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

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT in 3 in the Key

Yes, I'm cuckoo for Roko Puffs

Turn on the lights.

Get that scoreboard working.

Light up the night with tightly held secret opening video.

Yes, the Raptors begun their season with a win against the 76ers and hopefully managed to get back to their hotels before the massive traffic jams after the Phillies won the World Series. In a battle against their divisional and conference adversaries, the Raptors managed to show some grit and toughness that seemed to be missing last year. For one night at least, the Raptors' twin towers worked to full effect, there were no more questions about the backup point guard spot, and Jason Kapono proved that it didn't matter what kind of athleticism Jamario Moon or Joey Graham had as long as he could get open for just a moment.

Heck, even Matt Devlin started showing some regular season form by injecting the right amount of subtle excitement that built the game into a proper crescendo.

Oh yeah, some guy named Roko Ukic managed to make me look like a genius prophet for just one night.

Nevertheless, that's just one out of 82 and the Golden State Warriors will prove to be an entire different beast to wrestle with. With a new contract in his pocket, Don Nelson's Warriors are ready to proceed with life after Baron Davis. Featuring a roster that is almost as international as the Raptors and some of the other "bad boy Pacers" who were traded long ago, the Raptors will be looked upon to use their size to slow down a much more accurate shooting team than the 76ers. Now granted, the Warriors are coming off of a loss in New Orleans to swing all the way over to the East Coast to play the Raptors, so they might not be their sharpest. Nevertheless, if the Raptors hope to pull out a win, it'll be up to these three factors:

1. Shooting Guard and Small Forward Defense -
We are all very sure about O'Neal and Bosh anchoring our middle, but let's just say the 76ers could have hit a few of their 3-pointers. We'd be talking about a very different game. Part of the reason the 76ers had so many rebounds is that they're just such a horribly inept jump shooting team. For all his athletic prowess, Andre Iguodala is not a guy that has inspired fear with his outside shot. The Warriors, with one Corey Maggette who has always given the Raptors trouble, have much better outside shooters from their bigs to their smalls. Add to the fact that Jamario Moon has still yet to give any indication that he's capable of playing decent defence, and you have a recipe for trouble. Let's also not forget that it's a Don Nelson-coached team which means that the Warriors have the green light to bomb and keep bombing from the outside. It'll be a test on Parker and our Gramoopono combination of forwards and guards to play their man properly. The one positive is that the Warriors have some injuries including one Monta Ellis which is a weakness that we hope the Raptors' point guards will exploit throughout the game. Just ask the bloggers at Golden State of Mind about their first game and point guard troubles.

2. Keep Moving, Keep Aggressive -

One of the great things that we got to see in the 76ers game was the development of an aggressive scheme where the Raptors chose to attack the heart of the 76ers using their bigs. Without having the same front court depth, the Raptors should have a relatively easy time with the Warriors. Bargnani in particular, will need to look for opportunities to keep attacking throughout the game in order to make sure that a tempo can be established. He should definitely take a queue from Joey Graham who looked like an absolute beast at times in his season debut. Playing smart and aggressive has always been a large problem for the Raptors as they often do one or the other, but not both, and with the addition of O'Neal, the hope is that the collective basketball IQ of the team will be that much better. So far, it seems to be developing at a steady pace as we've seen O'Neal and Bosh attack pick and roll situations aggressively, knowing that their other is waiting behind them to back them up and hold the fort in the post. And on the offensive end, both have looked comfortable both in the post and shooting from the outside. With only Turiaf, Biedrins, and Harrington to guard them, the Raptors should be able to establish that inside game often, and by keeping the ball moving, the Raptors will be able to get the ball to the proper outside shooter if the guards decide to double team the bigs. Should also tire out the Warriors as well.

3. Managing Minutes -

Oh the official mantra has been to never look ahead to the next game, but with the remade Bucks being the Raptors next opponent, in Milwaukee the next night no less, the Raptors will see themselves rushed out of the ACC after the game. Chris Bosh already logged in 42 minutes for the first game, so it will be up to the Raptors to end the game early so that they can give their most important pieces some rest. It's important that Mitchell find some more time for Kris Humphries as he can be looked to relieve the bigs in both games. It's early in the season and no one is rushing to say that the players should be tired at this point, but I'll be interested to see if Mitchell has learned anything about managing minutes a bit better in back-to-back situations.

Finally, it's the season opener, it's Halloween, it's time for basketball to begin in earnest in Toronto for yet another year. We're all pumped up with adrenaline, wishin' and hopin' that the Raptors will just stomp the life out of the Warriors. If there's one thing that we can count on as a group, it's that the ACC will be jumpin', and we'll be there to give our support to the group. It'll be up to the Raptors of course, to feed that flame, and if they can come out to a quick start, I'm sure the crowd will take the through to the end. I'm sure our guys in black will be willing to accommodate. So scream, yell, and make some noise at the game. Whether you have corporate seats, or you're way up in the Sprite Zone, it's time to establish our home court and to show the NBA that Toronto has some of the best fans in the league.

We are the 6th man.

We are the sea of red.

We are Raptors Fans.

Time to put some fear in our opponents.

Jose says look for more 3-pointers this year

Vicious D

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Comments

Not bad for a first 3 in the Key. I must declare though that the Warriors have problems with teams that can bully them inside. Minus BD and you have no muscle whatsoever on this Warriors team. Also add in the that they have DeMarcus Nelson starting (loved him with Duke.) and you already have a huge advantage. Let them shoot 3's all night. Bottom line is, they won't outrebound Toronto, nor will they be able to stop the inside out attack. As usual, its the same problems that Nellie Ball encounters. And lastly, Gramoopono I like that. Should be used as a term from here on out. Again, well done.

by Thor on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

it's weird, all my predictions are based on last year's team and the one that played in philly looked nothing like it. It's hard to imagine the warriors getting anything in a half-court set against our new-improved defense, so defending in transition will be huge. The perimeter d still looked shaky in philly, even with their bad shooters, so tonight will be a better picture of that. Of course the PG situation is still there, though I have high hopes now that that will only be a concern against defensively minded teams.

Just stay healthy and we got a great chance for two wins here raps!!

by axl on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

great preview btw

by axl on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I used to live down by the the CNE, near BMO field and was amazed at the amount of uniformly clad Toronto FC fans in red heading to a game. I think it would be great if that would happen at Raptors games. Not just in the playoffs, when free corporately sponsored T's are handed out, but year round, starting from game one, if everyone wore red to all games! Imagine if you are a tired Golden State team faced with 20 thousand fans in red for game TWO of 82! You would have to be impressed (and a little frightened)! LOL
I'm going to wear red to the game tonight and every night I go to the Raps games and I hope you all will join me.

by MAS on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Should we all start calling Kapono "JK" now?

Gramoopono ... only on RaptorsHQ!

by utes on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Utes - Between image editing and thinking of new names, I clearly have too much time on my hands. :p

Thor - Yeah, I believe they can attack the interior as well. But I disagree on your analysis about 3-point shooting. We saw the Warriors bury the Mavs a few years ago because of that shooting. Granted, Davis isn't around anymore, but this should be the first solid test for our wings. I think we should use this game to judge our wing play from Gramoopono and see just how much better our perimeter D is due to a presence in the paint (a line that was sold to us over the summer).

by Vicious D on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Utes,

If we wanna go with all the initials that Devlin dropped on Weds I think we'd have: JO; JK; AP; CB(4) so far at least. If he busts out an "RU" I'm throwing something at the TV

by Jdbar on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

In regards to the initials if Roko does something good he can say RU serious!?!?

I really hope he does it....I'd laugh my ass off while Jdbar would be trying to fix his tv lol.

That being said I expect a big win here for the Raps while the Bucks will give them a much tougher test.

by wtf on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I have never been so hype up for an home opener since 2000. Tried to get a pair of tickets but all that is available is those $600+ courtside and my budget is not there yet...hopefully soon...But I am challenging the crowd to be the loudest in the NBA this year...like VD said (that's quite the nick name) lets instill fear into all the other teams that come here to play....GO Raps...Go Red...Raps4Life baby.

by raps4Life on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

In regards to all the First initials nick-names... I'm going to get a new bumper sticker "What would JC do?" The JC being Jose Calderone of course.

by MAS on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

yeah you know what, the only thing that's bothered a bit so far about devlin is his ridiculous man-love for 'JK'. and the constant use of 'JK'. if he simmers that stuff down, it's all good.

can't wait for the game tonight!!!!!!!!

I expect joey's going to get some serious burn tonight.

and watch for roko, bargs, and kap one to do some running and gunning with the second unit.

go raps go

ps yeah tix are hard to come by. even on craigslist there's nothing left for under $100.

by papa on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Vicious, yes the Warriors may have beaten the Mavericks, but then they were slaughtered by the Jazz. An inside out team. And this is not the same team from that season. No Monta and no Baron. Factor in the turmoil with Al Harrington and things look shakey for this Golden State team.

by Thor on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Just an interesting site I came across for those who are looking for NBA,NHL,NFL,MLB games. www.seathound.com..It looks to be fairly solid. I may use it to see the Leafs when they come out here to Ottawa.

by Thor on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

My God I know it's only 2 games but Bosh looks like a MVP player already unreal player unreal game AB great enjoyed it way too much

by Davl on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

OK AB I now promote you to not being a 'bust' anymore. I apologize and lets bygones be bygones. You are now a fantastic bench warmer for the Raptors.

Keep on improving your defence the Raptors, leading the team in block shots, and good efficiency of the bench.

But, remember how you started off last year strong and good, then in two weeks you fell off a cliff and your game was nowhere to be found?

Hopefully, you'll find your game throughout the season and not just the first 2 weeks.

Lets see how you do on a back 2 back game.
Good luck.

by BargsBench on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I missed this game, and Forgot to PVR it, I'm sooooooooo pissed! seems like it was a gr8 game, and I know the game in an hour wont do it justice!

by Sho on Oct 31, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

man, was at the game last night and it felt like a playoff game. the atmosphere was crazy!!

good game

by papa on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

What an incredible game. This team looks nothing like last year's team. A complete change in psyche. Imagine if JO hit half of those shots that just rimmed out, it would have been an even more exciting game. There was a stretch when they went back to slowing things down to a near halt, but old habits do die hard. You just get the feeling that this team can bounce back from bad stretches in play...a far cry from last year's team.

I am not quite sure what the issue is with Matt referring to players by their initials. People were jumping all over Chuck for his antics and it seems as if people are trying to do the same with Matt. I for one, enjoyed his play calling in both games and found it kind of refreshing. His nickname calling didn't seem forced and kind of went with the flow. I think we are trying too hard to find holes in his game.

by Assistant GM on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Assistant GM said, "I think we are trying too hard to find holes in his game."

Hey, that's what blog comments are for :). And for the record, I am enjoying his more understated, nuts'n'bolts style. Chuck and Leo too often last year got into a ridiculous discussion about whether or not it was "salami and cheese" time while the game chugged merrily along. Devlin seems to keep his head in the game.

by Jdbar on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Since I was quick to diss Devlin in the pre-season, I'll be a man and admit that he has grown on me pretty quickly. I also like his understated, professional style.

The guy calls a good game; I guess that's why he's an NBA announcer and I'm call centre fodder.

Chuck's nephew,
DayOner

Seriously, pretty excited after two games, Bosh is looking unreal.

by DayOner on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

BargsBench. You just made me smile.
Give the kid some credit. He played well.
Awesome game.
Roko fell back to Earth, but oh well that was expected.
Am I crazy or is Sam actually running a nice tight rotation. Holy S***! I'll give him credit, he's coaching well and I am not one of his biggest supporters.
Big game tonight. Would love to be 3-0 to keep up with the Celts. They've got an easier one tonight than we do.

PS. JO's block was awesome!!!!! Replayed it 50 times.

by sharpy on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Hey, it's almost noon and still no recap or preview for tonight's game? The anticipation is killing me!

by Flying J on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Sorry guys, good ol Rogers screwed us over again - internet was down till about 3 minutes ago. Recap and preview will be up in 20...

by Franchise on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

ive been refreshing all day....come on recap/preview!

by Dikweed on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Funny! This site is so excellent that we've come to expect so much from it. I've been refreshing for a while as well.

Its interesting to see how much Bill Simmon's has been slagging O'Neal. Simmon's is awesome, but it'll be interesting to see if he's right on this one. I think the most important thing that JO has done so far is change the tone. His actual play has been 50:50.

Also, a 4/5 for Jamario isn't making up for his other deficiencies, unfortunately.

by observer on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

You know what else is funny? The feeling that Leo is not comfortable around Devlin. lol. maybe it's some chemistry issues early in the season or maybe Leo's just not as knowledgeable as Devlin. who knows. When is Jack gonna be on board?

by Aaron on Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions