3 In the Key – Toronto Raptors Game Day Preview vs. Cavs

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Dec 8, 2008 12:00 AM EST in 3 in the Key

The Raptors better push the ball to avoid situations like this...

If the game against Portland was any indication, Jay Triano can motivate the Toronto Raptors to play a style that's exciting and competes with some of the elite of the NBA.

And yet, people are now questioning Chris Bosh's heart and reaction to being "frustrated."

While I'm not one to really think about what's going on the minds of others, you have to feel a little bit for Bosh. The team has changed directions drastically, and is planning on going back to a style that brought this team its Atlantic Division Championship. However, even though people won't publicly say it, it's a type of rebuilding of the Raptors...or heck, more like a renovation. We're not tearing the house down, but we've gotta do some major work in the kitchen and bathroom. And without Sam around, the spotlight is going directly on Chris Bosh since Triano has a bit of a honeymoon period with everyone and doesn't seem the type of person to draw attention to himself so far.

If you're CB4, and you've heard so much about this new philosophy about defense and rebounding only to find yourself last in those categories, it has to make you wonder if your team is going to be able to perform. Toss in the incessant 2010 speculation and his own mini slump, coupled with the current losing streak, and you can understand why Bosh is trying to keep those kinds of comments away.

But tonight is yet another chance of getting this group of players to finally play to their potential strengths and take out one of the best of the East.

Against Cleveland, the Raptors are going to be facing a team that's had the summer to finally gel together, a maturing set of young players, and a potential first-round matchup team in the playoffs.

And that's not even talking about LeBron.

To put themselves in a position to win though, the Raptors have to do several different things:

1) Cool Off Daniel Gibson -

While the focal point will always be on stopping Lebron, one of the hottest players in the game right now is Daniel Gibson. He's shooting a blistering 63% from the field, and averaging 16 points per contest in his last six games. With Gibson playing the way he is, it's just not advisable to let Jose Calderon or Anthony Parker cheat off their man to help. This goes double for whoever gets stuck on King James.

So it'll be up to the Raptors for the second game in a row now to play their man straight up, and if there's anything that we learned about the Portland game, it's going to be a long work in progress. And in Daniel Gibson, the Cleveland Cavaliers have found the perfect foil for LeBron.

2) Execute the Quicker Pace -

The Raptors managed to catch Portland early by going at a faster pace for the first quarter and a half. When they pushed the ball, good things tended to happen, and more importantly, it seems as though the Raptors are more aggressive on the defensive end if they attempt to push the ball up the court. It sounds counter-intuitive to what the Raptors said that they had to do which was to get defensive stops to spark the offense, but that's how things have been recently. Who am I to argue, as long as they can extend this kind of play for longer periods of time, and of course have it reappear in the 2nd half of games.

We've now seen the results. Players that weren't producing before are suddenly becoming essential cogs in the Raptors machine. Getting production from players like Kapono and Graham is what is going to be needed to make sure the Raptors have an easier time with teams. It's just a matter of executing and making it a habit.

3) Block Out -

I was going to say "rebound", but we've put that heading here so many times now that it might cause burn-in on my computer screen. There's no question after Sunday's loss that there needs to be much more focus on this part of the game however it should also be noted that the Trailblazers are one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA. They have athletic, strong bigs at all their major power positions and as a result, they can just get after it if they want to.

Fighting Cleveland shouldn't be as much of a one-sided affair. However, with heavy bodies like Ilgauskas and Wallace, not to mention "Sideshow Varejao", it's going to mean that people cannot simply just go up haphazardly for a rebound, but rather our Raptors have to put a body on a man. The Cavs aren't as good an offensive rebounding club as Portland but in actuality grab more boards per game than the Blazers. Therefore the Dinos need to get out the Windex tonight.

Maybe it's not all that surprising, but the Raptors at this point really miss the presence of a guy like Kris Humphries, who is fearless about fighting the best in the NBA for a rebound. And while Joey Graham was an offensive threat on Sunday, there's just no denying the fact that he was vastly over matched in the post due to his small size. Here's hoping Hump makes it back for this game.

Nevertheless, while this game against Cleveland is not going to be one that the Raptors will take lightly, let's be honest here; this is only the third game under Jay Triano so I'm not going to let my expectations get out of hand. Even with the steady progress that we've seen, the Raptors could easily slip back into old habits. It's easy to forget that while the media talks about a seemless transition to Triano because of his familiarity with the players, the system he's attempting to implement is a pretty big overhaul of Sam Mitchell's old one. Habits that have formed over the course of the last few years will not simply be broken because of a few days of work. It takes time and practice for a coach to get his players to do what he wants on instinct. Until then, there will always be a danger that the Raptors will slip into their old ways.

However, at the same time, we've seen the Raptors become an extremely dangerous team when things are clicking and they are implementing what Triano wants them to do, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

How long that tunnel extends out for remains to be seen...

Vicious D

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I don't know about you; but I kind of like the tunnel. This is where the s**t happens.

by JENGE on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Assuming for the moment that the intensity on D is the one shown against the Portland team, and factoring in that performance was achieved with sub par performances by Bosh and Bargnani, it seems to me that what this team needs the most at the moment is a serie of W to build confidence upon. It is my belief this team has yet to maximize what Bargs and Kapono have to give an I am also convinces that with a more up tempo rhythm would put Soloman in a position to give a solid contribution in terms of scoring and we have seen already the impact it has on Graham . I would say there is enough growth from within to take advantage of but, unfortunately, too little time to work on it. The hope is that Jay Triano has had long time to think about "a different vision of the team" while he was an assistant and moves in, with a clear picture of the final product he would like to achieve. If he has, and the calender turns more favorable, a winning string would do wonders to let this team, with the new system, getting back on track to what was supposed to be a season full of gratifications.

by renato on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

A lot of people the other day were talking about a schedule change, but as Jack mentioned on the last broadcast, there won't be one until March really. While the Raptors will play some soft opponents in Jan and Feb, there will also be a lot of games against the elite of the Eastern and Western conferences.

by Vicious D on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

They need to get away from this odd set up with Barney playing the three. They need to rotate Bosh,Barney and Oneill through the line up at the 4 or 5 only and use Joey at the three. One would think that with the three bigs in at the same time, that the rebounding would be better but it's not and Andrea has not been putting up points in this set because you have two big posts (Bosh & Oneil) gobbling up the ball. He could really help the second unit

by Rt on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

not the ideal game for a big turnaround but man if they go down, I want to see all five guys go down swinging

by axl on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Anyone else surprised at the cav's start? Sure they have LeBron....but the rest of the players I really cant help but think are fringe players. Mo Williams is OK, but nothing special. I like West for his scrappyness, and he somehow seems to be able to play defense. Big Z...declining, Wallace...declining, bench...scrubs (although gibson can hit the 3) What do these guys have that the raptors don;t? Team work? Why are these guys doing so well?

by Scott on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

BC on the FAN last night made it very clear that he has some really good offers on the table, but can't really do much until Dec. 15th. I am really curious to see what he has up his sleeve. He also stated that he was working on trades to improve our deficiencies even before the season began, but waiting until Dec. 15th provides the team with even better options.

Again, it sounds like BC was being proactive!

by Assistant GM on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Cavs are doing so well because they know how to play defense! They play defense as a whole team (see picture above) and Lebron has them playing at a high intensity for the full 48 minutes (Garnett, Celtics). It helps that Coach Brown is a defensive specialist too.

I'd like to see Joey get a start tonight. JO and CB will be guarding Z and Ben. I'd put Jose on West so he's not exploited by Mo's dribble penetration. So Parker on Mo leaving Bargs on Lebron?? This is where I'd like to see Joey.

Actually Joey or Moon will have to start. If you put Parker on Lebron, Where does Bargs go?

If Joey gets a start, I hope he continues to play aggressive on offense. If he is in fact guarding Lebron, this will be essential in trying to wear Lebron(if that's even possbile!)

by paul on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

AGM - With all the minutes lately, you have to wonder if joey is now being "showcased", he'd be a great pick up for a run and gun team, and might net a ball-moving, half court, posey type that would complement bosh/bargnani/jo/jose/kapono.

by axl on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Heard BC last night too - sounds like my article a few weeks ago about BC waiting till the 15th was bang on and I too am curious about possible moves. I wonder if he had any good chats with the Blazers folks on Sunday...

The 3 spot is going to be a major challenge for Toronto tonight. I expect Parker will be on Lebron but like you mentioned Paul, where does that leave Bargs? And not sure if it’s an indication of just how good Lebron is but I totally agree with you Scott, I had no idea Cleveland was going to be this good. I thought they’d have at least five or six losses.

by Franchise on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Cavs are good because defense is their bread and butter. Most teams make the mistake that its just LeBron and a bunch of scrubs, but it really isn't. Z, while he is aging, is one of the most underrated centers in the league. He is currently putting up career numbers. Ben is for defense - nothing else. Mo Williams, while not an all star is more than just O.K. Bench is solid. Gibson's hot hand, Varejao's defensive energy, West's hot hand AND defensive energy. I'm not surprised at all they're good.

by Stark on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Lets hope that Parker covers his man instead of doubling down on Sideshow. I mean if he is covering Lebron or Mo Williams, it would make perfect sense to leave them wide open to cover sideshow but lets hope he goes against that brilliant strategy and sticks to his man.
Realistically, I will be happy if they just compete. If we see a similar showing that they had against Portland and the Lakers, I will be very happy.

by McGateway on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Bargs would be backing up the bigs; possibly covering the Big Z and Varejao. Its seems like a perfect fit with his renewed energy and intensity on the defensive end.

by Assistant GM on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

cavs have also had a very easy schedule, just like boston last year, the NBA is paving the way for Cleveland to go deep into the playoffs... take a look, I'm not saying toronto would have down quite as well, but better I think...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/teams/schedule?team=cle

by axl on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Why are the Cavs winning so much and so handily?

1. Last in points allowed at 90.2 PPG. (By contrast, Raps are 7th worst, allowing 102.1 PPG).

2. Last in FG% allowed at 41.5%. (By contrast, Raps are 6th worst, allowing 47.0%).

3. Second last -- to the Blazers, funny enough -- in RPG allowed at 37.2. (By contrast, Raps are 9th worst, at 43.1 RPG).

Given the above, perhaps the Raps will get rebounded by under

This is gonna be ugly, about as ugly as one of the amusing suggestions above that Bargs draws LeBron on D. And we thought Melo killed Il Mago last week....

by jjdynomite on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Some interesting notes on RealGM this morning. The Bobcats GM is denying that he's interested in moving Wallace for expiring contracts. Where there's smoke, there's fire.

I'm saying, move Parker, Graham and Solomon to the 'Cats for Wallace.

If BC is interest in moving for a big man, which he is reported to be, what about swinging a deal with the Wizards for Andray Blatch and DeShawn Stevenson. A combo of Parker, Moon and Soloman would work.

Or, this would solve two of our problems: Parker + Hump for Darko and Lowry from Memphis. I'd still love to see the Raps get Darko. He's behind Gasol the Lesser and eating too much of their money. Plus he comes off the books before 2010 free agent bonanza!

Or, last but not least: Kaman and Hart from the Clippers for Hump+Joey+Parker.

The questions becomes, who wants expiring deals?!? Everything must go! Its a Raptors bench blow out!

And can we offer $2 million to Starbury to have him come in and anchor our bench scoring?

I hope this last point doesn't ruin my credibility...not that I have any to begin with.

by Casey on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Obviously effort is a big part of rebounding success but the Raptors rebounding issues may have allot to do with our inability to get into the paint on O and our defence being consistently broken down by dribble penetration on D. Driving to the basket pulls players out of position as they help on D and also opens lanes for team-mates to crash the boards untouched. Opposing teams consistently do this to the Raptors but we rarely do so on the other end of the floor.

I like the strategy Triano is trying to implement on defence. Although crowding the key will open us up to daggers from 3, I’d rather not see any easy lay-ups and put-backs and have our players in a position to rebound.

by Raptoronto on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

agree with rt completely, bargs should be backing up JO.

i thought the cavs were way over-rated at the start of the season. shows what i know. also shows how very very good lebron is, and what solid coaching can do for a team.

by benjibopper on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Nice research axl, I was wondering if they had a relatively weak schedule. The Cavs are a good example of a team that has done a nice job of meshing various skill-sets to complement each other be it Varejao's rebounding and energy or Gibson's outside shooting. You gotta commend Ferry for his job, which has to be the most stressful GM job in the league considering all the 2010 talk.

Something I'll be looking for tonight regardless of the final score, continued looks for Jason Kapono and Jose's assist numbers. I think if Kap-One is getting 10 shots a game or so, and Jose is putting up 12 plus assists, then it shows that things are moving in the right direction offensively.

by Franchise on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

AXL I totally agree that schedule is rediculously soft and if you notice the Cavs lose to all the tough teams on that schedule..they beat Dallas when Dallas was in that early slump. If the Raps had that schedule they would be in the same position as Cleveland and looking at the rest of the schedule for the Cavs there is only one tough westcoast trip its quite possible they will win the East...My goodness the NBA really have it in for the Raps our schedule is 10 times more difficult than Cleveland's. The Raps will beat them tonight I gurantee it...Like Rasheed would say....Raps4Life.

by RAPS4LIFE on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

well, seems like JO is happy with the defensive system triano is trying to set up with the raps. what that means for tonight? I guess we'll find out.

either way, I have a nauseous feeling already starting to set in for the game tonight. lebron? the big Z? sideshow bob??? ugh. things could get ugly on the boards.

this should be a good game for the raps to get out and run, though. couple that with some serious pressure on the ball, picking guys up at half court, and maybe we'll at least see the guys make it competitive. and fun.

we need a big game from bosh though, for sure!!

by papa on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

FYI - If you're having a blah afternoon and feeling disgruntled about the state of our Raptors, this should lift your spirirts...

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmPsqV26oIQ.0Vz4_7N8RaS8vLYF?slug=aw-mchale120808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

by Franchise on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Speaking of light and fun, if you haven't caught Grange's first Ask Hump!, it's up now.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081209.WBwbbasketball20081209131857/WBStory/WBwbbasketball/

Also looks like Hump's out for today again. It'll be a long day on the boards....

by Vicious D on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I didn't want to post this whole thing, but I just couldn't resist.

From The Toronto Sun today:

"Me and J.O. (Jermaine O'Neal) are coming in to help a lot so it's our responsibility to take their bigs off of the glass," Bosh said. "The more we work on it the more we'll be a good team."

The change in Raptors philosophy since Sam Mitchell's firing on Wednesday suits O'Neal nicely. Triano thinks like O'Neal's old Indiana Pacers team did without the ball and the new coach is trying to involve his 6-foot-11 centre a lot more. O'Neal had a season-high 24 points and blocked six shots on Sunday.

"Jay's system is pretty much what we did in Indiana, boxing, closing the paint, pushing the ball baseline and sideline," O'Neal said. "Then it's easier for me to come over and block shots, take charge and support Chris. For me, it's easy, for my teammates it's not, because they've been playing a different style. A lot of fans won't recognize it as a big difference, but it's tough."

When the doors opened yesterday after Triano's first home practice, the team was in a giddy mood, trying back-door plays with thunderous dunks.

Triano dreamed up a new version of tag, making his players chase the designated 'it' guy while dribbling a ball.

"It was a drill I'd never seen in 13 years in the league," O'Neal said. "It was cool because he put some defence in there, that shows great foot speed. Small stuff like that makes (practice) a lot more fun and a lot more competitive.

"I'm not saying Sam didn't do great things, but sometimes when the organization decides to make a change, it brings fresh air. Look around today and you couldn't tell we lost four games in a row.

"We're excited about what we can do, but we just can't be talking about it all the time. We have to do it for 48 minutes."

by Assistant GM on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

this is painful to watch....there basically embarassing themselves right now....i know clevland is playing like one of the best teams in the league right now and they probably are...but they are making the raptors look like they dont belong in the league at all!...honestly it doesnt matter about whos on the floor, who the coach is etc...when it comes down to it...its basketball...if you;re an NBA player...you shouldnt ever allow any team to embarass you this badly..its only the 3rd quarter so heres to hoping they regain some dignity before this ends...but if im colangelo im really concerned right now about the direction of this team...this is not a deep playoff team right now...thats just my opinion.

by big d on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

"this is not a deep playoff team right now...thats just my opinion"

Your kidding right? They are not a playoff team right now!!!

Has Bosh quit on the team???

Signs of VC while sitting on the bench!!!

by Davl on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

damn

by adam on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I gotta say, I hate Lebron James. I hope he never wins a championship, but he probably will.

by Sho on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Wow...really bad team right now. This has the makings of a really long season. Losing by 20 every road game, giving up big leads at home, 9 points in 32 minutes from your "franchise" player. I know, some will say it will take time, things will turn around, but tell me how a team that is aspiring to make the playoffs loses so handily? Bold moves are in order. BC has a reputation as a proactive GM who is willing to make the big move. By the end of this month I'm expecting not to recognize this team. There should be no such thing as an untouchable at this point. Basically we're entering our third year with mostly the same core and this no longer projects to anything close to a championship competitor.

by Interloper on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I have decided that Colangelo should trade Bosh on Dec. 15 for pretty much any young stud under or two contract for the next 3+ years and make Bargs the centrepiece of the Euroraptors.

Anything is better than this.

by jjdynomite on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Man, watching the Raps get blown out and just not care for the past 2 weeks has ruined my grammar as well. Meant to say, to trade Bosh for "pretty much any young stud or two" under contract for the next 3+ years. Off to watch the Daily Show, I need a laugh.

by jjdynomite on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

how 'bout that chris duhon??

the bright side is, cleveland has beaten its last 9 opponents by an average of 24 or something like that, so, um, we're better than average?

by benjibopper on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

First round....I doubt it if we make the playoffs !!! maybe Jose will wake up when he sees his old buddy TJ .
I always gave Bargs the benefit of the doubt,but I think I am now done with him. Bosh our league mvp candidate, did he play,or was he stuck in an elevator.It was nice to see Joey driving to the basket..moon still in love with his three,Rocko drives to the hole,love it.I think JO has become our leader,Bosh is mia.Sorry to be negative,did I honestly think we were going to win, hell no !!!!but do we need to blow this thing up ?

by d279 on Dec 9, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions