Tip-In, Toronto Raptors Post-Game: A Sense of Urgency

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT

Wilcox - One of the Sonics' few remaining players to build around...

Lacing Them Up

It’s no secret how important this game was for the Toronto Raptors.

It’s true, it has been frustrating to be a Raps fan as of late, and it’s more than possible that our frustration has come out in our posts. This simple reality of this game was that the Raps had to bring a sense of urgency, some serious hustle and needed to put this Seattle in a hole early. Having beaten Toronto earlier this year you had believe that the Sonics were going to feel pretty good about their chances despite having been completely blown out in Philadelphia the night before.

A sense of urgency.

This is something that has been missing from the Raptors for some reason, and considering their upcoming road trip, there was no better time than yesterday afternoon to bring the "urgency." The Raps needed to take the bull by the horns and get it done on the offensive end and maybe even more importantly, on the defensive side of things, an area where they’ve struggled recently. The other thing I was interested in seeing was whether the Raps did anything differently in terms of in-game strategy because clearly the status quo was not been working.

Well, right from the get go the Raps looked a step slow and they were not exactly bringing the hustle I expected. Were they that affected by the loss of an hour of sleep with the clocks rolling ahead? If anyone should have been effected it should have been the Sonics! It was the same old story from the opening tip. Letting the Sonics score 31 points in the first quarter is completely unacceptable and once again the team was settling for jump shots, many of which were not falling. Any excitement I had about watching this game quickly disappeared and grew into mounting frustration.

Frustration and confusion are the two best words to describe the first half. In all seriousness watching the game I was racking my brain in terms of how I would capture what I was seeing. Should I just tell people to read the re-caps from the last few games? Were people growing as sick and tired about watching and reading about "Plan A," the lack of defence on the perimeter, and inability to get to the rim as we were writing about it?

There were clearly no adjustments to the Raps’ game plan from the night before and I was left wondering if halftime would bring any changes.
It’s true that it is hard to make any significant adjustments with so little practice time, but something had to change.

Change it did. The second half was a totally different story. The Raps finally started to turn it on and they really elevated their game in the second half. Ford started to get to the rim and the Sonics turnovers really started to catch up with them. The effort was simply much better in the last 24 minutes. Humphries and Delfino really played well and a solid performance from Jason Kapono helped the Raps get over the hump. It was nice to see the Raps team start to turn it on, and as they say, better late than never.

A Numbers Game

This was the number of turnovers the Sonics committed. The Raps were very fortunate that this young Sonics team had a tough time taking care of the ball because without these turnovers it’s very possible that the Raps would have lost another game. There are two ways to look at this. The first is that it is disappointing that it took a very sloppy game from the Sonics to help the Raps secure the win. The second is that the Raptors’ stepped up their defence, forcing many of these turnovers, and while the Sonics had no business winning this game, a win is a win.

On Friday, the Wizards had six guys in double figures. On this afternoon it was the Raps with six guys in double figures. If Toronto plans on stealing a game or two on this upcoming road trip it will take a full effort from the complete team. Contributions from every player when given the opportunity will be essential.

The Turning Point

Have to believe the turning point was when the players entered into the locker room at half and they realised they played as if they were wallowing in the winter wonderland outside the ACC. It would have been embarrassing had they lost to Seattle. There was some discussion during the broadcast that Sam Mitchell likely had some strong words at the half yet I would like to believe that Sam didn’t have to say anything considering the ramifications of a loss, and that the team started holding themselves accountable at that point.

Temperature Check

Hot – CBCHD – Getting Raps games on the nation’s network was a fantastic idea. Not only is it promoting the game nation-wide, but the production is much better than when the games are broadcast on the other networks. Elliot Friedman is a breath of fresh air, there is no game play missed and everything just seems to run much more smoothly. The other major difference between a CBC production and the rest is that the halftime production is always insightful, interesting and different than the usual.

The TJ Ford interview was a perfect example. The interview provided some solid insight into what is going on in his mind and Friedman did not shy away from asking tough questions. The key query in fact was whether Ford could see himself co-existing with Calderon and the answer was "I don’t see why not."

Hmmm…not the most assuring answer but satisfactory right now I suppose.

Calling Stephon Marbury an idol however? YIKES. Getting advice from him on how to be a great point guard? Maybe not the best move…

Hot – Rasho Nesterovic – Once again another solid performance from the big man. Rasho gave the Raps a post presence which has been lacking. Outside of his high shooting percentage the most impressive part of Rasho’s game this afternoon was his assist numbers. Rasho’s six dimes were a nice surprise.

Hot – Chris Wilcox – I really liked this guy, even when he played with the Clippers. He is a great player to have with Durant and Green. He is a big body, fairly agile and adds some serious muscle to that front line. He had some monster dunks in this game and is one of the few solid pieces for this team to build around.

Moving On

We all know what’s coming - five games out West against some serious powerhouses. Can the Raps steal a game or two? If they do, it could go a long way towards helping ensure they don’t fall too far in the standings. Based on the interview with BC during the second quarter it doesn’t look like CB4 can be expected back in the short-term so it will be on the guys who played today to continue to hold themselves accountable and fight for victories.

The reality is this road trip could get ugly, but as Franchise and I discussed last night, it could be a great opportunity for these guys to gel. Maybe this team needs a little adversity to play with a little more fire?

Next up, Pau Gasol and the Grizzl...er...Lakers...

In fact, even if this team loses each game on its road swing, the club needs to look at this stretch as an opportunity for Bargnani to step out of Bosh’s shadow for a while, hopefully so that when he returns, Toronto will be a much more complete, and dangerous squad.

This goes for the entire team in fact, as yesterday guys like Hump and even Ford looked much better than they have recently. The main thing though is that this team really needs to start playing with that "sense of urgency" we've been discussing. Yes, they could probably lose the next five games and still sit in fifth in the East, but that's not going to do them any favours in terms of development in time for the playoffs.

Therefore here’s to hoping Toronto ratchets up the intensity on this West swing, and gives fans some pleasant surprises…

HOWLAND

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Comments

3 stars: 3rd - Delfino, 2nd - Rasho; 1st - PJ Carlesimo for benching Durant the entire 2nd qtr after he'd spent the 1st qtr torching us, killing his mojo. PJ, Anthony Parker appreciates it.

by Neil on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Radical idea - why not put TJ back in the starting position, since most agree this is where he wants to be. A happy TJ is a better TJ. And wasn't it that way when the Raps were at their best early in the year (pre-injury to TJ)? Jose is great off the bench and Ford is not.
I was at yesterday's game and the offence was sluggish at the opening of the game (again). An up-tempo Ford might be the way to go and then used judicially the rest of the way.

by Old Joe on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

You want scary? There's millions of kids around the globe that have Kobe Bryant as their idol. (sorry HQ I know one of you loves him, one doesn't)

I figured most of us would be howling when TJ mentioned Marbury. You think that's Calderon's idol too?

He also mentioned Isiah, who was a fine playing example, but a big d*ck of a person, if I may.

Yeah, CBC bit better.

TSN: Rod Black sucks. Guy always has smugly dissed T dot for years....whenever the team is getting pounded, its like he delights in it, I swear he is the ultimate anti homer. He used to always be on the Grizzlies d*ck whenever they played....yeah how did your favourite stud Big Country turn out for ya Rod? S.Abdur-Rahim? You two were an item weren't you?

by DayOner on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

You know, I've been thinking the same as old Joe recently, putting TJ back in starting 5 to get his mojo going. Not sure if it would be the right thing to do, with Jose contact situation and how its important that we don't diss him.

by Tinman on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I think you're a bit too quick to praise CBC's coverage - maybe you mean 'Hot' in the relative sense, as compared to the junk that TSN, Score and Sportsnet put out there?

One of my biggest pet peeves is how the production crew refuses to adjust their style to fit the game play on the floor. In the Seattle game, the action was fast paced and frantic - up and down basketball at its best (and worst). In my opinion, the production crew was unable to keep up with this pace because they insisted on following their formula - player close-ups after made baskets, crowd reaction shots, coach reaction shots, stat screens, unedited replays, etc. They ended up only catching the tail end of a good number of fast breaks.

I agree that CBC is a step above the other junk, but I think they still have a long way to go. I do like their scoreboard a lot. It works and is correct and contains useful information and can be easily read. Again, just a relative improvement over the alternative on the other networks...

Oh, and DayOner - Rod Black is the Canadian sports networks' dull Swiss Army knife.

by dsl on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Has anyone else noticed that TJ's not shooting the ball as much since he came back from his injury(s)? He seems to be pentrating a lot more but he doesn't execute the pick and roll game much anymore. Maybe Sam wants him to run a different style than Jose and drive and dish, but I wonder if his shot is off because of the wrist injury.

by Clawed on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Since I'm always on here dissing Paul Graham and the production crew (we keep missing live action, get it right for once!), Paul Johnson, Paul Jones, Rob Black and on and on, I should probably commend spot on reporting when I see it.

Elliotte Friedman is THE MAN. Wish he was always covering the Raps.

Can you imagine what Jose would be thinking if they rewarded TJ's selfish play with Jose's starter's role? I'm very impressed with Jose's class "A" demeanor these past 2 years with the whole TJ/Jose thing. But if we put Jose back on the bench, it would be like we're trying to push Jose over the edge. A how-much-can-you-bend-before-you-break type thing. Silly idea.

by SonicSuper on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Old Joe: I wouldn't reward TJ with the starting lineup because he's unhappy. Jose has earned that spot (i'd say he earned it a long time before he actually got it)

If TJ wants it he will have to earn it back. Both Jose and TJ are competitors, just because Jose doesn't make a fuss about not starting doesn't mean he does not want the position. It would be a slap in the face to Jose if the Sam did that and it would show TJ that you can just cry and complain to get your way. Not the msg we want to send to him.

We should encourage him to accept whatever role he is given. It was great to see Jose cheer him on as well as there rest of the bench when he was checking in and out of the game.

The Lakers game will be painful to watch. They just lost to the kings and they won't have back to back bad games. Plus they're at home and plus we don't have our franchise player.

The only thing that can come good out of this game is Andrea and TJ putting up nice stats. That is what i'll be watching for because theres no point in watching in thinking that this game will be competitive.

by wtf on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Old Joe - you beat me to the punch. Was suggesting this to Howland yesterday and going to discuss in tomorrow's pre-game...

by Franchise on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

TJ starting....Is it worth the risk of possibly losing JC because of this? What if we then have JC sulking like TJ???If wining and being unhappy worked for TJ what would JC have to lose? If U want pt and thats all U would have to do is sulk, What kind of message would Sam M be sending to the rest of the team? Very risky idea!

by Davl on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise, I wait with bated breath for your views on the TJ situation. On less you have a very convincing perspective, I would sooner lose a playoff round than submit to TJ's juvenile behavour. Be careful!

by OldSchool on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

this is completely unrelated to what u guys were talking about....but i would love to see the percentages on Jamario's different shots...does anyone else notice that he hits it almost every time when he steps into it, and is just inside the arc..and then he misses a ton when he spot up shoots or trys to create his own shot....all im sayin is, it would be interesting to see how high of a percentage he is shooting when he gets the pass and steps into his jump shot...he hits a lot...and not so much those other shots

by big d on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I too am waiting to hear a positive spin on putting TJ back in the starting line up.

From Parenting 101, 'player' subsituted for 'child' but applicable nevertheless:

[Players] will generally only do things that benefit them. Usually when whining or fit throwing (which we view as the same thing) occurs it is for one of the following reasons.

The [player] has learned it will get him what he wants

The [player] wants to make you mad as a punishment for not giving him what he wants

The [player] is angry because you said no and knows there will be no consequences for his whining or fit throwing.

Just like adults who must learn to control their emotions, [players] must learn to control their tempers, and practice makes perfect - even when that practice is forced against his will. A whining [player] must learn that, not only will it not get him what he wants, but it will produce a reaction that has no pay off for him. It is so much easier to learn this as a [player] from a [Sam Mitchell] who loves him rather than from a [nother NBA team] system that could care less.

by rup45 on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Re the Jose/TJ starting ???
Mitchell has determined the best place for TJ for NOW is with the 2nd unit. With them he can freelance more, set CD, JK, up, and look for his own shot, when on, as he is a scoring/passing PG.
The starting unit is more structured with Bosh on the P&R as 1st option, and AP, AB, and Moon needing their touches. Jose is a better fit to manage that process, and get all involved, as he is good in a 1/2 court offense,and he is a pass 1st PG and does not look for his shot first.
The playoffs and next year were not determined as yet.
Its Mitchell's job to do that, and decide what is best for the team to win consistently,and manage the minutes according to matchups and whoever is playing better. Calderon will play when & where the Coach wants him to. He just hates to lose and wants to win. We will have to see how TJ feels. Right now he says the same, Jose should start for now, he just wants to win. My feeling is the Team needs them both at PEAK performance to WIN and Coach Mitchell will earn his $4mil in managing the TEAM to win.

by Johnn19 on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

[TJ starts ... Calderon becomes 2nd fiddle again]

I have to go with OldSchool on this idea. I'd rather lose in the first round, then see TJ start. We do need TJ, if we hope to make the play-offs a better experience, but I'd be disappointed if we sank to the levels that guide the Leafs.

The moment we step into this realm, is the day we become the Leafs Version 2. That thought is depressing enough.

by RapthoseLeafs on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

We have some very intersting fans watching the Raptors. Please remember that the only reason that Jose is in the starting line up is because TJ got injured. Its only fair that TJ should be inserted back into the starting line up once he is healthy and playing at a the level he was at when he got injured. For the past 4 or 5 games the Raps have come out very slow and that's a reflection on the point guard (Jose in this case. they have faired poorly against teams that they should beat. If something is not working its time to make a change. The most significant change to shake things up would be to insert TJ or Rasho back into the starting line up. Jose is always saying he is just interested in W's so if he gets put back with the second unit then that should not be a risk of loosing him at the end of the season. He is not the best pg in the league and the other night against Washington Gilbert Arenas had the last laugh with his comment...Jose was terrible in that game. I am an advocate to have TJ back in the starting line up I think it will make the team better and Jose is a much better passer that TJ which will give Kapono and Delphino alot of better looks at the basket. This is a tough part of the season and every team has step up their game heading into the playoffs..You have to go in with confidence or it will be a short series for the Raps....Just a thought...Looking forward to what Franchise has to say about putting TJ back in the starting line up tomorrow....raps4life

by Raps4Life on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

If TJ gets the starting job back right now, besides the fact that in my humble opinion it'd be profoundly unfair and completely wrong, bear in mind that Jose will see absolutely no reason to remain with the Raps. I mean, looking at it from his point of view: what else do I need to do to gain the starting job in this team? It is clear to me he would start wishing out of town, with the only caveat that the Raps can match any offer and force him to stay.

by Sergi P on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Raps4Life

For the past 4 or 5 games the Raps have come out very slow and that's a reflection on the point guard (Jose in this case. they have faired poorly against teams that they should beat

The games I have watch starting poorly was due to not making shots. The PG can set up all kinds of scoring ops but if the shooters don't make the shot it's not the pg fault.

Example how many wide open shots did AB miss last game.

the slow start in mho is due to qualty missed shots and Bosh being missing.

It has very little or even nothing to due with JC

by Davl on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Why did the Kings have to beat the Lakers the game before they play the Raps..We just can't catch a break..NOw the LA will be focus, they won't take us lightly as Kobe said the lost is a eye opener for his team...With that said, I believe that Raps will steal a game or 3 on this road trip. The Raps always play to the level of their competition and this is a very good road trip for our boys to gain some confidence at the end of this trip there will only be 15 games left...3 weeks of basketball. Raps need to come home with confidence and start making a mark in the East and jocking for position...Raps will beat the Lakers, Denver and Sacramento on this road trip...Would be nice if they win all 5 but we will see..........Raps4life

by Raps4Life on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

One thing Sam might wanna try is inserting TJ at the start of the third quarter. Have Jose start, bring in TJ with 3 min left in the 1st, and then bring Jose the last 5 mins of the 2nd. Then start TJ for the 3rd with the other starters. This way, he can assess how TJ would respond in a starter role without removing Jose from the starting line-up. If TJ fails, then you don't lose anything cuz Jose is still starting. But if TJ steps up, then you might warrant returning him to the starting line-up.

by Art on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I agree with Johnn19 above, as has been stated before. For now, Jose's play is geared well toward the other starters....oh screw it, its an endless debate everybody, just forget it....TJ can and had been playing well with Kapono and Delfino before the return of the "TJ lay-up turnover" the last couple of games...

Wading into this debate sucks they are both my boys, but Calderon has earned the right to start, obviously.

I honestly don't think Jose even thinks about it.....eventually Ford will feel that way.

Don't you think Maceo Baston was the starter on every pre-NBA team he's played on? How has he adjusted? Let's debate that for weeks.

NBA millionaires: The young and the restless

by DayOner on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Let's get real!

Hands down, Jose should be the starter.

Not only that but he should be seeing an all-stars minutes.
30 to 35 minutes a night.

He responded well when given the minutes when TJ went down. He CAN handle the workload.
All the other all-star PG's get more minutes.

Please don't pretend that this latest stretch by TJ is something new. He has put on his horse-blinders many times in his year and a half here.

Doesn't anyone recall the maddening triple clutch shot at the end of game earlier in the year when he did a dosie-doe with C Hump. Three times in a row he refused to even look at anyone else before jacking up a shot that only a megalomaniac would attempt. It was EMBARASSING.

I don't hate TJ, in fact I was his biggest backer when we traded for him. (I thought it was a steal).
However after watching TJ over a long period of time I began to understand the Bucks take on him.

He wholeheartedly believes that it is his and Chris's team.

Unbelievable that some of you are now ready to push Jose back to the bench because TJ is whining.

If you think Jose would be fine with it, U R CRAZY!!!!

Why can't TJ be OK with it.

Calderon is a class act and people are now taking advantage of it.

You must be the same people that asked the Raptors management to give MRS. Carter 2 primo parking spaces back in the day because she couldn't park very well.

Don't drink the Kool-Aid Francise and Howland.

by sharpy on Mar 10, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions