Tip-In: Toronto Raptors Post Game - Frantic

Agreed, may have been nice to get a better designed shot off at the end, but otherwise you can't complain about the last three quarters. Heartbreaker, but what a game.

If you look the the quarters played, Raptors have won 4 quarters and Orlando has won 4 quarters. From that perspective, it's a pretty even series so far. Again, it's just the inability of the Raptors to come out strong in the first quarter. Hopefully, the crow on Thursday will help Raptors stay focused in the first quarter.

I do strongly believe that JC will start game 3. TJ Ford will be coming off the bench. IF TJ gives attitude he will most certainly be traded in the summer.

I predict a win for Toronto in game 3.

There is almost nothing more to ask from your team. They made mistakes, they started slow however I have not seen this kind of physicality from our guys for a long time. We are actually plating better than last year play-offs which is a very encouraging signs.
The whole series rests on our PG's. Yesterday was a pefect example: like in a battle TJ started cold, then Calderon came in and sacrificed himself (3 fouls, aggresive on the offense, basically stopping the bleeding), then TJ came in and played under control for 6-7' building the confidence and then Jose was magnificent in the end.
The momentum of the series may be changing: Sam has lot of players to play with, Magic has none and their confidence must be shakenby the ferocity to which we come back after digging huge holes. If (big if) we start 1st Q better we will destroy the Magic: they showed us everything they have and have no idea what to expect from us. I'm sure they'll do alot more posting in game 3 however by doing that they'll renounce at their primary strength: 3 point shooting. Very interresting game sin Toronto and the house should shake and scare an inexperienced magic team.
I like what I see from our guys: leave it all on the floor and I can live with the outcome.
Mitchell is absolutely tormenting me because I don't know what to make of him: he's aggresive and unopologetic in his thinking which is a great mesasge for his players. He makes tons of tactical mistakes however the strategy seems the right one. We'll see what comes out of it.

I really feel the officiating was horrible last night. Not just at the end of the game but all throughout. A lot of non calls the whole night and things being misinterpreted by the refs. (Even ESPN is reporting that Howard blocked Bosh's shot with 25 seconds left on Toronto's 2nd last possession but if you watched the game you know that Bosh didn't even get a shot off because Howard hip checked him in midair)

Can't agree with my partner here - I'm absolutely done with TJ. Last night was the last straw for me.

Third quarter, Raptors with momentum, TJ doing an ok job running the show. However on two consecutive possessions Ford makes a horrendous decision defensively on screen and rolls and leaves Jameer Nelson, yes, the 41 percent from 3 shooting Nelson, wide open and he drains two straight. Not only was that a momentum killer, but Ford goes right back at him and shoots a terrible fadeaway with about 20 on the shot clock.

Next whistle, in goes Jose for Ford.

Anyways, it sounds like Mitchell is going to start small next game, and maybe put Kapono in for Rasho (moving Bargs to the 5) and Jose for TJ. I like this, but only if Calderon plays 38-40 minutes. Can't have Ford playing under a storm cloud in split time. Maybe you don't play him at all in fact, and just use Delfino in certain situations to run the show.

I thought the best thing about last night was that Toronto's vaunted bench finally showed up. The worry is that by putting some of these guys in the starting line-up, it will hurt the second unit production but considering how bad Toronto has started lately, not sure what choice Mitchell has...

TJ Ford should be gone in the offseason. If he is coming in to the game off the bench would not suprise me one bit to hear the fans boo him. Although at this point in the season I don't think they should do it, I can certainly understand why they would.

I know its cliche but it fits perfectly....the only thing consistant about the raptors is their inconsistancy. That applies to the entire team, coaching staff, individual players and lineups that are on the floor.

Andrea looks like Dirk and then Darko.

Jamario Moon looks like a D-league and then Josh Smith.

Jason Kopono looks like Kopono with the heat and the JJ Redick.

TJ Ford has never been the same since his injury.

Just look at AP's production from game 1 to game 2. A difference of more than 20 points.

Look at Bosh's percentage from the field in Game 1 vs Game 2.

From Sam Mitchell's perspective look how much he plays Jamario in game 1 and look how much he plays him in game 2.

After watching Andrea play center he does actually seem pretty tough. The only thing is his defensive iq is like an 8th grader and he gets turned around and ends up in a stupid position.

I am willing to give him all of next season before deciding on what to do with him....our GM will likely do the same as he will be eligable to sign an extention after next season.

Perhaps we could start a trade TJ petition....

I wish Anthony Parker was still a Raptor...We could have really used him last night. I'm not sure if he's dropped off, or if the team has forgotten about him. Either way, it's a shame.

Also, anyone know Jeff Gillooly's number? I'd be much more comfortable seeing Moon in street clothes for the next game.

This game reminded me of Game 6 in New Jersey last season. That was the game where you finally got the feeling that they had figured things out...even though they lost. Fortunately, unlike last year, we figured things out a little earlier this time and that bodes well for the rest of the series.

I think that you'll see a starting 5 of Bosh, Bargnani, Ford, Parker and Kapono in the next game. Sam is going to have a quick hook on TJ, and I expect Jose to get the bigs minutes down the stretch.

TJ was awful in the first and Third Quarters, but Howland is right, he was excellent in the Second (despite his awful shooting).

Bargnani is the guy who's the difference maker in my opinion. If he can stay out of foul trouble (unlikely), and can knock down shots like he did last night (more likely), Howard has to move away from the basket to guard him, which opens things up for Bosh and others.

Despite the loss, the last 3 quarters were the best that I've seen from this team in a long time. If they can keep that up, they'll win in 6.

I was kind of surprised by the overly generous words for TJ's play - yes, he did play ok for a short stretch but getting burned by Jameer Nelson, wow... Killer. Plus, I am just not sure how much sulking can we take anymore. Oh and him giving interviews like he would rather be having a root canal surgery than talk with the 'unwashed'... Classless man.

Exciting game. Love seeing Kapono go off, should have fed him more down the stretch. Moon missed too many damn jumpers when they would have dearly loved a drive or a pass to a better outside shooter.
Bosh played hard and deserved better from the refs.

As much as I understand and agree with the current TJ frustration, I'm not convinced Colangelo would deal Ford.

As boneheaded are some of TJ's mistakes, crappy game management skills, his get blown by every time defense,
he still shows enough at times that just makes me wish he was two or three years older....

Maybe either Mike Evans, D-Mart, John Lucas, Sam Mitchell, aren't getting through to TJ, TJ is too stubborn, or they themselves are useless. Which is it? Probably a combination.

yeah for me, again, it comes down to coming out of the gates properly.

sure it was great to see the raps finally wake up and start playing with an edge. delfino going up to block howard was probably my favorite moment of the season. not only that, but the next possesion delfino gets the ball on the perimeter, fakes howard off the line and drives it to the basket for a foul. the guy is fearless. especially for his size. we need a ton more of that.

I still say calderon or kapono could have taken either of the last shots on a set play. you know the lanes were going to be clogged up, with howard looking to punch anybody and everybody in the face coming towards him, so why not put in the hands of one of the 2 hotest shooters on the night??

it's getting old to say, but if the raps can come out and can be competitive right from the start of the game...

it does look like they're finally sick of losing though...I'll give them that much. we'll see what happens in game 3. and by game 3, I should say quarter 1.

What a clever play to win, one pass and a contested fadeaway from 19 ft. Talk a about a high percentage look.
*sarcasm*

The no call on bosh was consistent with how refs call those types of blocks, but I've never understood how they can even remotely be blocks. Even if it's all ball, their entire bodies were in contact.

Andrea showed some really great defence down the stretch, I think even howard was surprised at his strength.

A couple of comments:

1. Howland, I have got to disagree with you about TJ. He certainly played well in the 2nd quarter but he was awful in the 1st quarter and made some critical mistakes in the 3rd quarter when he was yanked. He was 1-8 shooting on the night and had 4 turnovers - at least 3 of which were in the 1st quarter when Orlando built up an 18 point lead.

2. While Bosh is capable of making the last shot, why would he not set up in the post and drive to the basket for either a shot or to initiate contact for a foul. The referees had missed a foul call on the previous Bosh drive and as Jack Armstrong and others would say, by being aggressive, initiating contact and driving to the basket, Bosh would either have scored or put pressure on the referees to call a foul.

3. Bosh played a good game BUT unless I am mistaken he did not go to the free throw line in the 4th quarter even once nor did he set himself up in the post - which is something that he generally does in most games. In a close playoff game you want to score easy points down the stretch at the free throw line. This was clearly one of the factors in the team's loss and was either a mistake in either the play calling by the coach or on the part of Bosh. No free throws is completely unacceptable. I can't believe that this point has received no attention by any of the print media.

4. On the very last shot by Bosh, I think you generally want the shot taken with about 2-3 seconds left so that you give yourself a chance for a tip or rebound in the event of a miss. In the event of a made basket it would have only left perhaps 1 second on the clock for a shot by Orlando.

On the very last shot by Bosh, I think you generally want the shot taken with about 2-3 seconds left so that you give yourself a chance for a tip or rebound in the event of a miss. In the event of a made basket it would have only left perhaps 1 second on the clock for a shot by Orlando.

With Bosh being the best rebounder on the team He should not of had the shot!

I have till now been a Sam Mitchell apologist. Till now. No More!! He has served his purpose. He was good at what he does best - get young players to develop, been player-friendly, be a coach/good friend/mentor and that is what the young Raps needed the last couple of years.

We are a playoff team now and will be for the near future. Now we need to move on and get the experience we need for this team to make a leap forward. I am not going to nit-pick one play or the other, but he is getting his head handed to him by SVG. If the vastly outgunned Hawks and Sixers can compete, why can't the Raps?

BTW, I think the tide has turned and I still feel the Raps can take the series.

Welcome to the enlightened side, Rubik, it took me a while too.

But Sam doesn't even get young players to develop...Maybe Alex English sucks at his job? In any event it falls on the Head Coach, all things considered. Adios amigo.

People mention Kg and Bosh...ok do you think KG gets up every morning and says a little prayer to Mitchell thanking him for making him a future hall of famer?

Sure a mentor is great but we need coach.

Good points Bball...the Magic were trying to give this game away, but the Raptors were determined to squander their opportunities.

I've never been a real mitchell fan, but who's available that's any better?

And don't say Iavaroni.

Just to clarify on TJ -

He was brutal in the first and third but without his play in the second Q I doubt the Raps make a game of it at all.

I am all about dealing this guy, as I wasn't in favour of the trade originally.

I found your praise for TJ, for which I am diametricly opposed, fascinating. For one, he had stretches of doing what he was capable of doing offensively, but even at those times he was miserable defensively. And to make matters worse, he's got this real "one-upmanship" mentality, that allows to think that the game is his to win or lose, evidenced by his coming down the court after every Nelson basket and trying to do WAY to much.

The team as a whole, I think, has played well in both games frankly. I think turnovers and defense rotations were the problem in both games, but anyone that knows basketball knows that both starts with your point guard (see TJ comments above). If you can't guard the man with the bal the entire system breaks down.

The loss was unfortunate, but I can appreciate Bosh's reasoning to taking the wide open jump shot. At the same time I would rather have seen him take it to the whole.

I'm as big a Calderon fan as anyone, like you well know, but I agree with Howland that TJ driving and kicking was key to the second quarter comeback. Not that it changes my overall assesment (Jose is the better player and should be the starter, TJames/MeJ should be gone this summer, etc...), but I will say that for once TJ's play yesterday was better than the statbox suggests, just the opposite of countless other games where he fills the stat sheet decently but actually makes the team worse.

By the way I just learned from an article in The Painted Area that Calderon assist-turnover ratio for April is 79:2, wow!

I didn't see the game, but it's encouraging that the Raps showed some signs of life.

Of note, many of us predicted that this is exactly what would transpire in terms of the point guard situation. I was speaking to a friend prior to the series, and I told him that TJ would start a few games until Mitchell finally had enough, at which point Calderon would start and play more minutes, to good effect. The Raps success in the series would in large part depend on how early Sam Mitchell came to this realization, and made the change. A very similar chain of events took place last playoff series against NJ. Although that case was complicated by a small TJ injury, it was essentially the same thing.

There is no need to document TJ's shortcomings here (the majority of which are related to attitude on some level). What is interesting to me is that the PG change was clearly predicted by me, and I imagine was absolutely NO SURPRISE to many regular Raptors fans. This is very telling. Hopefully it isn't too late for this series.

Sam's a nice guy, but a terrible coach. Is it me or do the Raptors have only 4 plays in their playbook?

Their pick & rolls are more like pick & pops! Where's the preparation? Do they run any plays for their 3 point shooters? Why do their possessions invariably end up with 1 guy going 1 on 1, then someone shooting a fadeaway?

On defense - they can't guard the pick & roll, their rotations are slow.. what have they been practicing!?! At least play zone or something.

For the Raptors to have any chance of winning this series with Orlando, Sam Mitchell HAS to shorten his rotation. It's gotta be:

Chris Bosh
Andrea Bargnani
Jason Kapono
Anthony Parker
Jose Calderon

and Carlos Delfino, Jamario Moon, and Rasho Nesterovic coming off the bench.

TJ was driving me mental last night. Not just his shot selection, but his effort like many of you had said on D. Just not acceptable. Can't wait for Game 3 though, its as if the team needs to be pounded a few times before they get mad. Surprise you didnt mention this Howland but to me the turning point was when Bosh got shoved by Hedo. After that, everyone played with a lot more fire.

Lets just hope the ACC brings that out in them on Thursday night.

There was nothing wrong with the last call of the game. Bosh had an open look from his money spot. Criticize the first quarter, but that last shot was a clear look for Bosh.

"I've never been a real mitchell fan, but who's available that's any better? "

Three words: Jeff. Van. Gundy.

The Raptors lost this game on a bad no call by the refs. I can't believe that Bosh did not get that call off the foul by DH with what 12 seconds to go. Bob Delaney is a great NBA official but his crew gave the game to Orlando. They tried to make up for it with the call on the foul on Jose but we miss two shots and would be ahead by 1. I love the intensity of the series its now playoff basketball. The last time Orlando was in Toronto we killed them. I expect the same on Thursday. They held serve now its time for the Raps to hold their serve and I totally believe they will....Series will be tied going back to Orlando..no need to panic.....Raps4Life

HQ - JVG would probably would be my first choice, but still van gundy kinda sucks. Got nowhere with yao and tmac, more talent than the raptors have right there, plus some good defenders and he's a defensive minded coach and still bad record and first round playoff exits.

Give mitchell some more talent (or at least the talent he had last year) and decide then.

My thoughts on the last play of last nights loss:

(Raptors coming out of the timeout, down by 1)

Just don't let Bosh shoot the last shot...
just don't let Bosh shoot..
just don't let Bosh shoot...

let it be either Calderon or Kapono.

(Calderon gets the ball)

just don't give it to Bosh.

he'll force a bad shot and miss, just like he did the last possession.

just don't pass it to Bosh.

(Bosh gets the ball and jacks almost three pointer)

Noooooooooo!!!!

(Bosh misses the game winner, again)

f*&@ the f*&@ing f*&@ers!! I knew it!!!

I jump off my couch, swear at my 42 inch LCD and then slowly relax and calm down and get ready to watch Suns vs. Spurs

As soon as I tune into that game, I start thinking to myself again:

f*&@ Ginobly!!

:D

TJ IS NOT THE REASON THE RAPS LOST BOTH GAMES...THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE BASHING A PLAYER, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PLAYER IS THE ONE THAT BROUGHT THE TEAM BACK...RAPS WAS UP 1 WHEN BOSH PULLED THE BIGGEST BONE HEAD MOVE AND THROW THE BALL AWAY...NO ONE HAS COMMENTED ON THAT...BUT TJ THIS, TJ THAT...EVERYONE ON THE RAPTORS AT ONE POINT HAD A DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN ..SO DON'T BLAME TJ FOR EVERYTHING...HE IS THE BEST POINT GUARD ON THE TEAM...WHAT ABOUT THE 7 FOOT AIRBALL BY JOSE...I GUESS YOU GUYS DID NOT SEE THAT...LETS JUST CHEER ON THE RAPS ENOUGH ALREADY....RAPS4LIFE

Something to feel good about...

I have to say, Bosh answered a lot of questions for me last night. Bosh is a franchise player. Here are his numbers: 29pts, 10rbs, 6assists, 2stls, 1blk, 10 of 11 from the free throw line. Those are KG type numbers, Tim Duncan numbers, Shaq in his prime numbers. This all while locked in hand-to-hand combat with the force of nature that is Dwight Howard, many times with little to no help. Does Tim Duncan have to guard the opponents best post player all game long? Did Shaq when the Lakers made their title runs? That’s why guys like Kurt Thomas, Oberto and even Ervin Johnson back when KG was in Minesota have NBA jobs. Add that all to the fact that he must have hit the floor about 50 times, either chasing loose balls, being fouled, drawing big charges or just plain being thrown around by Howard. That exemplifies the true spirit of a winner.

Some have blamed Bosh for missing that last shot, but come on, there is no way this team is even close in this game without Bosh. He really led the Raps last night, production wise as well as spiritually. Bosh, skinny, underweight, Bosh is not only our best player but our toughest, mentally strongest player. Mr. Colangelo, throw Bosh a life line, get this poor guy some help this summer. LEGITMATE HELP. Please.

Dude, nice that TJ turned it around, but he's stunk it up the last two first quarters and cost us two games. I've been a Forderon supporter, but TJ has made me regret it lately.

HEY MAC..I totally with you son..BOSH is the best player that ever suit up in a Raptor uniform past and present, the guy is all heart. The only reason I think he missed last night was because he was tired, and I can live with a miss like that. But everyone is saying DH howard with his 20/20 bosh had an overall better game than DH. The Raps should go after Jermaine Oneal in the offseason to help Bosh down low.....Raptors will win the next 4 games against the magic, mark my word....Raps4Life

raps4life...bosh didn't throw the ball away - he was going out of bounds and didn't want to throw it back into his half where potentially a magic player could have caught it for an easy basket.

but honestly, when bosh was lighting it up during his ridiculous second quarter run, I turned to my roomate and said 'I wonder if he can do this come the 4th, specifically the last couple of minutes...the last couple of plays'.

it'll be interesting to see if this was THAT game for bosh. (and his teammates.) 'THAT' being the next level, and them figuring how to play at it.

Raps4Life, are you really Marcia, masquerading as someone else?!! Those caps gave you away, and TJ defence too...

Papa,

Good point about THAT game. I really felt as though this was a "watershed" game. That is, I think they have figured out some things now and built a bit of momentum. I am a bit more optomistic today, and feel if the Raps can hold serve on home court we could really have a good series on our hands. I know... if, if, if...

gerry...lol..you 2 funny..no I am not Marcia but I haven't seen anything from her lately...Everyone hates the way TJ plays but I really think he is still learning the game and will be an excellent PJ in the league..Remember BC is no fool and he traded for him ang give him 8 mil a year that has to say something...TJ will be an Allstar in this league he is still young..I just hope it will be with the Raps.....Raps4Life

I wrote a couple of days ago that the Raptors needed to play small ball, although I was thinking of playing Ford and Calderon at the same time. That hasn't happened, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. I think Dwight Howard is going to get his no matter what - the key is keep guys like Turkoglu and Lewis from lighting it up, and I think they did a pretty good job of that on Tuesday.

I still think they're probably going to have to move Ford in the offseason, but give him credit for getting them back in the game in the second quarter. Calderon's magnificent fourth quarter, though, leaves no doubt as to who the number one point guard is on this team.

Nice to see Bargnani contribute something, although he's still far too passive on the boards.

I was screaming in the 4th for Calderon, Delfino, Bosh and Calderon to pass to white-hot Kapono and Bargnani. After hitting one shot after another to begin the 4th, they were both ignored for like 6 straight possessions. I don't understand it! Delfino, bro, we know you can shoot the 3, but you are not Jason Kapono. If he’s also open PLEASE make the extra pass Kapono.

Also I love bosh. He plays his heart out. But he's like KG and Duncan. Few big men can create their own shot for end of game situations (that's why those guys need manu and pierce). If Orlando ahd that shot, it would be hedu taking it not Howard. I would have loved to see some penetration and ball movement instead of bosh one on one at the end. Even bringing in TJ would have been palatable. It's REALLY HARD for a PF to create his own shot with clock winding down. That's not putting bosh in a position he can succeed.

Anyway, I don’t even care about winning this series. Let’s win game 3, and we’ll go from there.

Bargs won another year of patience form me with his play in the second half. it was subtle but I noticed. This kid WILL be good.

MAS, Bosh has a great game BUT he didn't go to the free throw line down the stretch of the game and only had 2 free throws in the entire 4th quarter. Thats not something you would see from KG.

L.A.,the thought of TJ generating a shot for someone else with the clock running down, would never happen.I like the forderon combo,but I feel more relaxed when Jose is on the floor period nothing personal.

anyone else think that avery johnson would be great on the raptors sidelines?

Avery can stay right where he is...what has he done in the last two years...too much of a screamer players have tuned him out