We have all seen DeMar DeRozan blossom into a pretty good NBA player after having somewhat of a sub-par season in his rookie year. But who could blame him for that performance, after-all he was playing behind the likes of Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani and dare I say Hedo Turkoglu. He has taken huge steps in his sophomore season to better his game and become a better all-around player, but in the eyes of the NBA community outside of Toronto he's not really getting the credit or respect he deserves. Some may view him as just an athletic player who can get up and throw down some dunks on a regular basis, but he is continuing to expand his game and making strides to becoming a star in this league.
After finishing the 09-10 season with a decent 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists, he is currently averaging 14.2 points, 3.5 boards and 1,7 assists and these numbers may continue to increase as there is still over three months left in the season. We have also seen his scoring averages increase each month from 11.5 in October, 11.9 in November, 15.9 in December and 19,3 through 3 games in January. Not to mention that he is averaging 23.8 points over his last four games and has scored in double digits in twelve straight games, highlighted by a 3 point output in Houston, and I'm sure he'll continue producing at this astonishing rate. But still you hardly hear about these things outside of the Toronto media.
Another aspect of his game that has improved is his determination to take the ball to the hoop and get to the FT line, though he does get a bit too overaggressive at times. Last season he averaged 2.5 FT attempts per game, and that number has doubled this season as he is currently getting to the line 5.2 times per game which ranks him 30th overall in the league and 1st amongst Raptors players. To put that into perspective Chris Bosh, who was one of the best at getting to the line last season, gets to the line about 5.5 times per game this season, Pau Gasol and Paul Pierce get there 5 times, fellow teammate Andrea Bargnani attempts 4.9 per game and Rudy Gay, who is perhaps one of the most athletic guys in the league gets there about 4.2 times. He also ranks 28th overall in FT's made this season with 134 makes, and 23rd in FT attempts, with 178, which is only two less than Pau Gasol and more than the likes of Chris Paul, Danny Granger, and Josh Smith. DeMar could even be getting to the line more often if he got a few more calls to go his way, as the referees haven't been giving him the benefit of the doubt must lately. That's not to say that the refs are out to get him or anything, but if you have watched the last few games, you'll be questioning some of the no-calls also.
Then there was the whole thing of him being snubbed for the Rookie team that competed in the Rookie-Sophomore game at last years All-star weekend. Of the nine players selected only four ( Tyreke Evans, Johnny Flynn, Stephen Curry, and Jsmes Harden) were selected before DeMar in the draft and only one of the remaining five (Brandon Jennings) was selected in the lottery. The remaining four were comprised of two picks in the 20's (Omri Casspi, 23rd, and Taj Gibson, 26th) and two second rounders (DeJuan Blair and Jonas Jerebko). Upon a closer look, this wasn't really as big a snub as it seemed as most of these guys were having better seasons than Demar at that time and ended the season with better scoring averages, except for Blair, but he was a beast on the boards in his limited minutes. But then at that very same All-Star weekend, Demar had to earned his spot in the dunk contest via a dunk-in against Eric Gordan, instead of being invited to participate like the other contestants. He would eventually win this, but ultimately lose in the finals of the main contest via fan vote to Nate Robinson.
So after having a dunk-in last year, you'll think that the NBA would do the same this year, but to no surprise they didn't and selected Blake Griffin, Brandon Jennings, JaVale McGee and Serge Ibaka for this year's contest. If DeMar had to participant in the dunk-in last year, why don't two other players get to compete for that final spot again this year. Was it because the didn't like that format or did they rather he earn his way into the contest instead of just giving him a spot? But before we get any conspiracy theory's started, let's just say that in the end he showed why he deserved to be in that contest last year. Now in terms of this year's selection choices, in which DeMar was once again not selected, I'll leave that for another day.
Overall, DeMar has become a solid NBA player and as much as his game has improved he has yet to receive the credit he deserves. But, then again there have been a long history of Raptors players who had to worked very hard in order to be recognized by the league, whether it had been VC, Bosh or Bargnani. So if DeMar keeps up his great work ethic and keeps on improving, in due time he would be getting that respect he deserves.
1/6/11
Bayhawk Again For Alabi
Solomon Alabi is returning to the Erie Bayhawks again. The Raptors announced the assignment today in a press release. Here is a portion of that release from the Raptors:
"The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have reassigned rookie centre Solomon Alabi to the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League. Alabi will continue to be included on the Raptors’ roster and will be placed on the team’s inactive list. Alabi was with the BayHawks from November 15 – December 9. He appeared in seven games with Erie, averaging 8.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 22.7 minutes. He had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Bayhawks’ 102-82 victory over the Utah Flash. Alabi has appeared in five games with the Raptors, totalling five rebounds in 15 minutes. A native of Nigeria, Alabi, was named All-ACC Defensive Team in his two full seasons at FSU. He started all 67 games, leading the Seminoles to the NCAA Tournament twice and the ACC Tournament Championship Game as a redshirt freshman. He averaged a school record 2.1 blocked shots per game for his career. He also shot .534 per cent from the field in his two-plus seasons with the Seminoles. "
A reminder that from a technical standpoint Alabi remains on the Raptors roster and is listed on the injured reserve. So in reality the Raptors roster is 13 but technically speaking still remains at 14.
"The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have reassigned rookie centre Solomon Alabi to the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League. Alabi will continue to be included on the Raptors’ roster and will be placed on the team’s inactive list. Alabi was with the BayHawks from November 15 – December 9. He appeared in seven games with Erie, averaging 8.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 22.7 minutes. He had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the Bayhawks’ 102-82 victory over the Utah Flash. Alabi has appeared in five games with the Raptors, totalling five rebounds in 15 minutes. A native of Nigeria, Alabi, was named All-ACC Defensive Team in his two full seasons at FSU. He started all 67 games, leading the Seminoles to the NCAA Tournament twice and the ACC Tournament Championship Game as a redshirt freshman. He averaged a school record 2.1 blocked shots per game for his career. He also shot .534 per cent from the field in his two-plus seasons with the Seminoles. "
A reminder that from a technical standpoint Alabi remains on the Raptors roster and is listed on the injured reserve. So in reality the Raptors roster is 13 but technically speaking still remains at 14.
"Behind Enemy Lines"
Distractions. They can make or break a team whether it's on or off the court. Even though the Lakers are not playing the Raptors this week, the following story is worth mentioning. A new reality TV show is in the works tentatively titled "Khloe and Lamar" which will follow the lives of newly married couple Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether or not you are keeping up with the Kardashians or are a Lakers fan, it should be worth watching since it promises to follow Lamar Odom both in Los Angeles and on the road with the Los Angeles Lakers - giving us a look 'behind enemy lines' so to speak. The show will begin filming early this year and does not have an air date just yet.
Moving on to this week, the Raptors will be playing the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks - let's get at it.
Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics - Friday, January 7th
Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors - Wednesday, January 12th
Moving on to this week, the Raptors will be playing the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks - let's get at it.
Toronto Raptors at Boston Celtics - Friday, January 7th
- These two teams have played 3 times so far this season. Toronto took one and Boston took 2 games.
- The last game they played on January 2nd, Boston won 93-79. Boston lead each quarter and tied the second.
- A plus for the Raptors? Boston's first and fourth quarter leads during this game were only by a few points. Proving the Raptors can challenge and go the distance with this team.
- A minus for the Raptors? This game also saw Boston's top three starters combine for 68 points. Toronto's top three combined for 50 points.
- Boston's Inactive List: Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Delonte West.
- Raptors need to watch: Boston's Nate Robinson. In the game the Raptors won, Robinson racked up 22 points and could be the edge for Boston on Friday.
- Key for Raptors: Be consistent through four quarters in challenging this team and going the distance.
Sacramento Kings at Toronto Raptors - Sunday, January 9th
- These two teams have played once this season on November 1st. Sacramento won 111-108. Sacramento was 3-1 on the season, Raptors were 1-2.
- A plus for the Raptors? They now have a better record than Sacramento with the Kings currently being the worst team in the Eastern Conference.
- A minus for the Raptors? During their November 1st contest, Toronto lead the first quarter 33-16 and never regained the lead.
- Inactive List for Sacramento: Luther Head, Hassan Whiteside.
- Raptors need to watch: Tyreke Evans. He had 29 points for Sacramento versus the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. Expect him to be on his game.
- Key for Raptors: Come out hard in the first quarter and sustain this energy through the entire game.
Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors - Wednesday, January 12th
- These two teams have played once already this season on November 28. The Hawks won 96-78.
- The Hawks lead the first three quarters in scoring and the Raptors took the fourth by two points.
- The Hawks also had four starters averaging 14 points and the Raptors top four starters averaged 9 points.
- A plus for the Raptors? They are capable of winning against the Hawks if they challenge all four quarters. They gave up in the third on November 28th (Hawks had 25 points in the third versus the Raptors' 11).
- Atlanta Hawks Inactive List: Pape Sy, Marvin Williams.
- Key for the Raptors: They need more consistent production from their starters against Atlanta.
Thank-you for joining me this week. Let me take this opportunity to welcome the newest member of the DNB family, Ryan Richard. He's a Raptors fan with Lakers roots - we are going to have a lot of fun with James. Aren't we Ryan? See you all on Tuesday for more "NBAz in 7 Dayz".
1/5/11
Bottom Feeder Bowl
These 2 teams are a combined 3 -17 when you add both their records together in the last 10. The Raptors will be without Jerryd Bayless and Sonny Weems who is not on the trip. Peja is counting his money and Reggie is waiting for his busted foot to mend. The Raptors near the very start of this NBA season tore apart these Cavs. But that was a long time ago and a lot has changed for the Raptors. Not much has changed for Cleveland they are still horrible. Someone has to win this one though and you can both teams heading into thought it should be them. As mentioned in the DNB Preview of this on the Raps have not won in Cleveland since 2004 but that had a lot to do with the Lebron James guy and he is no longer here.
Mo Williams opens the scoring after the Cavs won the tip. After a couple failed possession Amir Johnson scores to even it up. Jamison answered and some sloppy play would lead to an eventual Demar DeRozan bucket and were tied at 4. Derozan was off to a sloppy though and he had a turnover and leads to the easy bucket for Gibson. Both these teams were playing sloppy and like their records would suggest but Cavs had an early 13-6 lead. Gibson hit a 3 over Demar DeRozan. They would add 2 more and Triano forced to burn a time out down 15-6.
A Calderon drive and score out of time out but then a slam for Side Show Bob aka Varejao. A Kleiza 3 finds the mark and Raptors have cut lead to 6 but then Jamison hits a 3. Cavs were up 11 on Sessions bucket and this was a team that has lost 7 straight. Injuries or not that is just not acceptable. Raptors perimeter D was no existent Cavs were 4/4 with Jamison hitting another. Jay calls another time out and it is 32-19 Cavs. This was an embarrassment to this point. Raptors would try to fight back and make it respectable but when you can't stop anyone it is hard to do that. After 1 an awful start with Cavs leading 38-26.
Cavs shot 66.7% are you kidding me? as a former Raptor announcer once said. Raptors were on an 14-4 run and fortunate to even still be in the game a Bargs 3 would make it a 5 point game. A Cavs time out and that lead was quickly back up to 10 at 43-33 with 9 to play in half. Cavs kept leaving door open and then trying to re-shut it. Raps got back to 5 down at 46-41.....Barbosa had 9. Later a Barbosa 3 would cut it to 4.....Wright a bucket and the lead was 2. Man the Cavs are awful. If the Raptors don't win this game they should be ashamed seriously. Julian Wright missed a chip shot and later would make up for it with a big slam and draw a foul to give Raps first lead 50-48. After Cavs tied it up a big rebound for Wright and hooks up Barbosa for easy two with the long bomb pass. Raptors perimeter defence was pathetic though Cavs were at one point 8/10 from behind the 3 point line. In a defence optional game the Raptors led 66-63 at the half and they had very little to be proud of.
Maybe we should have titled this the Defenceless Bowl. They were back for 2nd half and points were flying as Raptors had a 73-67 lead just over 2 minutes into the half. Klezia gets called for a foul and as always is chirping away. Apparently the 2 techs in Dallas didn't teach him a blessed thing. The scoring went south and so did this game's watch-a-bility.But the Raptors were winning and growing their lead that sat at 81-74 with just under 4 to play. But perimeter D has been brutal all night and it continues as Jamison hit from 3 again but Bargs answers with 3 than a Barbosa 3 and it was a 10 point Raptor lead. But if there is a star in all this crud it might be Julian Wright who has 15 in this one. Nothing about this was pretty...kinda like Cleveland but that is beside the point. Raptors had a 90-84 lead after 3. That is not a final score that is after 3.
DeRozan whacked his head and it looked pretty hard. Should have been a foul call but with all the Raptors injuries that was really secondary. But amazingly DeRozan was able to stay in the game after getting checked out by training staff. Raptors with that scare behind them built lead to 11 and it was looking good so far. DeRozan was more than ok as well seems the hit on the head just pissed him off more than anything as he has 6 in the quarter after the knock to the head...make it 8 and 13 in the game. Raptor at one point has reversed the score from the Cavs largest lead of 15 to a Raptors lead of 15 with score 110-95 with half a quarter to play. Raptors terrible start was a distant memory to almost everyone except me. I am still a little angry. Maybe the Raptors were at themselves as well. Calderon was having an amazing night with 20+ points and threating 20 assists with 17. Barbosa and Bargnani were 20+ points as well. Raptors get the win 120-105.
Honestly at the end of the day banged up or not this a team the Raptors should beat and they did. So forgive me if I am not going to have a parade but it is a win and a road win that has been rare just the 5th on the season.
Mo Williams opens the scoring after the Cavs won the tip. After a couple failed possession Amir Johnson scores to even it up. Jamison answered and some sloppy play would lead to an eventual Demar DeRozan bucket and were tied at 4. Derozan was off to a sloppy though and he had a turnover and leads to the easy bucket for Gibson. Both these teams were playing sloppy and like their records would suggest but Cavs had an early 13-6 lead. Gibson hit a 3 over Demar DeRozan. They would add 2 more and Triano forced to burn a time out down 15-6.
A Calderon drive and score out of time out but then a slam for Side Show Bob aka Varejao. A Kleiza 3 finds the mark and Raptors have cut lead to 6 but then Jamison hits a 3. Cavs were up 11 on Sessions bucket and this was a team that has lost 7 straight. Injuries or not that is just not acceptable. Raptors perimeter D was no existent Cavs were 4/4 with Jamison hitting another. Jay calls another time out and it is 32-19 Cavs. This was an embarrassment to this point. Raptors would try to fight back and make it respectable but when you can't stop anyone it is hard to do that. After 1 an awful start with Cavs leading 38-26.
Cavs shot 66.7% are you kidding me? as a former Raptor announcer once said. Raptors were on an 14-4 run and fortunate to even still be in the game a Bargs 3 would make it a 5 point game. A Cavs time out and that lead was quickly back up to 10 at 43-33 with 9 to play in half. Cavs kept leaving door open and then trying to re-shut it. Raps got back to 5 down at 46-41.....Barbosa had 9. Later a Barbosa 3 would cut it to 4.....Wright a bucket and the lead was 2. Man the Cavs are awful. If the Raptors don't win this game they should be ashamed seriously. Julian Wright missed a chip shot and later would make up for it with a big slam and draw a foul to give Raps first lead 50-48. After Cavs tied it up a big rebound for Wright and hooks up Barbosa for easy two with the long bomb pass. Raptors perimeter defence was pathetic though Cavs were at one point 8/10 from behind the 3 point line. In a defence optional game the Raptors led 66-63 at the half and they had very little to be proud of.
Maybe we should have titled this the Defenceless Bowl. They were back for 2nd half and points were flying as Raptors had a 73-67 lead just over 2 minutes into the half. Klezia gets called for a foul and as always is chirping away. Apparently the 2 techs in Dallas didn't teach him a blessed thing. The scoring went south and so did this game's watch-a-bility.But the Raptors were winning and growing their lead that sat at 81-74 with just under 4 to play. But perimeter D has been brutal all night and it continues as Jamison hit from 3 again but Bargs answers with 3 than a Barbosa 3 and it was a 10 point Raptor lead. But if there is a star in all this crud it might be Julian Wright who has 15 in this one. Nothing about this was pretty...kinda like Cleveland but that is beside the point. Raptors had a 90-84 lead after 3. That is not a final score that is after 3.
DeRozan whacked his head and it looked pretty hard. Should have been a foul call but with all the Raptors injuries that was really secondary. But amazingly DeRozan was able to stay in the game after getting checked out by training staff. Raptors with that scare behind them built lead to 11 and it was looking good so far. DeRozan was more than ok as well seems the hit on the head just pissed him off more than anything as he has 6 in the quarter after the knock to the head...make it 8 and 13 in the game. Raptor at one point has reversed the score from the Cavs largest lead of 15 to a Raptors lead of 15 with score 110-95 with half a quarter to play. Raptors terrible start was a distant memory to almost everyone except me. I am still a little angry. Maybe the Raptors were at themselves as well. Calderon was having an amazing night with 20+ points and threating 20 assists with 17. Barbosa and Bargnani were 20+ points as well. Raptors get the win 120-105.
Honestly at the end of the day banged up or not this a team the Raptors should beat and they did. So forgive me if I am not going to have a parade but it is a win and a road win that has been rare just the 5th on the season.
Funny Times In Cleveland Tonight ?!?!?
The Raptors are in:
Any excuse to use that video I will take. The Raptors are in Cleveland in the 2nd "Our stars left us, they suck more than us bowl". Ok I admit that is a bit wordy but if you have been watching U.S College Football over the holidays it is a fine attempt. Cavs have lost 7 in a row and Raptors have lost 6 of the last 7. Someone has to win tonight and why not us. Well injures might be the answer as to why not. Raptors left no doubt they are the better of these bottom feeders early in the season. But now with no point guard close to 100% the Rapors may even be challenged to beat the Cavs.
The Basics: Raptors 11-23 (2-8 in last 10) Cavs 8-26 ( 1-9 in last 10)
When Last We Saw Them: I am still trying to forget about it. The Raptors as the title of our recap suggested got BULLDOZED by the Bulls. The Return of Bargnani did not make a difference as the Bulls rolled to an easy win. That gives the Bulls a 2-0 edge in the season series and hard to imagine Raptors winning one against this team this season.
Key Match-ups: Raptors past vs Raptors Future. Anthony Parker and Demar DeRozan should be fun to watch. Everyone like A.P but on this night if he got dominated by DeRozan I am sure most of us wouldn't mind that. But alas that will likely not be the case. Because Manny Harris may match up against him. It appears that Joey Graham and Jamario Moon have failed to replace Lebron James. Shocking I know. But A.P has been playing at the small forward of late. Not to say he and DeRozan could not still be matched-up against each other. Amir Johnson and Antwan Jamison will match up and that would be interesting. But the really key will be Mo Williams and who every the Raptors have health enough to check him.
Other Things Of Note: Cavs have not lost at home to Raptors since April 6th of 2004 but that was when Lebron James was there. Things have changed slightly. In case you missed it we posted earlier the the Raptors have released Ronald Dupree who's run with the Raptors lasted from Dec 26 2010- Jan 5th 2011. He actually made an appearance in the blow out loss to the Bulls last night.
Where is It On? Sportsnet Main Network ( Was there a Hockey Strike???) If you listen to games on Radio a note the game will be on CKOC 1150 AM Hamilton as the Fan 590 is broadcasting the World Juniors gold medal game.
Raptors Bid Adieu To Dupree Again
The Toronto Raptors cut Ronald Dupree prior to the regular season. Only to have him resurface and bring him back in late December. Well now after an appearance last night game he has been shown the door once again. He appeared in 3 games apparently according to the Raptors. Funny that I have no recollection of the first 2 appearances. Many were puzzled by the move on December 26th. It was said with all the injuries he was brought in as much for an extra body for practice more than anything else. His departure may suggest that Sonny Weems could be close to returning or there could be someone else the Raps would like to bring in (Like A Big) that would be more usefully. It could even mean a trade might be in the works.
But what it likely means is there was absolutely no point in bringing him back to begin with. But hey at least Dupree got to collect a pay check for a couple weeks. Here is the post on the release from Raptors.com.
Stay turned for preview of Raptors and Cavs....some how I don't think this move will impact on that preview that much.
But what it likely means is there was absolutely no point in bringing him back to begin with. But hey at least Dupree got to collect a pay check for a couple weeks. Here is the post on the release from Raptors.com.
Stay turned for preview of Raptors and Cavs....some how I don't think this move will impact on that preview that much.
1/4/11
Bulldozed
So Bargnani is back...Jerryd Bayless is too but no Jose and Weems as well. A banged up group of Raptors would be in tough against a very good Bulls team.
Welcome back Bargs as he gets the opening bucket. The team traded points to 5-5 and then Raptors got a roll with 6 straight to take an 11-5 lead and were 5/7 from the field. Bulls would claw back into it and made it 13-10 with about 7 to play in the 1st. A much better effort from the Raptors then the first time these two teams hooked up. Raptors were hanging tough up 22-21. Bargnani was looking really good 10 first quarter point after a basket plus a foul and Raptors led 25-23. Raptors did not close the quarter well though and as a result trailed 29-27 after 1.
Bulls were getting the better of the early going with a 10-4 advantage to start the 2nd. Raptors were down 8 and Triano called a time out to re-group. The time out did not help much as Bulls had extended out the lead 43-33. Also Bargnani had gone cold and DeRozan who had been red hot in his absence only had two shots so far. Raptors really looked sluggish. They only scored 14 points in the 2nd and at one point were shooting 5/20 that is 25% for those of you that find math a challenge. They were not stopping the Bulls as well who had 59 first half points.
It would get worse in the second half be for it would get better. Raptors would go down by as much as 23 and were in danger of just getting wiped out. But a 14-3 run would make it closer but not really close if you catch my drift.The Raptors clawed back to being down a dozen to make the 4th quarter at least interesting. Maybe they could pull off a Windy City Miracle to go along with the Mo-Town Miracle. But the Bulls were not the Pistons and it would show in the 4th quarter. They put up 30 points again and when the dust cleared they had a 20 point win 111-91.
Bargnani after a hot start was slowed down and ended up with 23 points shooting 7 for 17. He was 8 for 8 at the line and just 1-4 from 3 point land. His defence was lacking but overall it was a decent return and a pretty typical Andrea Night. Demar DeRozan was cooled off some by the return of Bargnani with just 18 points and he shot well going 7-14 and had a couple steals and blocks. The one big problem for the Raptors was rebounding. Bargnani actually led the Raps with just 6 rebounds. The Bulls won the battle on the glass 44-33. How will the Raptors bounce back playing a team they can beat tonight in the Cleveland Cavs? Will see but the Raptors lack of ability to get wins on the road is catching up with them. The schedule has turned and the Raptors have been playing a lot of road games. They have only 4 wins on the road and it is a problem.
Welcome back Bargs as he gets the opening bucket. The team traded points to 5-5 and then Raptors got a roll with 6 straight to take an 11-5 lead and were 5/7 from the field. Bulls would claw back into it and made it 13-10 with about 7 to play in the 1st. A much better effort from the Raptors then the first time these two teams hooked up. Raptors were hanging tough up 22-21. Bargnani was looking really good 10 first quarter point after a basket plus a foul and Raptors led 25-23. Raptors did not close the quarter well though and as a result trailed 29-27 after 1.
Bulls were getting the better of the early going with a 10-4 advantage to start the 2nd. Raptors were down 8 and Triano called a time out to re-group. The time out did not help much as Bulls had extended out the lead 43-33. Also Bargnani had gone cold and DeRozan who had been red hot in his absence only had two shots so far. Raptors really looked sluggish. They only scored 14 points in the 2nd and at one point were shooting 5/20 that is 25% for those of you that find math a challenge. They were not stopping the Bulls as well who had 59 first half points.
It would get worse in the second half be for it would get better. Raptors would go down by as much as 23 and were in danger of just getting wiped out. But a 14-3 run would make it closer but not really close if you catch my drift.The Raptors clawed back to being down a dozen to make the 4th quarter at least interesting. Maybe they could pull off a Windy City Miracle to go along with the Mo-Town Miracle. But the Bulls were not the Pistons and it would show in the 4th quarter. They put up 30 points again and when the dust cleared they had a 20 point win 111-91.
Bargnani after a hot start was slowed down and ended up with 23 points shooting 7 for 17. He was 8 for 8 at the line and just 1-4 from 3 point land. His defence was lacking but overall it was a decent return and a pretty typical Andrea Night. Demar DeRozan was cooled off some by the return of Bargnani with just 18 points and he shot well going 7-14 and had a couple steals and blocks. The one big problem for the Raptors was rebounding. Bargnani actually led the Raps with just 6 rebounds. The Bulls won the battle on the glass 44-33. How will the Raptors bounce back playing a team they can beat tonight in the Cleveland Cavs? Will see but the Raptors lack of ability to get wins on the road is catching up with them. The schedule has turned and the Raptors have been playing a lot of road games. They have only 4 wins on the road and it is a problem.
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