Tip-In, Toronto Raptors Post-Game: E is for Effort

The best thing about this game was the girl in purple sitting behind Swirsk.

Franchise: Hope you are happy that you got what you wanted with TJ the "points guard" playing the most mins.
Sam Mitchell and the Raptors were given a lesson by the Lakers on how to play TEAM ball,with 32 ast on 45 shots, something the Rap's are supposed to be, but with TJ Ford at his "ball hog" worst are not.

How in hell can AP shooting only 7/11 and 4/5 from 3pt and in a hot shooting streak not take a shot in the 4th in almost 8 mins with TJ??? I still can't believe the stupidity shown by TJ and Sam in allowing that to happen.

Well, they were not supposed to win without Bosh anyways! The fact that we kept Kobe in check (our 3-point defense has always been bad) was also positive. Can't blame TJ for the loss even if he was a little selfish. Agree with your call on Rasho and AP. As for Bargs, if it were not for the two quick fouls, he'd have an even better game. Lets hope we can take it to the Warriors tonight.

I just haven't been able to do it.. I can't keep coming back and read the same 'ol same 'ol comments anymore. It's been so bad lately, I haven't even been able to click on the RapHQ link that I have set as a favourite on my bookmarks. I've been imagining the slew of TJ sucks comments over the last few weeks, or that Bargs may still be a good prospect if he scores over 20, or that he's a loser if he picks up 2 quick fouls. After Bosh going down, I had a bad suspicion that the team was going to struggle a little. Not that I was 100% sure, since they've fought through this in the past and haven't used injuries as an excuse since Lenny Wilkens. But after watching the first half of that Indiana game way back, the first thing I was thinking, they're going to go bezerk on the RapHQ. Of course not Howland or Franchise, but the loyal followers.

Maybe I feel better because I think I had lower expectations than most others (I had them at about 45 wins). And maybe I do it to protect myself from getting disappointed (you know, just like when you walk into a movie with High Expectations to only walk away afterwards feeling like it should have been a rental). However, I did feel that 45 was a legit number, and that it's not just a hindsight 20-20 bit.

So, at the end of the day, I'm writing because I thought the Raps had played a great game, except the better team won. Sam took chances with the "D" and stayed with Kobe. Unfortunately, Fish, Odom and Farmar hit. I think if the Raps had played straight up, it would have been a high double digit loss. TJ was TJ again, and I'll let the rest of you debate whether that was a good thing or not. But as I keep harping elsewhere, he's not the problem. Not having a full supporting cast is the problem. Imagine if Jamario was Pau, and Parker was Kobe... TJ wouldn't be a question.

Lastly, it's funny that Franchise mentions Good players on Bad teams (ala Parker and Murray). Isn't Lamar Odom the complete opposite?!?! I pick Odom every year in my pool (just like I did in hockey drafting Modano) thinking "all that potential, this'll be the year he breaks out" and never does. He's been on fire since he became the third banana - a guaranteed double double. Talk about a guy who doesn't like pressure. I do however sometimes question Parker in the spotlight. I just don't think he loves it. Look back at some of the late game pressure free-throw situations he's been in. I have a feeling his percentages just aren't that good. But alas, I'm loving the effort he's been giving during this Bosh free period.

Chill Rap fans.. see ya in the playoffs in the nose bleed section.

Is it perhaps time to drop Leo from the rotating tour? Does any other team have a rotating colour guy? I'm no fan of him and Rod Black.

A basketball game without the score is very frustrating to watch.

Kobe on TJames:

"You just let him go ahead and get 28," he said. "If that's what the guards want to do, that's fine. You just let him go in there and contest his shot. That's fine by us as long he's not getting other guys involved."

If this was a blow out, fine. We got beat by the better team, we were missing Bosh, we weren't supposed to win, cliche #42, cliche #106, not firing on all cylinders, not making shats, etc.

However, this was a close game. The team was playing a style of basketball that was just unbelievable in the first half - Andrea working with Rasho, great movement, good shots, remembering that #18 is on the team, etc. Then everything seems to fall apart. Suddenly the PG is going one on one and getting shot clock violations while the team stands around. What happened?

I'm all for saying 'let's get 'em next time', but nights like this make me wonder if they really can.

To top everything off with the score coverage, it's not even available in HD in my area. All I got was a fuzzy look at the ladies behind C & L.

Oh, and in my opinion Anthony Parker has never taken a bad shot. You're preaching to the choir over here. I think the team has never figured out how to use him properly and it was especially evident during the playoffs last year. I'm happy to see him get on a roll, but sad because I know he gets forgotten when he's at his best (late in the game, when the pressure is on).

SonicSuper says:
"The best thing about this game was the girl in purple sitting behind Swirsk."

I was thinking the exact same thing :)

Not only do I see some Kobe-esque attributes from TJ but also a lot of AI too. The only difference btw TJ and AI is "Practice". What Practice!

Let's hope they pull a rabbit from a hat and win tonights game. Also, Delfino is due for a good game. Lately, he's been struggling immensely.

Utes - Totally agree - just stick with Jack and Chuck please. Or how about just Jack with a bottle of Johnny Walker talking to himself about plays? Now THAT would be entertaining...

Johnn19 - Was I happy with TJ's play last night? Yes and no. Was he the main reason the Raps lost - no. I never said I wanted him to play most of the minutes, I simply said that he seems more effective to me in the driver's seat when Bosh isn't in the game. Jose's play last night did nothing to make me think otherwise.

This is however what I would have LIKED to have seen last night:

TJ start, get to the rim, get to the line, play the first seven or eight minutes and try and set the tone.

THEN put Jose in for the rest of the half, get everyone involved, run the show and use his long-range ability. Same thing in the second half.

I still think that Jose should be this team's starter...but I shudder to think what the final score would have been last night without TJ. No, Ford wasn't the saviour by any means, but remember those double digit losses a month or so ago when everyone was saying "man we miss TJ's ability to break down the D???" - I think that is what would have resulted last night.

Sam Mitchell just needs to find a way to bring the best out in both of them, something he did earlier in the year. Coincidentally, I think both played the best as a tandem when Bosh was around...so as ustation mentions, without CB4 we have guys like TJ, Moon and Parker trying to beat guys like Kobe, Odom and Gasol...and perhaps that's the bottom line here.

Speaking of Delfino, interesting quotes from the foreign media from him and Jose about their future with the Raps. Both basically said the exact same thing ("I'm very happy in Toronto, the GM's have the final say.")

Went to bed at half time, pleased with effort I saw. We could of stole this one but Lakers are better.
Won't comment on TJ's play because did not see the finish.

Jack and a bottle of Johnny Walker - classic.

Three funny things from yeterday’s game and around the league:

1. When Primo Brezec made that "And 1" dunk and hit the floor fist pumping, someone from the Raptors Bench yelled out "That’s Gangsta"! LOL
I love that the most "street" player we have on our team is a 7 foot, goofy, big bird look-a-like named Primo.

2. The fact that 63 games into the season, The Score still can’t manage their scoreboard graphic so that the score is actually on the screen and updated in a timely fashion. Seriously whoever is responsible for the Raptors in game graphics at the score needs to get canned. This is embarrassing now. OK I guess it’s not that funny…

3. Did anyone see the highlights of the Pheonix game last night? When Shaq was about to chase a ball into the Pheonix bench, the players, coaches, team officials and fans as far as 6 rows deep all bolted out of the way as if a Tsunami was coming. High comedy, even Shaq had to laugh at it after.

Funny how folks piled on Mike James a few years ago for shooting too much and here we have his clone yet it's Ok because Bosh is not here? Go figure. Mitchell not only makes no effort to reel him in but truth is he favours a point guard scoring 20+ per game. TJ's only problem is his poor decision making but he is not going to suffer any consequences from Mitchell. Jose would be a fool to resign with Toronto.

Of all the games this year, I found this one to be the most entertaining. It was back and forth all game... However Franchise, I am surprised you didn't comment on this stat. Raps had 40 rebounds compared to the Lakers 36. Considering how small the Raptors were im compasison to the Lakers, its very impressive. Hopefully they use their bigs to their advantage tonight against the Warriors. They will have an easy mismatch inside all game. Chris Webber ( you remember him right? Hes the one that was supposed to bring a toughness to the Warriors interior) will be no match tonight. He may see 13 min at most. Raps have the right balance to take this one away. I just hope Sam doesn't do something stupid again like leave the bench out of the game until the 5 min mark of the 4th quarter.

I don't understant why our Ganster usually only plays in the 1st quarter. I think He is playing ok to warrant more. Maybe just too clogged up for minutes

RT...I could't agree with you more regarding JC.....Did anybody see Jose's "I just got kicked in the nuts look" sitting on the bench.Jose will always say the right thing...however his next contract wont be about the Benjamins...

I did see the suns highlights and that shaq moment was halarious.

Didnt know about the Primo part....which was probably just as halarious. I'd sign this guy to a 1 million dollar contract just because he provides entertainment and attempts to do the dirty work. Derrick Martin was getting more than that to jack up stupid shots....

I wasn't expecting us to win...I said in an ideal situation TJ and Bargs would have good nights and they did. Love how andrea is putting the ball on the floor much more. Even though he is a great shooter better things happen when he goes to the basket as evident by his 6 asssists. TJ played good just needs to control himself a bit more...

All and all going up against the best team in the league, without your franchise player, on the road i'd consider this a great game. Hopefully we can stay competitive with the Warriors and Nuggets. I think we have a shot against the kings who we'd probbaly be competing against for the 4th or 5th seed if they had been in the East.

Have any of you heard the claims that Bryan Colangelo has been working hard trying to get Luol Deng into a Raptors jersey this summer? Sounds like the right move to me. Sign and trade Deng and Duhon for Rasho's expiring contract and TJ Ford (not that I have anything against TJ but you have to give up something to get something) or Rasho and a combination of Kapono, Parker, Delfino, Moon, Humphries, Graham. Throw in a draft pick or cash and it seems like it could work. What do you guys think? I'm keeping my eyes open for this one in July (since it can't happen before 07/01/08)

Well Blaxx, I read all the posts and wasn't inspired to say a single word. Then I read your little blurb, and dude, if any of that is fact, I may be the happiest fan in Raptorland. If the Bulls would take Rasho, TJ and/or Kapono (or Delf, or Graham, or Hump, or Moon) for Deng alone (with Duhon would be a dream), I say sign us up. Although, I would hope we could keep Parker. I have touted his skill-set for so long, and love his game when he gets aggressive. Can you imagine a Bargs, Deng, Bosh frontcourt? LORDY, LORDY!!! I hope that if such a large change ever did happen though, it would be accompanied by Sam's swan song as coach. While I'm sure others will resent such meaningless postulating, I think its way more interesting then talking about TJ being TJ (I'm sure he and Manny Ramirez would get along). As a concluding point, I have been begging for a Raptor to go out there with a Kobe-esque attitude (and actually back it up with some results). That attempted dunk on Kobe (of all people!) by TJ is the closest thing I have seen to this since VC, so "props" for that TJ.

BLAXX,
Where did you hear that!?! Deng would be the missing piece. A young core of Deng, Bosh, Bargs and a re-signed Calderone would be championship caliber in a few years. However, seems farfetched... Do you have any links?

Couple points:

Kirk is going to be making 10 million a year for a while.

TJ is going to be making 8 million for a while.

Would you really be willing to pay 18 million for a combination of TJ and Kirk. When neither are allstars and one has a history of injuries and one has completely struggled this season?

Secondly why would the bulls trade for a bunch of role players. They're already filled with too many role players. Deng is a potential allstar who is only 23 years old. They're not going to give up on him and nor should they. Especially when they aren't getting a star in return....

If the bulls were going to give us deng we'd probably have to take back the terrible contract of Larry Hughes or Kirk which I don't think anyone wants to do.

Also I was previously a big Chris Duhon fan. But the guy is a pretty big moron. First he misses practice after pracitice last year because he oversleeps.

Now we find out he went to the Duke NOrth Carolina game and missed practice because once again he overslept. You'd think a guy who did that would feel bad and apologize. Nope....Duhon's response: I hardley play anyways so what does it matter.

Not the type of guy you want, although I think Sam would be able to keep him in check.

However Duhon has stated that he knows he is not in the Bulls long term plans, if we can move TJ perhaps we can get duhon for about 4 million a year to backup Calderon.

However its hard to move TJ until he proves he's back to his old self. And when he proves he's back to his old self you really don't want to move him.

Don't overestimate what a GM will take for a player, did you forget what Pau Gasol got moved for? Deng doesn't necessarily want to be in Chicago (You get the impression that the Bulls are having a real tough time in that locker room). It's clear to Duhon that he's not going to get a big payday anytime soon which is why he just wants to play so much. And would you jump out of bed to rush to practice for coach Skiles (I know he's since been fired) when you know you're not getting PT? I can't see Chicago keeping their team together the way it is and you have to remember that Rasho, Parker, Garbajosa would provide them with pretty hefty expiring contracts ($16M worth approx). It would help them rebuild their team without falling completely out of contention. I don't see them holding on to Hinrich anyway so I think TJ Ford would fit nicely especially next to Ben Gordon (if he doesn't bail as well).

WTF - Agree with your breakdown of the Bulls situation...unless they plan to move Captain Kirk somewhere, not sure why TJ makes sense. I could see them taking on Rasho if they wanted to rebuild, clear room for upcoming salary, and get some veteran leadership. But if they move anyone this offseason (or let them walk) I'd say it's Gordon, who wants to start. A starting 5 of Kirk, Hughes, Deng, Gooden and Noah is a decent start in the East.

Duhon is definitely not going back, but to say that he's a moron is a bit over the top. Yeah, he probably shouldn't have said what he did...but considering the Bulls are essentially the Knicks part II right now in terms of having no sense of direction, I'd want out as well.

I watched Duhon through his whole career at Duke and into the league (when everyone said he wouldn't even get drafted.) He's a hard worker, solid role player and teammate, and really just chose the wrong manner to express his frustrations.

Unfortunately I strongly agree with Rt and d279. At this point, Calderon would be a fool to resign with Toronto. TJ is essentially a lose cannon with a lot of potential who is allowed a huge amout of leeway by Sam Mitchell. Sam is being totally inconsistent.

Yes, TJ's attitude is similar to Kobe's. Who would YOU rather have taking 23 shots? Mentioning them in the same breath is silly.

Its been easy to keep track: The Rap's record when TJ scores more than 20? 1 and 5. He's simply a very selfish player at this point.

TJ chucker is back... aka the madd DASHER. TJ’s offensive prowess has been elevated by his demotion to the bench. As his game is coming back, he feels he is now the #1 option off the bench. What about AP last night TJ? If he had shared the rock a bit more (esp w/AP), we would have had a fighting chance to win the game. Primoz Brezec is a character, dude cracks me up. I heard him say consecutive times after his and 1 bucket… "thats gangsta" with the lost headband and all. Hopefully Sam will let Jose play the 2nd half of the 4th quarter today. Definitely do not want to see a Baron vs. TJ shootout (it could get ugly). I know we want to face Orlando in the playoffs, but Smitch’s coaching decisions are downright baffling at times… I mean throw in the towel, but not so damn early!

I think the stat of Raptors record being 1-5 when TJ scores more than 20 is a bit misleading. First, I wonder how many of those games are without Bosh... I suspect at least a few. 2nd if TJ is scoring a lot, it sometimes (not always) is a result of other guys struggling. And if most of your team is struggling then you probably will lose.

Not saying it's a useless stat, generally when a PG is a team's primary scorer that team isn't going to be great, but I think there are some other factors to consider, especially whether bosh was playing...

I was just hoping Raptors wouldn't get blown out last night, so all the Laker fans I know wouldn't rag on me. So I'm pretty satisfied with the game considering Bosh wasn't playing. I'm especially glad Bargnani played well, I've been taking a lot of crap since his clunker at staples last year ("That was your #1 pick!").

How will Deng help our rebounding?

Rebounding isn't our only problem, it's not even our biggest problem.

What I don't understand with you Raptors haters oh sorry I mean fans. You guys are the worst set of fans I have seen and I have lived in 3 different basketball cities including New York and Miami. NObody gets on a player that scores, Look at Baron Davis, Steve Nash at times, Jason Terry, these players will go out and just shoot everytime they get the ball and you don't hear their fans crying that they should pass more. They are shooting point guards. TJ is no different..I understand that most of you fans are still in the young franchise mode and does not really understand basketball. TJ shoud be commended for his play last night. I totally agree with Franchise take on TJ, why pass the ball if the players around you are not scoring( except for Parker) and Parker did get his fair share of shots. If TJ was missing his shots then I could understand some of these ridiculous TJ hating comments, but he was making them. If Kobe takes 40 shots in a game and score 40 points no one even looks at his shot totals, but if TJ takes 10 shots in 10 min and makes 7 of them its a problem for you so call Raptors fans. Give TJ a break he is the second best ( I believe he is the best) player on the Raptors and he should shoot alot and score a lot. Jose is back to normal, he can't do anything without Bosh because everyone keys on Bosh when he is out there, When he is not they can concentrate on other players JOse for instance and it shows that is game is weak. Jose still has a long way to go to be an allstar. TJ will be an allstar next year.....So come on Raptors fans lets cheer the team and give TJ a break..It will be playoffs soon and these comments will only make things worst for the boys.....raps4life.

Here, Here Raps4life! You would think with some of the TJ hating on this site that he was playing with LeBron and Marion on the wings and KG down low. Did we all collectively forget that Bosh is injured? Did we all collectively forget that besides TJ and Bosh this is a team of NBA cast-offs and never-have beens! There are no other blue-chip players on this team. So what, should TJ dump it in the post to Chris freaken Humphries or the Slovenian Gangsta 15 to 20 times a night!?! Run slashing plays for Jamario "I’m afraid of the paint" Moon? Or force the issue with Kappono when everyone knows he’s one dimensional and they just sit in his lap. When your point guard happens to be your best offensive player on the team AND he has tried to make plays for his teamates and THEY continue to miss shots then let him make plays for himself.

WOW...TJ has one good shooting night (and nothing else) and he just assumes best/second best player on the team honours. Even without Bosh, Jose has played admirably against other team's STARTERS, while TJ has struggled mostly against BACKUPS. Talk about having no clue about basketball.

...and personally, I liked TJ's aggression last night. He showed that competitive edge that we love about him, BUT if you watch the game again, you will clearly see TJ rarely looking to find other shooters. Kapono went 2 for 5, but was getting into his own shooting groove, he just didn't see the ball enough.

If TJ could just find that perfect balance...

1)LAs Only Raptors Fan makes a very valid point.

I'd agree that TJ's not playing his most well-rounded ball at a moment.

However, if you are going to look at the effect of his scoring you have to include last year as well, and you have to look at mitigating circumstances like an injury to Bosh.

Isn't one of the reasons that Bosh takes so many shots that he has a mismatch so he attacks it?

With Bosh out, Ford and Bargnani are the only other Raptors that have games when they are a significant mismatch for their opponent.

2)"he's not the problem. Not having a full supporting cast is the problem. Imagine if Jamario was Pau, and Parker was Kobe... TJ wouldn't be a question."

Ustation and Franchise in the post game make great points.

IMHO, since the Raptors don't have a strong supporting cast, we have to lean on guys to either do more then they are comfortable with or blur the definition of what their role is on the court.

I think example 1A is TJ Ford.
He's a point guard, and he's supposed to make plays to get other people involved.

With Bosh out things get murkier, since Ford is one of the few who's capable of stepping up his offensive game, due to his abilty to create his own shot off the dribble.

So while creating for others, he's also expected to shoulder a significant portion of the scoring load as well.

The way he balances these duel responsibilities is in question at the moment, and hopefully he can regain the right balance.

On a stronger team, I don't think the pressure is there for the PG to make those distinctions each time down the floor. Your free to be more opportunistic when seeking your own offense since you've got multiple reliable offensive options.

Hopefully, an emergence of A-Park's games allows Ford to pull the reins back and not try to do too much.

I didn't think to refresh the screen else I could've avoid rehashing the points of the previous 4 posters.

My bad.

Couple points sports fans are pretty much the same anywhere you go.

I've lived in a few different places as well and you will always have ppl who don't like a certain player, people who will think everything is great and people who think everything is wrong and needs to be changed.

I agree that if I were Jose Calderon and I could get the mid level exception from a team like the Lakers I would go there. However Jose has stated that he is happy in Toronto even though playing for the lakers would be great, and Colo has said he will keep Jose.

And if you recall a lot of people previously did bash kobe for taking a ridiculous amount of shots, so it does happen.

Wow - TJ and Kobe in the same sentence, again.
I think the record states for itself, when TJ decides to make himself the first, second, and third scoring options we lose.
Lets be honest, since he has been back he has not played up to his abilities. His play has been extremely selfish. Missed the second half last night but he was definately over handling the ball in the first half. I think he is capable of being a very good point guard(problem being is that(lately?) he thinks he is the greatest PG-ever). He needs to learn his role. Yes, he's one of the few Raptors capable of creating his own shot, but he has been shutting out his teammates consistantly since his return.
TJ - Kobe, same sentence. Thats the friggin problem - TJ thinks he's as talented as Kobe. The problem is all his and he is the one that will have to change.

Its great reading all these comments. Lets just channel our energies towards the Raps. We will finish 5 in the east and have to play Lebron or Superman. Pick you poison. I think the Raps will have a better shot at Orlando in a 7 game series, so lets start cheering for the Cav to move up, to third and Orlando drop to 4th. Checking the schedule though it seems the Magics have the softest schedule out of all the top 5 teams and more than likely will remain in 3 or even move to second. Either way it will not be a cake walk comes playoffs so the Raps have to pick up their game. Is it me or does the Raps seem to lack intensity. I think they are too nice, they need to have a little bit of Brezek's attitude when they are playing.....Take one Golden State tonight boys........Rap4life

Mas,

While I agree with you about the awful game coverage I
gotta disagree with you when it comes to TJ.

AP was lighting it up so why didn't he get a touch in the 4th quarter? I notice that you left him out of your "don't pass to" list. He was playing as well as anybody on the Raps squad and didn't get one sniff.

TJ is very talented (more than Jose) but you can't keep calling your number every single time down the court. While some of his shots were dropping TJ ain't the best finisher with the layups.

As soon as the other team starts to key on your one and only scoring threat game over. Other players can't contribute or develop if they never see the ball. In the long run if the Raps make the playoffs they're gonna need game hardened players with experience.

The Raps may very well go 0-5 on this west coast trip. It would be nice to see if the can win or lose as a TEAM and not just "TJ Ford and the Fordettes".

When TJ is on the floor there is NO FLOW. His baskets are empty, useless baskets. Mike James baskets. Kobe said it all. They'll let him score as long as he's not getting others involved.

If players are missing shots it should not be the mantra of the point guard to take over and start jacking. The MO should be to get your players easier looks. The reason they miss their shots is FLOW. Look at the difference in TEAM ball movement between TJ and Jose. When you dribble the ball for the first 15 seconds and then make a desperation pass to a teammate, he's less likely to make the shot than if all five guys have touched the ball.

I love the Raps. But Raptor fans recognize a big ego when they see it. They recognize selfish play when they see it. And it hurts to see another player with the "me against the world" attitude when it should be "us against the world" wearing Raptor purple.

Raps4Life,

I agree that these Raps do lack intensity. This is the only team that will allow a guy to drive the lane between 3 guys and make the basket untouched...as for the Magic/Cavs, I really hope the Cavs take over the third spot. With a healthy Bosh, we match up much better against the Magic and Howard.

SonicSuper,

I agree that on offense the Raps play a much better game and have a much better flow when everyone touches the ball. Even though I like TJ's aggressiveness (when focused), I noticed that when he only looks for his own shot, the other Raps stop moving and end up just standing still. He therefore doesn't pass because everyone is standing around, but everyone is standing around because he never passes...sigh!

I am a fan of both our point guards. That being said I tend to feel the need to shoot double vodkas less when Jose is on the floor. The Jose situation is not as dire as everyone seems to say. Jose is a RESTRICTED free agent next year, so it not about where he wants to play, but if BC wants to match the highest offer. In my mind you have to match any offer, and then decide to trade the PG you don't want to move forward with if the price tag is too high. As for TJ, yes his decision making leaves some thing to be desired (mine did to at his age), but he is much better this year than last. I expect that in a couple of years his experience will temper his ego, and he will be a near all star level PG. So in two years we will have two all star caliber point guards, and a decision will have to be made, but until then just enjoy the show and remember that it was not to long ago that MJ was our main man on point.

Hey Franchise,
Is Marcia allowed to be Raps4Life too?
:-)

LAs Only Raptors Fan - good points regarding the Rap's dismal record when TJ scores 20+ points (1 and 5). Of course you don't want your PG to be your main scorer. I did think about this in advance, however. I can't remember the exact number, but when Caldreon scores 20+ the Rap's are 2 and 3 or something like that. Certainly a significant improvement on TJ.

In any event, the statistics only support what we all can see.

He took 23 f-ing shots! AP goes 7 for 11. Baffling. Who should shoot 20+ shots in a game? Bosh maybe? Dwight Howard? Kobe? Wade? James? Is it time we add TJ Ford to the list? Apparently he thinks so.

And his role model is apparently Starbury! A proven winner who all NBA point guards should aspire to become!

1st quarter, raps playing a little jumpy and scared. I dont think this is worth staying up again. I love the warriors but this feels like a back to back blow out.

Hope they win somehow tho

im almost certain that TJ ford thinks hes God.

What's happening is disgusting. No GM will want to take TJ and not due to his injuries. TJ and Mitchell will go down together or the Raps will mean nothing in NBA.

Rap's record when TJ Ford scores 20+ points: 1 and 6

Rap's ball movement in the 4th quarter was close to zero. But at least TJ managed to toss up a forced 3-pointer. I'm not sure how many shots he took in the fourth, but it was pretty much all of them when it counted. And all this while Kapono (reigning 3-point champ), AP, and AB (who was heating up) were on the floor.

Colangelo: Mitchell can't or won't figure it out. Its time to look in the mirror. TJ Ford is poison to team basketball right now.

So, I stayed away for two games. This forum is the only place where I can vent my anger without waking up the neighbours.

TJ NEEDS TO GO. I don't need street-ballers on my team who think they're hot-sh*t and take every shot. He doesn't even deserve to be in the league.

Yesterday and today he scores a couple times, decides he's Jesus, and shoots every single goddamn time--from then on, the rest of the team stands around on offense, says f*ck you TJ, does nothing and they lose.

TJ sucks, and Mitchell should be fired for not seeing that this would happen again . . . ONE FREAKIN' NIGHT LATER.

AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

It's also so damn boring watching TJ dribble down the court and toss up a piece of crap. Forget about winning! How about a little variety for our sake?

Its pretty clear what the scouting report is on the Raps right now: Let TJ Ford run amok. Poison!

another winnable game TJ'd away

Aaron was right on the money with this tidbit.

"""Yesterday and today he scores a couple times, decides he's Jesus, and shoots every single goddamn time--from then on, the rest of the team stands around on offense, says f*ck you TJ, does nothing and they lose. """

I can hear the naysayers already.
"TJ had to shoot, everyone else was just standing around."

Bulls%$#!

They ran off screens and popped out to give him options but he just waived them off continually to give him some space.

Does TJ have pictures of Mitchell and Marv Albert in a provocative pose by chance?
I think so.

What an entertaining game. Can't think of a team I'd rather be a fan of right now over the Warriors. They're loads of fun.

Not gonna pile on TJames/Me.J today. He played well. He's a real stat stuffer. 23 points, 8 assists, 11 shot-clock dribble-downs and hoists, 4 bad passes, 3 missed layups, 5 fumbled cross-over dribbles, uncountable non-passes to a red hot-AP and a heating up Bargnani and a great game of street ball with Baron Davis for the last 4 minutes of the 4th.

He earned those extra minutes. Keep encouraging him, Sam. Bye bye Jose.

Sonicsuper - great stuff. I've been paying careful attention to those missed layups.

Yesterday, I read some comments about fans not understanding basketball and being new to the game and about TJ being compared to some of the greatest scoring PGs I've ever seen and it got me thinking. I remember watching TJ play at Texas and I remember wanting him to get drafted as a Raptor.

When he was at Texas, we was being called the best point guard in the country. I remember 2 major knocks on his game - lack of size and NO jump shot. He was an assist man, a 'pure point'. He was never a shooter. Sure, he was a scorer in his second year, but made his name on being a PG. So, it's shocking to me that we're even having these discussions about him.

I guess that's why I hate seeing him play this style of selfish ball. What happened to the assists and the distribution? He looked great in the first half last night, so maybe things are improving. Hopefully he'll return to team play so we can get our 2 PGs back.

The Raptors, are never going to win games if they don't play basketball, both games we would have lost by so much if TJ didn't carry the team, props for TJ, keep up the good work.

TJ unselfish play in the first half got the raptors back into the game. He was penetrating and dishing. It was good to see.

The Raps need a few players like Golden State has. Guys who aren't afraid to make hard cuts, take their man off the dribble AND take it to the rim with attitude.

I love Golden State's lack of fear although sometimes they settle for too many jump shots a la the Raptors. Wasn't Pietrus on the Raps radar last year? His drive to the hoop for a dunk is exactly what the Raps need. Carlos drove to the hoop and dunked. Exactly what we needed but too little and too far between.

In the second half TJ decided to go one on one with Baron Davis (who should have been an allstar). AND the team LOST. I hated the last three minutes of this game with TJ trying to outduel Baron and going 1 vs 5.

Being a stat stuffer is great if you've picked TJ in a FANTASY LEAGUE but as Kobe said the other night, "He can get all he wants as long as he doesn't get the rest of the team going". I'm not a fan of Kobe's but I'm thinking he knows a little bit about basketball.

TJ doesn't carry the team. He hogs the ball. There's a difference. He doesn't get his team going. Calling your own number 2/3 times in a row so the defense starts to get sucked in and dishing back out is what the Raps need from penetrating PGs. Calling your own number 7/8 times in a row and not passing is ball hogging.

It's too bad because TJ is very talented and fast. If he ever learns how to balance play making versus taking his own shots and sharing the ball he'll be a really dangerous player some day.

If I was in the raps locker room I would be starting to talk. If AB or Joey stinks it up he gets the hook. When TJ stinks it up...

PS The last time I looked when TJ hogs the ball the team LOSES. And come someone please teach him how to finish a layup?

Marcia posts (I mean Sasha)

The Raptors, are never going to win games if they don't play basketball, both games we would have lost by so much if TJ didn't carry the team, props for TJ, keep up the good work.

If TJ played right last they had a good chance to win

Courtesy of Doug Smith this morning...

"And once again, T.J, Ford was front and centre in the Raptors' rally, trying – again – to single-handedly bring the Raptors back.

While he led the team with 22 points, Ford spent huge chunks of the fourth quarter going one-on-five. He took eight of Toronto's first 14 shots in the fourth quarter, some in the flow of play but many forced, as the other four Raptors were forced to stand around and watch.

Anthony Parker scored 20 points through the first three quarters but got only one shot in the final 12 minutes as Ford once again dominated the ball."

It's not about bashing TJ.....but come on !!! sometimes I think he is suffering from a F**** brain stinger !!!!The rest of the offence is standing around....its no wonder....I agree with the F U T.J. ,you are on your own hero...its not like Parker or Bargs could attempt a shot....

Doug Smith must be reading RaptorsHQ. That's exactly what most people have been saying on this blog the last few days.

I found it interesting that in the third quarter with both Jose and TJ on the floor the Raps were distributing the ball very well. Then Jose gets yanked for Delfino and TJ slowly begins his assent to Ball Hog. It's almost as if having Jose on the floor forced TJ to be a better playmaker...and it worked. AB made some shats, Parker made some shats and Rasho missed an easy layup after a beautiful display of passing, which I'm sure touched every Raptor player's hands before the missed shat...then all I remember is TJ taking shats.

Smitch's postgame comments:

"We have to spread the ball, we have to pass the ball and we have to throw the ball to who's open," Mitchell said.

"There are nights when Chris (Bosh) can just carry you, he can score over guys, but we have to put teams in tough situations and we have to beat teams by moving the basketball.

"We don't have that one guy without Chris who can just go out, and just hold the basketball, square a guy up and just beat him."

...I wonder if TJ is aware of this?