3 in the Key – Game-Day Preview vs. Nets

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT in Media Watch

"For me, I come into this season thinking I'm going to be a big part of what we do, coming off the bench and helping us win."

How much more credit can we give the Legomaster, Bryan Colangelo? So far he’s kept Chris Bosh, drafted Andrea Bargnani, nabbed TJ Ford, brought in unheralded players with upside like Jorge Garbajosa, Carlos Delfino and Anthony Parker, and most unbelievably, traded Hoffa!

The quote above is in fact from Kris Humphries, the main player Toronto acquired by dealing Araujo to Utah, who quietly signed a to a three-year extension worth about $9-million that will keep him in a Raptors uni through the 2010-11 season.

Watching Humphries bang away against Philly Wednesday night, and as I had predicted, be the primary back-up to Bosh at the 4, I mused out loud to Howland about just what a steal the trade that brought Humpty Hump here was becoming. I mean, I think fans were just happy to get rid of the Brazilian experiment regardless if Humphries ever played more than five minutes. And now, Hoffa’s in Russia, and Hump is quietly turning himself into a solid addition to this team. As one of our readers mentioned, the signing didn’t get much press, but BC has once again made sure to keep key pieces of the team intact without overpaying, or over-committing in terms of contract longevity.

And I lead our first "3 in the Key" off with Humpty because I think he’s going to be a big factor tonight for Toronto.

The Raptors face old foes the New Jersey Nets for the first time since last year’s playoff debacle in what should be another good test for Toronto. With the Celtics up on Sunday, a win would start putting some distance between the Raps and their Atlantic Division foes.

The Nets are coming off an exciting OT win over the Bulls in which forward Antoine Wright scored a career-high 21 points off the bench for Jersey. The usual suspects Kidd, Carter and Jefferson played a large part in the win as usual but it was Wright’s 14 points in the fourth quarter and overtime that made the biggest difference in the end.

Interestingly, Jamaal Magloire and Nenad Krstic played only 30 minutes combined and weren’t able to be much of a factor defensively or on the glass. Against the smaller Raptors, I’m expecting a lot more of these two and therefore, a lot of Kris Humphries and Rasho Nesterovic.

1) My first key then tonight will be the battle of boards. The Raptors were out-rebounded 47 to 35 by Philly on Wednesday and with the exception of Reggie Evans, the rest of the team didn’t have a great rebounding game. That’s why if the Raptors don’t do a better job on the glass against a team like the Nets, it could be lights out early. In particular, the Raptors’ "bigs" need to do a better job all-around as it was the guards, Anthony Parker and Carlos Delfino, who were the top glass cleaners.

2) Secondly, Toronto’s perimeter D needs to tighten up. New Jersey has a lot more scoring power than Philly and the Raptors allowed way too many easy looks for the 76ers. If New Jersey gets open inside to the same degree, or is able to get some of the wide open looks Kyle Korver did, it’s going to be a long night.

3) Bench play. Yes, this probably could be a standard for each preview this season. Toronto’s bench let Philly back into the game Wednesday night and they can’t continue to do that if they’re going to win against the New Jerseys and Detroits of the league. New Jersey added depth this off-season, not only by signing the likes of Magloire and Darrell Armstrong, but also by seeing other players heal up. Toronto seems to have a distinct advantage in this area and it’s going to be key tonight for them to pick things up a notch when the starters go to the bench for Sam Mitchell.

Above anything though, I’m extremely excited to see how this slightly tweaked Raptor squad fares against last year’s playoff foes. I’m expecting New Jersey to play Chris Bosh much the same way they did last spring but will this be as effective now with Jason Kapono on the wing ready to bang down shots?

I have a strange feeling that it’s games like this one where we’ll see just what sort of return on investment the team gets from it’s new acquisitions...

FRANCHISE

PS - If you haven't noticed, we've been making adjustments to the site in preparation for the new season. There have been a few quirks and quarks but all should be running smoothly by Monday...

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Comments

Two big tests in the next few days. Where do we stack up? Time to make a statement! As stated, a good opportunity to establish a lead over our two main opponents.
Big night for Bosh - last years' playoff exit will be fresh on his mind.
As a team, holding our own on rebounds will be the key - Sam will have them ready!

by Tinman on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Rebounding is the key tonight! Loved the way that our SF played against Philly. Delfino looks good. Too bad we couldn't work out an extension.

by tfan on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Gentlemen, this is a marathon not a sprint so any talk about this game being a "statement game" or putting distance between the Raps and the other Atlantic teams only 2 games in is a bit premature.
This game represents a feeling out period to showcase our improvements and see how it stacks up against their team modifications. Any thing we learn from these initial games will be useful in future confrontations when tension is ratcheted up. We’ll be burnt out long before it matters if we put too much emphasis on these early games.

My main interest will be the on rebounding and perimeter defense stats.

by OldSchool on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I'll be looking to see if toronto's improved their fast break defense to stop all those easy basket the nets used to kill us in the past.

The nets are so much like the raps except with slightly difference balance of skill levels. If bargnani shows up like he has been I like our chances. If not, we won't be getting payback just yet.

by axl on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I am looking to see Joey having a big night. I know he is mr. inconsistent, and i feel tonite will be one of those "wow he played amazing, but why now???". I think we are gonna see him playing a lot tonite due to match ups and the more minutes the more confidence. You will see him doing some good defensive plays giving him the confidence on the offensive end.

I also want to see how we approach Kidd with the way he demolished us in the playoffs, i think Calderon should see more time tonite simply because of the size factor on defense against kidd.

by Blanco on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

We have been picked by the experts to finish third or even fourth in our division. Defending Atlantic Division champions are being treated as an afterthought.
This weekend we send a message.

by Tinman on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

The only way we will win tonight is if Smitch tightens that rotation....12 men got to play in the last game, even long benchers. A 7 or 8 man rotation would be successful against the stupid NJ Nets. Oh yeah, Bargnanis rebounding has improved too so we'll see how the nets handle him

by Mike RapFan on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I must admit I was not too impressed with the team against Philly...Yeah, they got the win, but we're supposed to beat Philly by 20, and it looked like we might lose. So that win is not saying much.

I really think we shouldn't ignore what the 30 GM's had to say and what all the TV/internet experts are saying about the Raps.

As Tinman says, we've been picked to finish 3rd or 4th in our division. Why? Well, if New Jersey stays healthy, they ARE a better team than the Raps. C'mon be honest (Kidd, Carter, Jefferson, Kristic, Nachbar)

Also, you gotta believe that Boston's big three are gonna gel at some point, and if they do, they can potentially be the best team in the East!

Plus, Bosh's knee could flare up at any time, and there goes our season.

We have a good team, and I like what BC has done in the summer, but I think we shouldn't ignore what the entire league (apparently) is saying about the Raps.

Caution is waranted.

by benjo on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

So call me paranoid, but every time I watch Jose Calderon play, I think that if he does too well, he's gone at the end of the year. Do you know exactly what his contract situation is? (I know he's a free agent after this season, but do the Rappies have a chance to match other offers or anything???)

1-0.

by Aaron on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Bosh, Ford, Bargnani, AP, Calderon - and our bench.Am I the only one who disagree's with the statement that they ARE a better team. If you bring up Bosh's injuries dont ignore JKidd's.
The new Celtics have yet to win a game - don't hand them anything yet. Am more worried about them at playoff time. Which we'll discuss in about six months.

by Tinman on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Oldschool: you're right. Yes, this weekend will be a measure of where the Raptors are presently in relation to their division rivals, but it says nothing about where they'll be at mid-season or down the stretch. Win or lose, try to remain calm. And I've seen the Smitch bristle at the term, "statement game". He claims not to believe in them, and I can understand why he'd say that. His point is that every regular season game matters but none should be viewed as ultimately defining.

And benjo: you're also right. Anyone who rejects the idea that the Raps might turn out to be the 3rd or 4th best team in the Atlantic is just being a fanboy. I hope for the best like everyone else, but there's a long (and fun) season ahead and so much can happen.

Saying all that, I will be screaming for Vince to bite my binachi through my TV tonight.

by Commentatador on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

The Atlantic division is going to be a very competitive battle right to the end. No, I don’t believe Boston or New Jersey are hands down better than the Raps BUT its going to be close fight especially if there are no serious injuries sustained by any of the core players.
Based on that scenario Raps fortune will depend much on how the Raps respond from lessons learnt last season. One should not be surprised that American experts would not pick the Raptors for top spot when you compare the experience and talent of Boston and New Jersey stars against our group of no-names (Bosh excluded).

However the management of injuries, underestimated by so-called experts, is a crucial part of getting through a grueling season and the Raptors deep bench should put the odds decidedly in the Raps favour.

Let’s not forget that regardless of where we finish, only how we compete in the playoffs will determine the success of this season.

by OldSchool on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

106-69??

Holy cow, Batman!

Tinman, no complaints from me. How could I?

Utter domination.

And that is still without Bosh at 100%, Garbajosa still working back, and Kapono playing 17 minutes.

NJ the better team? Not if they play like that - at HOME.

Talk about a statement!

by gerry on Nov 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

And what a statement they made!Where are the Celtics?, bring them on!

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