptors had early lead 6-3. Anthony Parker the veteran with a basket and Darrell Arthur the rookie with the reply. Chris Bosh took a nice looking jumper from top of the key and he made it. Will Solomon found Jamario Moon for the easy score and it was Raptors off to an impressive 12-5 start with 7:15 left to go in quarter number 1 of 4.

Turnover for Memphis as Marc Gasol got called for 3 in the key. Bosh would make them pay with another jumper. O.J Mayo had another miss and his Canada debut was not off to a great start. Bosh though was having a wonderful start as he was at the line and made a pair. Raptors were building a lead that was up to 11 points with the score 16-5. Will Solomon would find a cutting Bargnani for the easy layup. Raptors would surrender a bucket to Rudy Gay and a turnover and a forceful jam for Gasol. The Grizz were on a roll as Rudy Gay scored another and it was a 6-0 run and Jay Triano had seen enough and called a time out. Raptors still had the lead 18-11 with 4:48 left to play in the quarter.

Jamario Moon missed a jumper badly out of the time out. He would make up for it with some hustle on the defensive glass but Raptors could get a score off of that as Kapono would miss. Raptors had gone cold as Bargnani had a lay up pretty much roll out. Kyle Lowry would finally make the Raptors pay cutting to the lead 5 points. But Jason Kapono answered that with a 2 pointer. After a 20 second time out for the Grizzlies Rudy Gay continued his great opening quarter with another basket he was 4-4 on the night. Marc Gasol was trying to make it a 3 point lead for Toronto but Bosh had other ideas with the block. But the next time down Gasol would get to the rim and be able to lay it in for two. Jason Kapono would get hooked up by Roko Ukic and he would make a 3 pointer. Gasol from the top of the key shows that he has a jump shot as he drained it. The Raptors were hanging on to a 23-19 lead after one quarter of play.

2nd Quarter

Teams exchange baskets to start the quarter. Raptors had most of the reserves in the game. Bargnani was still out there though and he grabbed a rebound on defensive end. But it did not turn into points. Both teams were looking sloppy with back to back travels on Conley and Graham one for each side. Warrick split a pair from the line. Raptors lead had been trimmed to 25-22 early in the second quarter. Jake Voskhul had his way to the line and massaged a couple through the hoop. Warrick would get a quick response for two for Memphis. That would get answered by Joey G who was set up by Kapono. Jason was not done as he hooked up Jake Voskhul for another 2 points for him. Raptors had build back up to a 7 point lead it was 31-24 with 8:08 left on the clock.

Jason Kapono would turn it over on a travel proving he was not exactly a point guard yet. Chris Bosh was back and he had a thunderous jam to let you know it. Memphis responded with a basket. Bosh would look to hook up Bargnani but instead it was stolen for a turnover for the Grizz. Raptors had really cooled off after a hot start but the Grizzlies were not taking advantage of chances. Joey Graham would get a basket driving to the basket and The Raptors were kind of on cruise control as they lead 35-28 with 4:49 and a time out on the floor.

Warrick made his way to the line and made a pair. Chris Bosh had a jumper rim out and Rudy Gay would come back and score and the Grizzlies were back to just 3 points down with the score 35-32. Bosh would get himself to the free throw line and he would make a pair. O.J Mayo apparently was suffering from a hip pointer but had checked back into the game. It was Mike Conley at the line and he split a pair. Rudy Gay was making up for a lack of Mayo he made a 3 pointer. The Grizz would score again to take a lead 37-36 and that brought boos from the crowd that was not impressed with the Raptor effort and honestly they had reason to be upset. Jay Triano in the time out did not have much love for his team as well. Chris Bosh would respond and get to the line. O.J Mayo got his first bucket on the night. Bosh answered that one with a basket. But the Grizz were inspired and made a basket to answer that. A slam dunk for the Moon man as the teams kept swapping a one point lead. Raptors would score again to end the ping pong match. O.J Mayo since checking back in looked better as he had another score. Will Solomon would close out the second quarter with a basket and it was 47-44.

3rd Quarter

Chris Bosh had 16 points shooting 5-7 from the field and a prefect 6-6 at the line. He also had 7 rebounds and 2 blocks but the rest of the team was sluggish at best. Rudy Gay had 14 for his side a perfect 2-2 from 3 point range and 6-8 from the field overall. Jose Calderon said in a halftime interview that he wants to return to the line-up on Sunday he said in a halftime interview with Rod Black. The will need him against the Celtics who were losing to the Cavs at the moment. But this game here was back underway. Rudy Gay was still hot and opened the half with a long 2 pointer. Chris Bosh also hot would answer with a basket for his side. Lowery had a score for Memphis and Bosh answered that. Rudy Gay as another answer for that. Defense was just a rumour at the ACC at the start of the second half. Marc Gasol decided to foul Bosh that was at least an attempt at defense. Nobody can stop Rudy Gay as he had another basket and had 20 points and we had a tie basketball game at 52. Bosh would take the ball at Gay and draw the 3rd foul on him that may be the only way to stop him on this night. Bosh who was perfect from line in first half started the second 2-4. Grizzlies scored a runner in the lane for O.J Mayo and they had the lead 54-53 with eight and change to play.

Andrea Bargnani with a nice pump fake was able to draw a foul. He would make a pair to put the Raptors back in front. A turnover forced by Bargnani playing good D on Gasol. Anthony Parker who had been really quiet made his way to the line. But he would miss his first attempt and make his second. Rudy Gay was showing the whole package with a running hook in the lane. Andrea Bargnani would answer with a much needed 3 pointer for the Raptors.That made the score 59-56. However Andrea was not done as he makes back to back 3 balls and it was a 6 point lead all thanks to Andrea with the score 62-56 and a time out called. The Grizzlies defense needed to be reminded to find number 7 and not let him do that.

Gasol out of time out drove to the hoop but missed. Bargnani tried to take advantage in the post matched up on Mayo but he could not score on the inside. He would look to drive the next time and drop it off for Bosh but it was stolen and lead to easy score in transition. Chris Bosh would get the ball the next time though and make a jumper. Gay had a rare miss from 3 point range that could have cut the Raptor lead to just 1 point. Andrea Bargnani would find his way to the line and have a chance to make a pair. But he missed both. Grizzlies again were getting chance to take control and not cashing in. Chris Bosh would make them pay with a basket. A steal that lead to a score for Will Solomon and just like that raptors were back up by 8 points with score 68-60 with only 2:42 to play in the quarter.

Out of a time out Grizzlies have an empty trip with a shot and miss. Jason Kapono makes them pay with a 2 ball from the corner. Raptors finally were showing signs that they wanted to put this one away. Jamario Moon was having a good effort as he got a rebound and then make me look bad my missing a 3 pointer. Warrick spilt a pair from the line to cut the lead to single digits. But an O.J Mayo turnover would lead to a raptor basket in transition. It was clear Mayo was not right but Raptors could care less leading 72-61. Will Solomon attempted a fading jumper in the lane at the buzzer but no dice. Raptors would have to settle for there 72-61 lead after 3 quarters of play.

4th Quarter

So the title of this Raptor Rewind was not looking like it would make sense tonight. O.J was not the guy it was Rudy that was the man for Memphis. Bosh was that man for the Raptors as he is on most nights. But Andrea Bargnani was starting to help out and he opened the quarter with a 2 point effort. Warrick and Mayo would answer with back to back baskets. Mayo looked for back to back buckets but his jumper would not fall. Bargnani wound O.J guarding him again and he took it right at him with the huge size advantage. Bargnani would dunk it on Mayo. Chris Bosh was resting up for a big finish as he would enjoy a Jason Kapono jumper as the Raptors had their largest lead of the night 78-66. Bosh had come back in the game at that point.

He entered the game for Andrea Bargnani who had heard his share of boos at ACC but on this night cheers would rain down on him. He had 18 points and Bosh was checking back in looking to build on his 22. Matt Devlin and Jack Armstrong were refering to them as the Killer Bees. But the look nothing like B. Brain Blair and Jumping Jim Brunzell. Busting out my old 80's wrestling knowledge. Kris Humphries could maybe have a career as a wrestler.He was in there and got himself a basket in his chosen profession of basketball player. Not starting trade rumours but Bryan Colangelo was working his blackberry hard as he looked on from his little bunker by where the players go in and out from the floor. Roko Ukic with a pretty feed knows who to pass it to. He found Bosh with the jumper from the top of the key and the lead was 82-69. Ukic later on made a pretty runner in the lane for himself. Chris Bosh was looking to close it out as he drove to the lane and would get sent to the line after the time out.

Bosh stepped to the line with 5:29 left. He would make both and it was an 86-72 lead for Toronto who had a much better effort in this second half. Kapono was making passes and dropping dimes a bit tonight. He found Joey G for the basket. Kapono had 5 dimes and so did Anthony Parker despite a quiet night scoring wise. Bosh had it going on tonight as he made the fading jumper and it was all falling for CB4. He was 11-13 from the field and had 32 points. Andrea Bargnani was back in the game and wanted a piece of the action he made a 3 pointer that caused Jose Calderon to stand up in his suit and do his 3 point deal when he makes one. It was all smiles as the Raptors were heading to winning 4 of 5, before a very tough test in a back to back with a Celtics team thinking they have a lot to prove. Bargnani had 21 on the night and they had a 21 point lead 95-74. Bargnani was not showing any sign of giving up he blocked a shot. But he and Bosh had done enough as they would leave to cheers from the fans. Raptors after a sleepy first half effort were putting it to the weaker opposition in the second. Kris Humphries was owning garbage time with back to back baskets. Will Solomon would deliver the pizza with a jumper in the lane. Raptors were running away with it leading 101-78. It was all over but the final score. The lines for Bargnani and Bosh. 53 points 18 rebounds and 4 blocks combined that is a heck of a night. You can make the final 103-82. Check it all out in a very fan friendly boxscore from The Score.

Rap/Grizz Boxscore

So the Raptors will hope to add some healthy folks back to the line-up but with no Jose and no J.O things were still A O K for the Raptors of late. They now will have an early Sunday date with the defending champs who had been playing like chumps of late. Should be fun.

Fans, Blogging and Grizzlies...Oh My!!!

Last night's Hoops Show was all about the Raptor Fans. It was a lot of talk on the Raptor Fan Base and if it has changed and how it has changed. The guys Eric, Paul and Jack came on and talked about the feeling in the ACC was not the same. They were trying to come up with reasons as to why that was. There was mention of the economy and the growing gap between the folks in 300 level and the lower bowl. I have in my life had the funds at certain points to sit in both. It is massive difference. But I think the answer is more a lack of faith in people and I have some examples of what I am talking about.

Bryan Colangelo was once thought as the man who saved the franchise. He took the Raptors from 5 years removed from the playoffs to a first ever division title. But now fans loudly question the man they once just excepted as a genius for the most part. The faith in Bryan doing the right thing has been lost.

Jose Calderon was the people's choice for the starting point guard position on this basketball team. If they gave approval ratings for players like they do for players like is done for politicians, Jose would have had numbers like Barak Obama. But he is now got what the fans felt he deserved in the starting job at point guard. But many fans have not been as happy with the results of that. Calderon was billed as the best point guard in the east by some. He was a serious threat to make the All-Star Game in February. But it would seem clear after a start with minor injuries and a record that does not scream All Star to folks. Not to mention getting ripped on TNT by Kenny Smith who claimed Calderon was not good enough to be a starter. I don't think I would go that far. But people have become aware of the weak points of Jose and that have been made clear this season. Again it causes some to lose faith in him based on all of this.

Jermaine O'Neal was billed as a huge move that was going to make the Raptors contenders. He was refereed to time after time as a 6 time All Star. That is a fact but a misleading one. He had not been in awhile and to think he was going to be would be a mistake. He has also had his share of injuries prior to coming to Toronto. He has not had any major injuries in Toronto but has had some minor bumps along the way and has been in and out of the line-up. The guy that was billed as the answer to the Raptors problems has instead been just another question for the most part. I think he has done a good job personally. But the impact I felt he would have on the team as a whole just has not materialized. It all leads to a lack of faith in Colangelo for making the deal. It also leads to fans questioning if it is worth it. O'Neal has a massive contract and is the highest paid player on the Raptor roster. The serious fan understands that his contract is part of why he was brought here because it runs out in 2010 and offers the Raptors a huge amount of cap space in a year that could have the best free agent class ever? Chris Bosh is also one of the players that could be part of that list.

Andrea Bargnani has been taking a beating until recently for his play. Many fans were loudly calling for him to be traded. They have not been able to accept that guys like Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge were out there and had not been picked instead. But that is not looking at things rationally but fans tend not to be. Bottom line is Bargnani gets judged by that huge #1 that he was selected with and he has struggled to carry that weight. Some are growing a restored faith in him in recent days. But it is a shaky faith at best.

Even Chris Bosh was booed at the ACC this season proving that truly nobody was exempt from this lack of faith that has grown over the fan base. But as Jose Calderon became aware there is one other thing that I personally feel is the cherry on top of all of this. Calderon was not able to see the Raptors play the Wizards from his home as he recovered from his injury. He would learn that he was not able to get TSN 2. I seem to recall mentioning this issue before. Yeah that is the kick to the groin in all of this for fans. Even if you can find a way to be positive after all of the issues above. There were 25 games hanging out there that the average fan would have to scramble to find and watch. It all has lead to fans becoming upset about the Raptors as a whole. That is my take on why the buzz is gone.

More News From Radio

Jack Armstrong yesterday brought mention to the topic of trade rumors on the internet and mentioned the growing number of websites that spread these rumours. He asked about who you believe is these matters. I wanted to call in and give my take as someone who runs a site. I said to Jack that some sites will make up rumours as a way to get attention and after a few times people would start to get it and disregard it as bunk. I said that from my perspective it was all in the words you use to express things. I do my best to not misrepresent anything here. I am not going to tell you something is a fact if I do not know it is. I will not say something is going to happen if I can't confirm it. Will I say that I think some things may happen? For sure at the end of the day be it in the real or new media we all live by the reputations that we build.

Jack did make an excellent and lost point that I have said on this site before. Those rumours often can impact on players. You may say who cares if it does. But what he also said was their families. As an example Anthony Parker has children and they may love the school they go to and have friends. To hear your dad may be moving to another city would not exactly sit well for a young child. They just love there dad and have no interest in the Raptors cap or his contract. They care about their family and the world they live in as far as school family and friends. So it does impact on people.

Doug Mclean who is a growing basketball fan he says on his show with Jack. He was joking if I worked out of my basement and was in my 40's. Bob McCown on the same station referenced that same characterization of bloggers. I don't take it personally myself. I find Doug to be amusing and Bob as well. But let's set the record straight not all bloggers are huddled in basements. Blogging is slowly becoming a very professional like source of media and entertainment. I welcome the chance to prove these ideas with anyone that wants to have the conversation. Blogging has had a big impact in politics as well. We are no different from any other form of media we have the good, the bad and the ugly too. But I personally take what I do here seriously and am trying to make a living at it. I think and hope I do a good job each day. I know that I work just as hard as anyone and do my best provide something that I can be proud of and that hopefully can stand against anything else that is out there based on it's merits. I thank the many folks that have respected the work I am doing Jack is one of those people. I expressed on the show what I feel people like him add to the mix in what I am doing. For the record as well I should point out that beyond the jokes Doug Mclean agreed with the points I was making. I doubt he could make me much of a hockey fan. But I respect people in all sports and understand that I am in the minority when it comes to Hockey. I use to like Hockey but have grown less and less interested as my love for basketball and my work around it has increased. That doesn't mean if I ever had the chance to go route on the Sabres the team I cheered for when I cared with Jack Armstrong that I would not cause I would for sure.

Mayo is restoring the name O.J

The Toronto Raptors will face the guy who I have voted for all year to be the Rookie of The Year. Mayo was much talked about in high school and built a level of hype that was not to the level of a guy like Lebron James but it has high. He would not be able to jump straight to the NBA like James based on the changed rules for entering the draft. He would play a season at U.S C where he would not match the hype that he went there with heading into his freshman year. People though he was very good but just not meeting the very high expectations that had been set out for him. He would end up being drafted lower than that #1 overall pick which based on what was thought in high school was a disappointment. The Minnesota Timberwolves would draft him and trade him for Kevin Love. Grizzlies fans are happy that they did. He has been nothing but spectacular for them and he joins a team with a lot of youth and talent.

The Raptors have long given up the right to over look anyone. Memphis has a lot of young players that will or should develop into great NBA talents. Marc Gasol is a beast of a player as well and has shown that the talent in his family is beyond his brother Pau. Mike Conley, Darrell Arthur and Rudy Gay are all young talented players as well. If the Grizzlies had drafted and been managed this well I think they would still be in Vancouver. It still hurts me at what a poor job Stu Jackson did with the Vancouver Grizzlies. You want to talk about irony the one pick that Grizzlies made that may have been the worst at least based on what they did, was that of Steve Francis. He would pout his way to the stage and was traded to Houston for a package that was far from ideal. Now Francis is a Grizzlies at the later stages of his career. Go figure.

So it will not be easy as you think. But if the Raptors get a win that will be 4 of 5 and they would head into a back to back with the Celtics with a lot of momentum something that has not been there for the defending champs of late. So see you later tonight with the Raptor Rewind.