Game-Day Preview - Raptors vs. Spurs

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST in Media Watch

And now, a real test.

As much as we’ve discussed Toronto’s proficiency of late, and overall record since the start of 2007, it’s games like these next two which should really put things into perspective.

Tonight, Toronto takes on the San Antonio Spurs in S.A. before heading to Houston to take on the Rockets on Wednesday. Together, these two teams stand with a record of 73 wins and 38 losses and represent the league’s top two defensive squads. It’s one thing to beat up on an under-manned Bobcats squad...but yet another to beat these Texas’ two-some.

Nevertheless, both of these clubs are beatable.

The Spurs simply haven’t looked to be in the same class as Phoenix or Dallas (or even Utah or Houston at times for that matter) and while they do hold the league’s fourth best record, seem to be a step behind where they were at this point last season.

And for all of its defence, Houston has been one of the league’s worst offensive clubs and has struggled with injuries to its two stars, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

I see both matches as being low-scoring, closely fought affairs, but specifically let’s take a look at the match versus the Spurs tonight and some keys to a Toronto victory.

Point guard play: In the last few games, Jose Calderon and TJ Ford have terrorized their opponents and led the Raptors in various ways. Whether it be in the assist category by breaking opponents down off the dribble or by scoring the ball, these two have played major parts in Toronto’s last two wins. The Spurs have their own version of Calderon and Ford in Tony Parker and while Toronto needs its guards to penetrate and get to the rim, they also need to stop Parker from doing the same thing. One of the league’s quickest guards, Parker, has destroyed the Raptors in the past and keeping him on the perimeter and forcing him to shoot a shaky long-range jumpers will be high on the Raps "To Do" list tonight.

Rebounding: This seems to be a common thread on these previews and once again, it’s an area that bears addressing for tonight’s match. Toronto, even in its wins, has had issues with the opposing team’s "Bigs" and the Spurs have them a-plenty. From Tim Duncan (who I’m guessing will be guarded most of the night by either Rasho or CB4) to Francisco Elson and Jackie Butler, San Antonio has some size to throw around. However none of these possess the same physical skills as Emeka Okafor or Anderson Varejao so with a solid commitment to glass-work (especially from the ever-improving in this category, Andrea Bargnani) and Toronto should be able to prevent second and third possessions which would play right into key number three...

3 Point Shooting: While San Antonio’s not exactly Phoenix in terms of offensive execution, they are one of the league’s best long-range shooting clubs currently hitting on 38 per cent of their 3-point shots. If Toronto doesn’t rebound the ball effectively, the likes of Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen, Brent Barry and even Robert Horry will lurking like vultures for kick-outs leading to open shots. At the same time, Toronto needs to recognize this in their defensive sets and ensure that they rotate out accordingly.

In any event, I can’t understate how much I’m looking forward to these two matches. I think Toronto and San Antonio are very similar in many ways (aside from the fact that the Red Rocket has played for both clubs) and tonight’s game is certainly one Toronto can steal. Doing so would not only give them win 32, but would be a huge statement to the rest of the league and be a great precursor to Wednesday night’s tilt with Houston.

FRANCHISE

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Comments

Parker getting layup after layup scares me, I can live with the 3-point shooting as well as Duncan's hook shots. That Fabricio fella can pull a "Varajeo" on us..Raps have a tendency to get destroyed on the boards by the Paul Millsaps and Miki Moores of the NBA.

by Rubik Kube on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

duncan isn't the player he used to be, and outside of him, there isn't anyone quick enough to stop cb4 from going off tonight. andrea stretching out the bigs should be fun to watch as well.

the point guard match-up is definitely going to be tougher. it will be interesting to see how sam works both of them: I'm not sure you can use jose too much against parker, (without a lot of help,) since jose just isn't quick enough to guard him one on one. we'll see.

by papa on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I can't wait to see the Texas games this week...should be entertaining at the least.

Remember that Charley Rosen guy over at Fox who made some swift judgements about the Raps after watching one whole game...Well apparently he's watched a few more since then, because he says Sam Mitchell should be coach of the year. Here's the quote...

"Forget about Avery Johnson, Jerry Sloan, Mike D'Antoni or whomever. Sam Mitchell is the hands-down coach of the year."

by GregV on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

My dream headline after the Spurs game:

"RASHO returns and burns the spurs for 20!"

Now will this happen...probably not, but these next 2 games will be a stern test for these Raps to see if we can duke it out with these 2 Texas Titans!

Man, I love Gearald Wallace's game. A bigger version of AI...too bad he keeps hurting himself. Someone needs to have Adam Morrison cut his hair, or maybe he can wear that pretty headband Mike Miller wears to keep his locks out of his eyes!

Sammy boy as Coach of the Year??? ABSOLUTELY! But with a side order of GM of the Year to BC...the next few years are going to be Ridiculous...that's all I gotta say.

I'm out!

Fresh 1

by Fresh 1 on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I think Elson's gonna give Bosh some problems as he has been very effective in the past against him.

I guess I'm the only cynic in this group when it comes to the Raptors recent success. I just don't see us playing well against teams that are well coached. If we're able to come through against San Antonio and Houston, I will be gratefully eating humble pie.

Franchise, great point about Bargnani's rebounding. That was the biggest concern I had with him this season but lately it seems that he's being more productive on the boards. What I would like to see is the Raptors utilizing him in the post more. He gets some great position down low but our perimeter guys routinely fail to get him the ball. Bargnani's making a believer out of me.

by Hen on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Sam is not coach of the year. I think the Raps are winning in spite of him. I hope we don't extend the guy. Looking forward to tonight's tilt.

by Tfan on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

C'mon now don't be a Sammy "hater"...I do believe that there are times when he does things that make me yell at my TV, to which my wife yells at me..." who are you talking to??" But this season has been a year of evolution for SM. Kudos Sammy, you're learning. We all know that BC wants his boy Mark Ivarone so that we can continue to become team "Italia", but give Sammy better creds...he's suffered enough.

Wasn't it just this fall that some poll ranked SM as the one coach NOBODY wanted to play for??? Now I would love it if they would take that poll again!!!

I'm out!

Fresh 1

by Fresh 1 on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I would have to agree, it hards to hate on mitchell too much these days. his rotations have become predictable, which is good, and watching the growth of both cb4 and bargs, it's hard not to contribute at least some of that to the coach.

I've turned the corner, and I think he's actually on his way to becoming a great coach.

by papa on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

So true on the pole stuff...winning changes everything...

by datpif on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Lets not put too much emphasis on these next two road games. We are 8-2 in February and our next two games are against two of the best western teams at home. No one on the post was predicting such a successfull February at the beginning of the month.
TFAN = although its probably pointless addressing your comments about Sam, I'll just say that this team is making a statement about who they want coaching next year, loud and clear for BC to here.
Lets hope for a least a split but keep in mind, not many teams come out of Texas with a winning record. I don;t wanna be reading any team bashing if it don't go our way.

by Tinman on Feb 26, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions