3 in the Key – Toronto Raptors Game-Day Preview vs. Hornets

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST in 3 in the Key

Lately, it’s been feast or famine for the Toronto Raptors’ offence.

Unfortunately getting wins out of either situation has been tough and Toronto has lost as many as they’ve won in their past 10 games.

Yesterday the media was buzzing concerning coach Sam Mitchell and forward Chris Bosh’s post-game closed-door chat and how to try and re-establish some of last year’s scoring punch.

Mitchell had the following quote after the loss to Houston which seems to sum up the team’s feeling in regards to their scoring prowess of late:

"I think we have better plays. I think we have better shooters. But we're not getting any easy baskets," he continued. "I still think we're getting good shots… but we don't get easy baskets. Every shot we get is a grind-out shot and it's tough that way because it puts so much pressure on your defence."
"...For whatever reason, we've forgotten how to score..."

The thing is, I'm not sure why it's such a mystery as to why the Raptors aren't scoring.

LOOK AT THE STARTERS!!!

Besides Chris Bosh, the rest of the starting lineup is averaging a measly 9.53 points per game!

This means that there is tremendous pressure on CB4 to supply almost all of the team’s offence, or hope that the bench can bring in the necessary firepower with which to get the win.

The problem is, with injuries to Ford and Garbajosa, and the ineffectiveness of Andrea Bargnani, the bench has become the starting lineup.

Let’s take a look at some stats to better illustrate this point.

While the Raptors starters minus their top scorer in Bosh is averaging 9.53 points per game, the league’s lowest scoring team right now, the Chicago Bulls, minus their top starting scorer Luol Deng, is averaging 9.65!

And that’s with a nearly 20 points per game scorer in Ben Gordon having been recently moved to the bench.

The picture doesn’t get much clearer than that.

Looking through the rest of the NBA’s teams, I’m not sure there’s a lower-scoring starting lineup in the league!

Therefore as mentioned, for Toronto to get wins they need either a momentous boost from the bench, a ridiculous defensive effort, or an 80 point night from Chris Bosh. In a lot of ways, this team reminds me of the last two season’s Lakers’ squads, ones that were so dependent on Kobe to put up 50 points a game to win.

And we all know how that turned out – the result was a middle of the road, about .500 Lakers team that squeaked into the Western Conference playoffs.

So what’s the solution?

In my books, I'd have to say that Bargs starting is problem number 1. Yes, you have to get him minutes, but he's giving the team nothing as a starter. This means that Toronto has a tough time setting the tone for the game which ends up leading to problems later on.

At least Rasho gets you 4 to 6 points around the rim to go with his solid D.

Second, Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker are no longer the answer together. When Moon was aggressive and getting to the rim, it fit perfectly with Parker's "drive and kick" style. Now, Toronto has two guys just standing around the perimeter offering almost nothing offensively. And teams know this, that's why the past few games we've seen Moon get tons of open looks. He's the worst shooter of the starters so teams are backing off and daring him to fire away.

I think Mitchell has to face the fact that he still doesn't have a real answer at the 3. Therefore I think he should start players based on match-ups to try and keep opponents on their toes. Start Moon if Mitchell feels he needs an athletic shot-blocker, go Delfino if he thinks he needs some aggression, use Kap-One if he thinks teams won't be able to guard Bosh and have to double etc. Hell use Joey if need be. He can always pull the player if things don't work.

This is of course the short-term solution and it will be up to Bryan Colangelo to address things in the long-run.

Above all else though, I think much like I discussed yesterday, the individual players on the Raptors need to do some soul searching. Sam Mitchell can yell all he wants and re-do offensive sets, but until this team gets more aggressive and gets to the hoop, we’re going to see the same inconsistencies.

Perhaps Toronto needs to take a page out of the red-hot Portland Trailblazers book. In an interesting piece yesterday from the Oregonian on-line, Jason Quick discusses a December 1 practice set-up by head coach Nate MacMillan in which he stated "the practice was basically set up for a fight to happen."

It’s a great read and makes me think that perhaps some creativity along these lines by Mitchell and co. would go a long ways towards stirring the pot with these fine young gentlemen known as the Toronto Raptors.

Anything to get to the damn free throw line.

Because that’s where I think things need to start. The Raptors are dead-last in the league in free-throw attempts per game.

Jamario Moon has been singled out because he’s got seemingly all the athletic ability in the world, but Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon need to be much more aggressive as well. The team really misses TJ Ford in this respect and even Jorge Garbajosa last year did a better job of getting to the line. He wasn’t the best slasher, but he had numerous up-fakes and tricks to get his defender off balance to draw the foul.

And this brings me to tonight’s affair.

Interestingly, the New Orleans Hornets for all their success this season are the next team behind the Raptors in terms of scoring and next to last with the Raptors in terms of free-throw shooting attempts per game. They also shoot an almost identical percentage when they do get there.

Therefore we’ll start our three keys along these lines:

1) Attack the rim. The Hornets are constructed in a very similar fashion to the Raptors, speed at the 1, a consistent double-double threat at the 4 spot, and good outside shooters surrounding everyone. Tyson Chandler is the obvious difference-maker between the clubs but that doesn’t change the fact that the Raptors need to attack the former high-school standout in the paint. Whether that means Andrea drawing him out for long-range bombs or someone like Delfino getting in the paint, Toronto needs to be much more aggressive in general. Yep, it’s a broken record but considering how similar these two clubs are in these areas, the team that comes out on top in them should grab the W.

2) Slow down Chris Paul. Paul has been having an MVP type season and is one of the toughest in the league to contain. That’s why contain is the key. By no means can the Raps stop CP3 altogether but keeping him in check and preventing him from dictating the tempo is key. If Paul runs amuck finding players like Mo Pete and Peja for 3’s, it’s going to be lights out early for the Raptors. I’ll be looking for a similar plan as the Raptors used on Tony Parker to try and limit his impact.

The Raptors are up against a familiar face tonight in Mo Pete...

FRANCHISE

Tweet Comment 19 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I'm looking forward to see the Paul, Mo-Pete show tonight. As the Raptors have been running hot and cold lately, I sure hope the "hot" team shows up tonight. BTW, Bosh is pretty funny on Youtube. Happy New Year!

by tfan on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I hope the party I go to tonight has the game ON (even in mute mode). At least there will be enough booze to keep me afloat should they fall on their faces. I am liking the effort on defense these days, and would think that offence will be easier to find. Happy New Year to y'all!

by Rubik on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Chris Pau, Chris Paul, CP3, I am tired of hearing that..Its as if the Raps don't have a point guard. Where is Jose in all this. He was supposed to be our saviour as the starting point guard. Now once and for all, all those TJ haters can really sit back and see how valuable TJ is as the Raps starting point guard. TJ is the only other player beside Bosh who can score 20+ points on any given night. Jose cannot create is own shots off the dribble. He good off screens but not the dribble. New Orleans is good but the Raps are a better team player for player and they should go out there and win this game tonight. I think the Raps shoud really try to get Bosh some help inside because Bargnani is not it. We can't survive in this league with only one 20+ scorer on the team. If Bosh does not get some help it will be tough making the playoffs this year. There is about 9 teams in the east that are in the same middle level position as the Raps and any one of those teams that make a significant trade will be the team that moves to the next level. Raps should try and get Gasol from Mephis even if they have to give up a 1st rounder. All of a sudden the Raps can't knock down any shots, everything seems forced and when the shooters missed they get down on themselves and does not bring the same intensity on defence and the other team gets an easy transition basket. C'mon Raps you are the Atlantic Champs always remember that and play like it. Time for an 8 game win streak.....Raps4Life baby.

by raps4life on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

raps4life, this is not RealGM board wehre TJ/Jose debate has reached ridiculous proportions...I don't give a shit about TJ and no one is the saviour...we win as a team and lose as a team, damn it...last year TJ had 15 points average/game out of 15FGA/game, 2nd in the team after Bosh...not exactly a model of efficiency...Jose is a different type of player and different people prefer one to another according to their own characteristics ...nothing wrong in that but don't turn an inteligent discussion into "I told you so"...
Oh, well, Happy New Year everyone and I hope this website doesn't turn into kids dominated RealGM. Sorry for the rant...I really like what Franchise and Howland have created ...

by Daniel on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Ok, I have one question.... Why won't Sam run some set plays for the league's best 3 point shooter??? Then this will open more inside! Does anyone else agree? Disagree?

Happy New Year Raptor's HQ and go Raps in New Orleans!

I'm out

Fresh 1

by Fresh 1 on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

The answer, Fresh 1, is because the league's best 3 point shooter, this season anyway, plays for Portland.

by Rubik on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Great preview as always.

It's interesting we're playing mo pete tonight, because I still think neither delfino nor kapono was an upgrade on him. No knock on those guys, but mo was more of a glue guy, had more cajones and was the slasher we still need. He had his peaks and troughs but what can I say? I still think we'd be better off with him.

by axl on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Axl - You know my take on Mo Pete, I like Kapono but man they gotta find ways to use him better. Delfino has been good in pieces but up and down like most of this team. I just hope the Raps come out with some fire tonight.

Happy New Year to all!

by Franchise on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Daniel calm down son..it was just a comment..We are all Raptors fan. Its nice to see you got it off your chest, you will fell a lot better later tonight after we walk all over the hornets...A happy new year too you and Raptor fan everywhere. Keep up the good work Franchise/Howland for 2008.

by raps4life on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Not Raps related, but hella funny:

http://heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com/

Happy New Year and Go Raps!

by The HQ Associate on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Fresh1 / Franchise: Excactly. Mitchell doesn't use Kapono properly yet. I think Colangelo is probably pulling out his hair behind the scenes.

As usual, I don't mean to be a hater. I think B. CO sees something in Mitchell and will let him screw a few things up royally for now.

Mitchell will learn from his crappy deficiencies and improve to the point of when we are contending in 2010.

Raptors win tonight; get out the veggie salami and cheese mama, this game's over.

by DayOner on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

That's "exactly" for all you spell check freaks

by DayOner on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

raps4life that's what I am talking about, now TJ is out, all the TJ haters realize how good of a point guard he really is , when he was out we lost most games he came back we won more games now he is out we are loosing like crazy, mind you JC is a good point guard but TJ is a good defensive point guard and we need him badly.

by Marcia on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

RealGM thinks Andrea is a bust!!, that is a shame and we could have gotten Alridge and look at Portland, and Daniel, TJ has to hurry up and come back other wise we will never get to the playoffs the starters need TJ's kind of games to wake them up and JC will take care of the bench.

by Marcia on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

marcia - realgm is not one person. What you read there represents the squeaky wheels not the vast majority.

by axl on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Actually Marcia, we were just as inconsistent with TJ in the line up. I don't know how you figured that we won more games. TJ's selfishness is what is sorely missed (for the time being). Happy New Year everyone!

by Assistant GM on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

" I think the negative feelings on this site towards the Raptors show a lack of understanding about the team and the league. Houston in Houston is not a game we would be favored to win in Vegas because road teams in the league have a much harder time.

Consider the current team is 17 - 12 with a 59% winning percentage and +3.5 scoring vs. non Celtics opponents. This with Bosh injured to start the year and TJ missing a ton of time is not too bad and should put us on pace to equal last years record. If you thought this club was championship material to start the year, that is your own fault for too high expectations."

Finally Daniel, TJ scored 14 ppg on 12 spg in 06/07, a nice efficient number.

by raptorville on Dec 31, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

was it just me or did the raps almost look angry out there last night?

for sure the message got through that they needed to attack the rim more. at least for one night.

moon's dunks were stupid ridiculous. I think he's been playing like a rookie, trying not to make mistakes, tyring not to upset the coach. hopefully that's gone now and he continues to attack the hoop. because he can. at will.

good win.

by papa on Jan 1, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Raptorville, Daniel does not understand Basket Ball, he thinks it is Hockey, I don't even think he knows what PPG or SPG is, also he does not understand the difference between TJ and Jose, lets hope he gets his game on....

by Marcia on Jan 1, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions