Tip-In: Toronto Raptors Post-Game - Rappy New Year

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Jan 1, 2008 12:00 AM EST

Lacing them Up:

Following the loss to Houston all of the talk surrounded the behind closed doors meeting held between Mitchell and Bosh. Clearly there needed to be some discussion as the Raptors…well…they just didn’t look like the Raptors.

So heading into the final game of 2007 (Happy New Year to everyone from the HQ) all eyes were looking to see what, if anything, would be different with this team. Different it was. The Raps looked like a team possessed with getting to the rim, which has been a long time coming and it all started with CB4.

Right way Chris exerted his will against Tyson Chandler, Hilton Armstrong or whoever else Byron Scott cared to use against the franchise player. Bosh consistently drove to the hoop (99% of the time to the left, can you imagine if he could no right?!) and his desire to attack the rim was contagious. Jamario Moon re-appeared on the scene last night and showed no mercy as he attacked the rim and provided highlight reel dunks. Anthony Parker and Calderon also deserve credit for getting to the rim. For the Raps on this evening the game plan had changed and the game plan resulted in a W.

Of course this was not a blow-out by any stretch and the game itself was very entertaining. The Hornets, in particular Chris Paul, put up a hell of a fight and forced the Raps into a fourth quarter hole. He and David West did an excellent job playing off one another and creating open looks for themselves and for others. Chris Paul, only in his second year is playing like a veteran. When his team looked sluggish and was allowing the Raps to build a lead his vocal leadership helped right the ship. He is everything you would ever want in a PG…but luckily for the Raps his free-throw shooting could use a little work.

The Turning Point:

In terms of the game itself the turning point was the three missed free throws by CP3. These missed were devastating. The Raps had clawed back from a 10 point deficit and because of these misses they were able to just barely hold-on for the win. Clearly Paul can’t be blamed for the loss and he was magnificent, but these were shots he had to make.

Now from a big picture standpoint I believe that this game could be the turning point for the season. After the closed door meetings to see the Raps come out and play such a high energy game that resulted in a big W on the road, this could be the spring board for things ahead. The team not only attacked the rim and made the game much easier, but it was also the night when Bargnani came back onto the radar. Il Mago looked way better then he has in months and this was exactly the type of game he needed to get his season back on track. Although he was far from perfect he looked assertive, more confident, and on the heels on Franchise discussing how the Raps need more production for the starters, managed 17 points, and maybe more importantly 6 trips to the line. There’s no guarantee here, but this is the kind of game that can turn the tides and one could look back on and say, "Things changed that night".

A Numbers Game:

90.

The number of games where the Raps starters have really carried the load offensively have been few and far between so when you look at the box score and see that the starters put up all but 7 of the Raps points last night it really is that much more surprising. Mitchell clearly rode Calderon, Parker, Moon, Bosh and Bargs and they produced. An offensive outburst from these guys is just what the doctor ordered heading into 2008.

28 and 4.

The Paul/Calderon match-up was a great one to watch and between the two of them they had 28 assists and only four turnovers. There was some great PG play on the floor last night. In fact, watching these two guys got me thinking about how many great PG’s there are in the league today which is great for basketball on a whole but even better for getting to watch entertaining ball. From a PG standpoint the league is in pretty good shape, and with a few potential great one’s in the upcoming draft it’s got me excited about how exciting basketball is going to be for the next 10 years.

Temperature Check:

Hot – David West. Damn this guy is a player. Inside, outside, left hand, right hand, he can do it all. He is not widely known around the league but you have to believe he will be if he keeps playing at this level. He was simply on fire this last evening of 2007.

Cold – Tyson Chandler. Just a bad game for a guy who has really turned his career around. He got in foul trouble early and just couldn’t stay on the floor. This couldn’t have happened at a better time for the Raps as even with Chandler spending the majority of his evening on the bench the Raps were still out-rebounded by 9. His lack of minutes also meant on a night when the Raps decided it was time to get to the hoop there was no shot blocking presence most of the time.

The Raptors as a Whole: Well you can’t say this road swing was a success, ad you can’t say it was a failure. 3-4 ain’t so bad folks considering the competition (the team even ran into the Blazers at the worst possible time). In fact, one game below .500 should be consider a moderate success as it kept the Raps right around the .500 mark for the season and the team really didn’t lose any ground. Perhaps more importantly the team may have learned a very valuable lesson which could help get them back on a winning track.

Moving On: So what is this lesson or "moral of the story"? It’s that the Raps are no different then anyone else. You start inside and work your way out. No bones about it. Trying it the other way just is not a recipe for success. Even if you have a bench full of shooters and I am sure this came out when Mitchell and Bosh cleared the air. It has to start with Bosh and provided we see efforts like we did last night, then CB4 won’t have to make any more YouTube clips campaigning for All-Star votes. His play will do all the talking.

To me, on this fust day of 2008 it all seems to simple all of a sudden. For the Raps to be successful it all starts and ends with CB4 and his willingness to not only get to the hoop, but push his teammates to do the same. If this happens then it is much more likely that Colangelo will start seeing better returns on his investments this year as guys like Kapono and Delfino will start seeing much cleaner looks from behind the arc.

Let’s see if the Raps can learn from the last game of 07 and carry over this kind of play into 2008.

HOWLAND

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Comments

Even they'd lost this one, I would've felt the same way howland. They play like this, they're going to win most nights.

Could've gone either way, with a brutal no-call on bosh, then the missed frees by paul, wacky end. Not to mention that last missed jump shot by bosh. I can't believe he took that with all the attention he was getting at the rim.

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

Even though the Raptors were behind in the 4th Q I got the feeling that they were still in it and would win. It's been awhile since I had that feeling.

CB4 may not be Lebron but he's an all star that TO is lucky to have. I like the way that he leads by example and he likes Toronto unlike other all stars like Tracy, Vince, Damon, Marcus, Alonzo, Antonio etc.

Every one seems to forget that Moon although 27 is still a rookie. You can see it on his face. He still isn't sure that he belongs in the NBA especially with that ugly shot of his. A few more dunks like last night and he will catch on that he's actually made the show. He'll stop looking over to coach Mitchell every time he makes a mistake.

Andrea is coming around. Give him some PT and he will be alright. Will he be as big as Roy? Most likely not but he is no bust. All the people panicking at Real GM will be proven wrong. Bet on it.

Happy New Year!

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

The game was won in the 4th by the Rap's defense causing 7 Hornets turnovers, Jose outplaying Paul by 9 to 3 pts scored, and Bosh 11 pts.

For the game Calderon 12ast & 17pts (9 in the 4th) vs Paul 16ast & 23pts (3 in the 4th). A great competition & key to the game. It looked like Paul ran out of gas. He is an amazing talent, but has no back-up help.

by Johnn19 on Jan 1, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Not an awful road trip, all things considered. The Seattle game was one they should have taken, but the other games were explicable. I think that as good as Calderon has been, they do miss Ford at times, if only just to give teams a different look. Hopefully he's back soon.

I'm not worried about Bargnani - I think he was just a little tentative coming back from the injury - but did not call Brandon Roy, Howland? Love that guy, although Bargnani's ceiling remains higher...

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

At the beginning of the month, we saw a tough schedule and we hoping to be hovering around the 500 mark at new years. Well we're there. 2 games above. A bit frustrating because we've let some winnable games get away from us, but still where we were hoping to be. I'm looking for January to be a good month. My expectations have not lowered.
As per the game - not quite sure what Sam said but we sure were bringing it to the hoop last night. Promising performance for Bargnani - nice seeing him at the foul line.

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

Firstly, I believe that this is CP3's 3rd year in the league, but I agree that he is an amazing player...Wonder if we could have tranlated the Villaneuva and Graham picks back in 2004 to pick up Mr Paul...

But I wanted to state how much of a roller coaster we all are on. One game, and one loss ago, the sky was falling down and the Raps were a bust this year. Now afer a win, all is better.

Overall, as stated in the post, 3-4 on this mammoth road trip is good. It could and maybe should have been a 1-6 trip. Now they have to make hay in Jan and Feb as March looks tough as well, schedule wise...

Finally, I agree that the meeting post Houston game maybe have been a turning point. Reading about the turn around for Portland leading to their 13 game winning streak, makes me wonder if something simillar has happenned here...happy new year to fellow readers.

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

This detroit home game has got to be the biggest game of the year for the raps.

Tons of pressure, national tv, mitchell mic'd, Pistons always had their number like the bulls used to. Time to make a statement.

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

Not only is Sam gonna be mic'd up, ESPN is doing that whole NBA Inside feature on the Raps. They're gonna be covering practice, shootaround, locker room. Very nice National US TV debut

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

Didn´t get to see this one, but followed it online. Howland is right, I think, about getting to the line. Moon has been afraid to since the last time he was put on his can before Horford put Ford on his can and out. This team needs a policeman at times, but so do most teams. If this had been hockey, someone would have inflicted some Bowen-like pain on Bowen years ago. Anyway, the point is that the Raps were getting fouled hard and got tentative. A few things of concern here, though. First of all, rebounding. We are going to be patient with Bargnani, but we need some boards out of him eventually. Moon is the beneficiary here. As long Bargs is at center, Sam will need the boards that only Moon can bring from the 3. Lacking a big guy who can board, but can shoot, kind of takes Kapono out of his game when he does get on the floor. Another point is the point. Jose played more than hs is going to be able to handle very often. Any news or ideas on a possible deal to bring in a PG back up upgrade? I´m guessing we are not going to have Ford for most of the season at best.

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

Easemypain said: "Anyway, the point is that the Raps were getting fouled hard and got tentative."

Hmm, that is an interesting idea.

On the other hand, here is a quote I read the other day...

"A scout who considers Celtics PF Kevin Garnett the leading candidate for MVP says he has not seen Garnett with his back to the basket on offense all season. The scout has watched the Celtics numerous times and has seen nothing but 12- to 20-foot jumpers out of K.G. Mostly made jumpers so far. Garnett is shooting a career-best 54.5 percent, although his attempts are his lowest since his rookie season 12 years ago. ..."

Google "Inside Dish: A change would do Gasol some good" to read the opinion.

Now, was Bosh just trying to follow KG (and therefore was not necessarily tentative)? and, does this suggest a chink in that Celtic armor - that KG is not the tough presence inside that he used to be?

by gerry on Jan 2, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Great W for the Raps in the Big Easy. I totally agree with you Todd on Moon. I don't think Moon has the total confidence on his ability as yet. Whenever he does it will be major problems for a lot of teams. Just watching Moon, he makes it looks so easy when he goes to the basket. Sort of like Dr. J, he just put that ball up and with one step he is at the hoop. A very skillful player. With time he will be one of the better swingman in the league. He has the defence, the first step all he needs to do is improve his shooting and continue to drive to the basket. Next game will say a lot for the Raptors because Detriot is playing their best basketball but then again so was New Orleans....Lets go Raps. Rappy New Year Raps fans all the best for the rest of the 08 seasons. Raps4life baby.

by raps4life on Jan 2, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Detroit will be a good mid-term systems check for the boys. Good thing is they have 2 days of practice to get rid of their west coast "sea" legs. Hope the US TV exposure does not freeze up Bargs and Moon.

Like raps4life, I can also see Moon in the Tayshaun Price-Josh Howard mold, but his jump shooting needs to be a lot better. If Calderon could have been night and day from his rookie season to the soph, no reason Moon can't get it together.

Other thing, Dixon has not been a disappointment, at least to me. He is attacking the basket and looking for his shot, but I would rather have that that DM hoisting up lazy 3-pointers. Now, if TJ can return to form physically and mentally by all-star week, I think the Raps will be in good shape, barring more injuries, for the stretch run.

by Rubik on Jan 2, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I think we will do better against the Pistons comapred to what many people are thinking.

Chauncy is a big guard who overpowers TJ and Jose will be better equipped to matchup with him.

Also Detroit is a defensive specialist and with Jose there will not be as many careless play....more sound and fundamental basketball.

Carlos is probably amped up to play the Pistons after a poor performance and we all know he wants to prove something to the team that pretty much gave him away.

We finally also have a guy who can match up in terms of length, speed and agility with Prince in Moon. Granted Moon is nowhere near as good as Prince but he's a more formidable opponent than Prince has faced in the past when going up against the raptors.

Juan has been impressing me while playing at the point....not because he has been good....but because he hasn't been absolutely horrible.

Bargs had a great game yesterday.....a second game would do wonder for his confidence....but it won't be easy going up against rasheed whos solid defensively and can really get in the minds of opponents.

Going back to the New Orleans game....one thing i Discovered is that I really want the hornets to play the suns in the playoffs....nash vs paul would be an amazing match up although I'm not sure PHX would have nash guard paul

by wtf on Jan 2, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

This is from the DAILY DIME
I think we can all be a little hard on our Raptors at times - remember where we were 2 seasons ago.

Best Win Percentage, 2007 Calendar Year
NBA Teams, Regular Season

Team W-L Win pct
Mavericks 63-19 .768
Suns 62-22 .738
Pistons 59-25 .702
Spurs 56-24 .700
Raptors 50-32 .610

by Tinman on Jan 2, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

"Juan has been impressing me while playing at the point....not because he has been good....but because he hasn't been absolutely horrible."

Great comment WTF - very true as well.

One thing that I don't think anyone touched on yet was the sheer agony of having TSN cover this game. TERRIBLE close-ups resulting in missed baskets, random camera angles and of course, missing 75% of the first quarter thanks to basically a CFL level college football game. Ok, ok, I know the numbers, more peole watch cross-country skiing than the Raptors blah, blah, blah. But come on! And of course a touch-down with about 3 minutes left dragged 2 minutes and 40 seconds of actual game time into a half hour of real time...

by Franchise on Jan 2, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I assume everyone's seen the video bosh made asking for all star votes. Just voted for him. I think that video shows it's very important to him plus he's earned it.

http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/

by axl on Jan 2, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Axl, the funny thing about all-star voting is Yi is #4 in the East behind Bosh and he is not even on the ballot! No wonder, Duncan was relieved that he was categorized as forward instead of center, with the billion Chinese on-line votes up for grabs.

BTW, Franchise, what exactly is the "security purpose" of typing in these characters? Its annoying and unclear.

by Rubik on Jan 2, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I seen that....I remember I guy on the Vancouver Canucks used technology to try and get in the allstar game but the only difference is that Bosh should be there.

He takes a lot of pride in being an allstar and given the tough sched thus far, the injury to TJ, Il Mago making himself disappear the fact that the raps are still above .500 shows how good this team really is and bosh is clearly the best player and should be coming off the bench for either dwight, kg or lebron.

I agree that TSN does suck and some of the commentators they go to at the half seem like they don't know much about basketball with the questions they ask.

by wtf on Jan 2, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions