Before the game I was thinking that the only way I would’ve even been remotely pleased by the outcome of this game would’ve been if we managed to crushed them by 30. But even after beating them by 39 I still couldn’t shake of Tuesday night’s loss in Washington. How can we have such a letdown and simply give away a game? How can the team that got completely outplayed on defense come back and put such a thumping on the same opponent less than 24 hours later? I don’t know the answers to these question but I can take a guess: Washington had nothing left from last night’s game and were content with the series split and merely showed up today as a formality. This game wouldn’t even happen if forfeits were allowed in the NBA. The Raptors realized that they had given one up then night before and turned it on to a degree which convinced me that they were coasting on Tuesday, something that doesn’t sit well with me.
Washington offered very little resistance on defense and got out-rebounded 36-38 to a Raptors team that had very few lapses when it came to defensive rebounding. The message from the night before was received well (I mean, c’mon) and we played with an intensity and emotion that’s often found lacking. Of course hitting 13-18 3FG always helps but forcing 16 turnovers through aggressive defense while taking care of the ball (7 TO) were the keys to the win. There were no easy baskets for Washington, Antawn Jamison wasn’t allowed 10 seconds to setup his move, Stevenson was held in check, Blatche wasn’t allowed easy paths to the rim and overall we did a solid job defensively. The offense naturally flowed with all 12 players scoring (yes, that includes Maceo Baston) and Kapono and Delfino were among the many to get hot from outside. Game over in the third quarter.
Andrea Bargnani had a better game than he did against Boston. He hit his first couple shots and then felt comfortable with his game and looked to drive (albeit, somewhat awkwardly) when Blatche was giving him space. If I’m Washington I’d force him to finish the play rather than help and allow a pass but that’s a different matter. Now three rebounds isn’t exactly stellar but you focus on the bright spots with him and today he managed to pour in 19 almost exclusively through jumpers. Bargnani played aggressive and managed to stay out of foul trouble but that’s no sign that he’s turned the corner. Chances are that he’ll revert back to 2-11 for 3 rebounds against the Lakers. I’m on the fence with Bargnani, I don’t think he was the right choice for the #1 pick and as of now he has an outside shot at being a good solid NBA player with a close to 0% chance of being a superstar that Colangelo was hoping. At the same time the Raptors shouldn’t look to trade him (not that they are) because his value is simply too low at this point, I think you stick with him and hopefully he improves to the point where he’s a valuable contributor to the team. Unless you’re offered someone like Gasol, you don’t even bother listening. We got to bite the bullet on this one.
We’re fifth in the conference behind BOS, DET, ORL and CLE. Cleveland just lost Anderson Varejao for four weeks and already have Pavlovic out, this will no doubt hit them in the standings. Washington’s about to go on their western swing and we should expect them to drop off over the next couple weeks. I think the Raptors have a chance to leapfrog Cleveland and inch closer to Orlando who are the division leaders (and likely winners). If the Raptors manage to get a better record than Orlando which is possible given Orlando’s tougher schedule, we’ll finish third and have a shot at possibly playing a beatable team. But in the more likely case that we finish fourth, it would probably mean a first round matchup against a healthy Washington or a healthy Cleveland. With the team as it is right now, I don’t like our chances in either series. Bryan Colangelo has to recognize this and acquire obvious help in the rebounding and defense department. TJ’s close to practicing with the team so the Damon rumour is just that. I’ve always felt that the goal for this year is to win a playoff series or two, something which the team as it is can’t do. Thanks to E-H-1-5 for correcting me on the playoff seedings.
Jason Kapono was looking to get himself off (no, not that way) by looking for his shots. I’m not sure that’s the best way to go about trying to get yourself out of a funk because against a normal team on a normal night that strategy can backfire fast. You can’t discount how much TJ Ford meant to Kapono, he got him many an open shot and if you look closely, the timing of Kapono’s slump is closely related to TJ’s injury. Ideally, we need another player, preferably an attacking 3 who can create shots for Kapono who would play at the 2 spot. Or Sam can get creative like Butch used to do with Dell Curry. Rasho Nesterovic needs more minutes, anytime he gets extended minutes he’s shown that he can play well and hold is own. If the Raptors are looking for defense, he’s the man you take over Bargnani. He’s far from the answer to our rebounding woes but he clogs up enough space to make things uncomfortable and can finish around the rim. TJ Ford is somebody who knows how to play with Rasho, the latter is often the recipient of dump passes from Ford after he’s penetrated the defense resulting in easy scores. We miss TJ, we really do.
One-Liners:
* Chuck, I implore you to drop the Salami and Cheese nonsense and focus more on calling the game. I counted at least four times today where you completely screwed up and said something that was just not true. More focus on game, less focus on stupid shit.
* DeShawn Stevenson’s turning into a player. He can shoot, drive to the rim and plays aggressive. If I’m the Wiz, I’m locking this guy up long-term, he’s learned good lessons in the Jazz system and is about as sound as you can get.
* I’m not sure what Washington sees in Oleksiy Pecherov, he seems to be what Bargnani would be in the worst-case.
* Carlos Delfino might be the most inconsistent Raptor after Morris Peterson. You can’t rely on his scoring and you just hope that he doesn’t falter defensively when his shot’s not hitting. Like many other Raptors, his game is a little too perimeter oriented. The difference is that he has the ability to drive and create, or in other words, play the PG for a few minutes a game. I’m surprised we don’t see this more often given the success he had handling the ball early in the year.
* What can you say about Calderon? I could write a 3000 word post about how much he’s meant to our offense and it wouldn’t do justice. Yeah, I know defense is another matter but Calderon deserves huge props so far this year.
* I told you not to rip on Anthony Parker about Tuesday’s performance, his shots just didn’t drop that night. Shit happens.
* The loss from the night before overshadowed this win, can’t really get excited.
* The All-Star reserves are announced, Bosh will probably be in and despite Hollinger’s efforts I think Billups will get the nod over Calderon, simply because of reputation.
Raps win in a blowout. Till tomorrow.
