For the fifth game in a row, the Raptors allowed the opposing team to jump on them. And for the fifth game in a row, the Raptors thought they could just turn it on. Successfully coming back from 10+ point deficits four games in a row will do that for you. The phrase "Comeback Kids" get thrown around next. And before you know it, you come crashing back to Earth after being knocked in the face by the reality of the situation.
That's exactly what happened when the Raptors let one get away in a 130-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers. During yesterday's media scrum after practice, there was a bit of talk regarding the style of attack the Pacers played with. That small ball, green light on any shot kind of offence that gives most teams fits when the ball is going in the net at a good rate.
The Raptors' counter? Stick to your guns. Make Indiana adjust to how you play, and not the other way around.
Unfortunately, the Raptors fell into a trap and played the type of game the Pacers preferred. Nevermind the high scoring first quarter of 34-32. But any fan that managed to catch the game on The Score could spot it immediately - the game was hectic and unorganized. There was absolutely no structure on the offensive or defensive end. By halftime, I had even lost how many times a broken play had occurred, or how many loose ball situations there were.
By the time the Raps realized their season high 5 game winning streak was in serious jeopardy, it was already too late. With an injured DeMar DeRozan, as well as Hedo Turkoglu not being able to give it a go, Toronto already had more than their fair share of hurdles to overcome. And just to throw salt on the wound, the Raps also managed to lose Jose Calderon to injury after rolling his ankle.
With a must win game tomorrow at the ACC against the New Jersey Nets, the Raps must find a way to do something they haven't been capable of doing in the last 5 games, and that's dominate a team for a full 48 minutes.
Selasa, 02 Februari 2010
DD and Turk Out; More Burn For Wright and Weems
In a few hours, the Toronto Raptors will wrap up their home and home bout with the Indiana Pacers. And for the second meeting in a row, they will have to somehow find a way to get things done without the services of DeMar DeRozan and Hedo Turkoglu. Fortunately for the Raps, one of their biggest strengths has been their depth. It almost seems as though every night, someone different is stepping up to be the difference maker.
With DeRozan and Turk out again, Sonny Weems and Antoine Wright are expected to fill the void. They're recent surge in improved play, usage, and minutes have come around the same time, so here are their stats in the last 3 games.
Weems:
25 min
9.6 pts
3.6 reb
2.3 ast
57% on 21 shots
Wrights
26 min
12.3 pts
5.3 reb
1.3 ast
63% on 22 shots
77% from 3 on 9 shots
It's a small sample size, but it's encouraging to see that these two have stepped it up when required. There was some talk about Marco getting more burn when DD went down, but Weems has been doing a great job so far. As for Wright, he's impressed me the most, and he's reminding me of Mo Pete and/or AP from our Atlantic division season.
Make sure to catch these two in action, along with the rest of the Raptors squad in action as they try to win the season series with the Pacers tonight on The Score @ 7pm.
With DeRozan and Turk out again, Sonny Weems and Antoine Wright are expected to fill the void. They're recent surge in improved play, usage, and minutes have come around the same time, so here are their stats in the last 3 games.
Weems:
25 min
9.6 pts
3.6 reb
2.3 ast
57% on 21 shots
Wrights
26 min
12.3 pts
5.3 reb
1.3 ast
63% on 22 shots
77% from 3 on 9 shots
It's a small sample size, but it's encouraging to see that these two have stepped it up when required. There was some talk about Marco getting more burn when DD went down, but Weems has been doing a great job so far. As for Wright, he's impressed me the most, and he's reminding me of Mo Pete and/or AP from our Atlantic division season.
Make sure to catch these two in action, along with the rest of the Raptors squad in action as they try to win the season series with the Pacers tonight on The Score @ 7pm.
Sabtu, 30 Januari 2010
There's No Rest For The Wicked; Unless You're The Raptors
With the confidence at an all time high, the Raptors prepare themselves for their third meeting with the Indiana Pacers tomorrow afternoon at the Air Canada Centre. Sitting - not so comfortably - in the 5th seed, the Raps know that they can't relax for even a second.
Or should they?
Much has been made out of the Raps and their struggles with the second game of back to backs. More often than not, the team looks lethargic when the schedule demands they tie em up for a second day in a row. Along with the fatigue, the Raps also show an odd lack of motivation. That inspirational kind of basketball is just another weapon the elite teams of the NBA fall back on when they need that little "umph" to pull out a victory.
But then there's also the opposite end of the spectrum.
When the Raptors are allowed two days or more of rest before a game, they are a very impressive 8-0. Is it just a coincidence that we come out firing in these type of games? Or does an ample amount of rest really make the difference with us? And even though we're "perfect" in these scenarios, what does that really say about our team's conditioning level?
The Raps' next game against the Pacers just so happens to be one of those games where we are well rested. Based on this particular stat, I fully expect the team to come out inspired and energetic. With the Heat, Bobcats, and Bulls hot on our tails, the only thing that needs to be put to rest is this race for the 5th seed.
Or should they?
Much has been made out of the Raps and their struggles with the second game of back to backs. More often than not, the team looks lethargic when the schedule demands they tie em up for a second day in a row. Along with the fatigue, the Raps also show an odd lack of motivation. That inspirational kind of basketball is just another weapon the elite teams of the NBA fall back on when they need that little "umph" to pull out a victory.
But then there's also the opposite end of the spectrum.
When the Raptors are allowed two days or more of rest before a game, they are a very impressive 8-0. Is it just a coincidence that we come out firing in these type of games? Or does an ample amount of rest really make the difference with us? And even though we're "perfect" in these scenarios, what does that really say about our team's conditioning level?
The Raps' next game against the Pacers just so happens to be one of those games where we are well rested. Based on this particular stat, I fully expect the team to come out inspired and energetic. With the Heat, Bobcats, and Bulls hot on our tails, the only thing that needs to be put to rest is this race for the 5th seed.
Kamis, 28 Januari 2010
From Turkey with Love
Ball.
According to Hedo Turkoglu, that's all that was needed to be said. With a season high in points and shot attempts, the Turkey native used a single - and awkward - word to sum up exactly what the difference was in his best game as a Raptor.
Right from the start of things, Raptors fans saw a very aggressive Turkoglu. The 50 million dollar man didn't hesitate to put up shots, nor make a play for his teammates. And what about his 4 dunks? Turk looked like he was reliving his younger days, and both his teammates and him had fun with it. The aggressive and decisive manner in which he was playing with also allowed him to earn some respect from the refs (who played their part in helping him reach a team high 9 free throw attempts).
Yet perhaps Hedo forgot to give credit to another factor. The one other missing ingredient that allows Turkoglu to be his usual self:
Confidence.
The man was brimming with it last night, and it showed. There were no signs of the hesitance that's made him predictable and ineffective at times. Much has been made of Turk shying away from the action or simply going through the motions. Yet against the Knicks, it looked like the ball was actually drawn to him.
The scoring, the rebounding, the playmaking. Those are the reasons why he was brought into this organization. And if he can bring that kind of level of play night in and night out, then the sky is the limit for this Raptors squad.
Ball on Turk. Ball on.
According to Hedo Turkoglu, that's all that was needed to be said. With a season high in points and shot attempts, the Turkey native used a single - and awkward - word to sum up exactly what the difference was in his best game as a Raptor.
Right from the start of things, Raptors fans saw a very aggressive Turkoglu. The 50 million dollar man didn't hesitate to put up shots, nor make a play for his teammates. And what about his 4 dunks? Turk looked like he was reliving his younger days, and both his teammates and him had fun with it. The aggressive and decisive manner in which he was playing with also allowed him to earn some respect from the refs (who played their part in helping him reach a team high 9 free throw attempts).
Yet perhaps Hedo forgot to give credit to another factor. The one other missing ingredient that allows Turkoglu to be his usual self:
Confidence.
The man was brimming with it last night, and it showed. There were no signs of the hesitance that's made him predictable and ineffective at times. Much has been made of Turk shying away from the action or simply going through the motions. Yet against the Knicks, it looked like the ball was actually drawn to him.
The scoring, the rebounding, the playmaking. Those are the reasons why he was brought into this organization. And if he can bring that kind of level of play night in and night out, then the sky is the limit for this Raptors squad.
Ball on Turk. Ball on.
Rabu, 27 Januari 2010
Time For The Raptors To Find A New Love
Last night's win against the Miami Heat was a big one. Not only did it propel the Raptors into the 5th seed, but it allowed the team to finally move the furthest its been from the .500 mark this season. During this recent stretch of great basketball, Toronto has flirted with the .500 mark the entire way. Whether it's 1 to 2 games above or below the mark, the Raps have stayed close with such frequency that you would think they were lovestruck.
Yet with a 111-103 win in front of a stellar ACC crowd, the Raptors took the first step in getting away from an unhealthy relationship. It's typical really. The Raptors were in one of those unions where their significant other was holding them back, never wanting what was best for the Raptors. The team had dreams, goals, and ambitions to make something out of themselves, but their partner never allowed them to become the best the Raps could be. Always shielding them from growth, constantly behaving overprotective of the team, their lover always kept a close eye on the Raps; never letting them stray too far.
And for a long time, the Raptors seemed either too in love, or too clueless to realize everyone but them saw a problem. Yet slowly but surely, the transition has been taking place. And the Raps' best friends are starting to get excited about it. And why shouldn't they be? After all, they just want the Raptors to be happy.
Tonight, Canada's lone basketball team clashes with the New York Knicks. Will the team show regression and fall back into .500's arms? Or will the Raptors show more progress and finally prove to us they're ready to get past this love affair?
Yet with a 111-103 win in front of a stellar ACC crowd, the Raptors took the first step in getting away from an unhealthy relationship. It's typical really. The Raptors were in one of those unions where their significant other was holding them back, never wanting what was best for the Raptors. The team had dreams, goals, and ambitions to make something out of themselves, but their partner never allowed them to become the best the Raps could be. Always shielding them from growth, constantly behaving overprotective of the team, their lover always kept a close eye on the Raps; never letting them stray too far.
And for a long time, the Raptors seemed either too in love, or too clueless to realize everyone but them saw a problem. Yet slowly but surely, the transition has been taking place. And the Raps' best friends are starting to get excited about it. And why shouldn't they be? After all, they just want the Raptors to be happy.
Tonight, Canada's lone basketball team clashes with the New York Knicks. Will the team show regression and fall back into .500's arms? Or will the Raptors show more progress and finally prove to us they're ready to get past this love affair?
Senin, 25 Januari 2010
An Emotional Rollercoaster Ride
Last night, the Air Canada Centre held the best ticket in town - and the show did not disappoint. Those who were in attendance were treated to what may very well turn out to be Toronto's game of the year. After both teams exchanged blow after blow, the final buzzer sounded, and the Raptors walked away with a 106-105 win over the defending NBA champions.
Like the game itself, the month of January has been a very emotional rollercoaster ride. Canada's lone NBA team has surely had its lows, having to suffer sinking defeats to teams such as the Pacers (after blowing a 23 point lead) and the Bucks (a team several games below .500). Yes, these valleys have been depressing, dismal, and downright confusing. But it's the peaks of this month that have provided us with the thrill of what being an NBA fan is all about. And January's high points have come in the form of very impressive wins against the Spurs, the Magic, the Mavs, and now Kobe and his Lakers. These are no slouch teams, and it marks the first time - at least that I can remember - that the Raps have been able to beat such an impressive collection of teams in one month.
After last night's epic performance, the Raptors are now also a surprising 6-1 against Western Conference teams at home. This is an important record and point to build upon as the Raptors prepare to play a very important stretch in their schedule. Here are their next 10 games:
Miami (23-20)
@ New York (17-26)
Indiana (15-29)
@Indiana (15-29)
New Jersey (3-40)
Sacramento (15-28)
Philadelphia (15-28)
Memphis (23-19)
@ New Jersey (3-40)
Washington (14-29)
As far as I'm concerned, the Raptors can win all 10 of these games. The fact that the Raps get to play the only two teams above .500 on this stretch at home means it very well could happen; if they play with the same intensity they did with last night.
A win against the Lakers like that was just what the Raptors needed. Definitely of the "hard fought and earned" variety, the Raps just need to take all the good things from that game and build upon it. A push in the right direction. Now is the time for the Raptors to defy the odds and force this rollercoaster to ascend until they please.
***A BIG THUMBS DOWN***
To all the fake Lakers fans that were in attendance at the ACC. I'm not talking about the few L.A. fans who cheered Kobe and the LakeShow on for the entire 48 minutes, only to have to deal with ridicule afterwards. I'm pointing a finger and shaking my head at all the loud and obnoxious "Fakers" who were decked out in Lakers gear, and took every opportunity to express their happiness at the Raps and their fans' expense. Yet when the home team began to make their run and even take the lead, these same "Laker fans" began to cheer for the Raptors. What? Please, I've been to Raptors home games against the Lakers before. These same fans would have rubbed it in real good had Kobe made that final shot. Those people took the easy way out last night. For shame.
*** A BIG THUMBS UP***
To that one Lakers fan who made boastful comments to the fans around him all game, then quickly made a run for the exit when Kobe missed the final shot. Good for him. At least he ran away with his team on his sleeve.
Jumat, 22 Januari 2010
Give This Win To The Amazing ACC Crowd
For most of the night, the Toronto Raptors lacked it. Yet when the team needed it the most, the ACC crowd provided it. Home court advantage is something that is often cherished in professional sports, and tonight, it was especially valuable to the Raps.
With all due respect to the Bucks and their fans, the Raptors have much higher expectations. Yet when the home team could not come out firing, their fans did not give up on them and provided us with a prime example of why the Raptors have one of the best crowds in the NBA.
You could see it in the team's intensity level late in the game. The Raptors totally fed off the electric energy that was ricocheting off the arena walls. Perhaps the player that benefited the most from the excitement was Jarrett Jack. The steady point guard totaled a season high in points in the most passionate manner possible. From there, the entire team got in on the act, evident both on the court and on the bench.
In the last game, Bosh carried us. Tonight, it was you, us, Raptors Nation that proved to be the difference maker.
***Other Notes***
- I've criticized Triano a couple of times for his questionable coaching in the last few games. But tonight, he managed to win us over with his zone defense. He knew when to use it, and when to go back to man D at the perfect times. The strategy was vital in our 4th quarter run
- Secondly, I've also talked about taking it to the rim in crunch time. Tonight, the Raps did just exactly that. Our last 3 crucial scores came on a Jack penetration drive, Belinelli not settling for a jumper and driving to the rim, and a Bosh dunk. Go hard to the rim, and either make a basket or force the refs to use their whistle.
- Lastly, Turk's still struggling with his shot, but he was a lot more effective tonight than usual. I'm sure a bunch of you guys noticed how many times both Jack and Calderon gave the ball up so Hedo could initiate the offensive sets. All Raps fans are waiting now for is his shooting slump to end. Keep working Hedo! The look on your face after that layup was priceless.
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