Tip-In, Toronto Raptors Post-Game: Pride

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT

Raptors Fans or Toronto FC fans? Last night's game had all the feel of a Euro soccer match...

Lacing Them Up –

I don't think I have ever been so proud to be a Toronto Raptors fan.

Last night is something I will never forget.

The chants of "Howard.....Howard...." the "Jose, Jose, Jose Jose!" and perhaps even more surprising the fans calling "TJ", still gives me chills this morning. Last night, frankly was unbelievable.

I know Franchise will get into the ins and outs of the game but last night one of the biggest keys to the game was the fans. Sitting right behind the Orlando bench the effect we had on their guys was obvious. The players were getting very frustrated and they started to fray at the seams. Howard was visibly shaken by the crowd while Hedo and Nelson were exuding frustration. In fact, after mentioning to Nelson that with four fouls he’d perhaps be "riding the pine for the next 12," Nelson lashed back telling me "where to go." Great stuff.

Even when the Orlando team went on their inevitable run early in the third quarter, the fans picked the Raps up and kept the pedal to the metal. Anthony Parker compared it to a European soccer match (shy the flares etc.)

The Raps fans did their job.

And the guys on the court did theirs.

On a night when the Magic threw two and sometimes three guys at CB4, the rest of the Raptors team made them pay. TJ Ford and Calderon played their best game as a pairing since...well I can't remember when. Kapono continued to be lights out (he is hitting over 60% for the series) and full props goes out to the guy who everyone thought was done for the series...Jamario Moon.

It was an emotional game. It takes a whole lot to get Andrea Bargnani fired up but tonight was that night. It was what all of us fans have been waiting for. It was team intensity. It was, playoff basketball.

Sure the whistles were questionable and yes it was choppy at times. Nevertheless the Sea of Red continued to spur the home team on. It was exactly what this team needed to get back into this series. It is a true shot in the arm.

I felt very fortunate to get to be at last night's game. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons I can't make Game 4. For those of you who do attend I urge you to keep up the standard that was set in last night's game. With that sort of backing the Raps shouldn't lose at home all playoffs long.

HOWLAND

I completely agree with Howland, the fans just brought another level to last night’s game.

I wasn’t behind the bench, but even in the upper deck (props to MJ for the ticket hook-ups) the place was WILD.

And Toronto responded.

In fact, the entire game just left me thinking "finally."

Because isn’t this the team we’ve expected all year? I haven’t seen Toronto play like this in months, and it came at a perfect time. As we discussed yesterday, a loss would have psychologically ended the season but now, the Magic looks like they’re the ones who need to make some quick adjustments.

So let’s take a quick look at some of the key points from last night’s win.

A Numbers Game – Everything

When you look at the stats from last evening, you notice one thing – dominance. Toronto outrebounded the Magic, had fewer turnovers, had more steals and blocks, shot a better percentage from the field, beyond the arc and the free throw line, had twice as many assists, and were an Andrea Bargnani free-throw away from having seven players in double figures scoring-wise. Toronto simply out-played the Magic in almost every possible manner.

The Turning Point –

The turning point in this one to me was early in the first quarter, almost right after the tip-off. Jamario Moon, a surprise starter, grabs an offensive board and puts it back for the easy two. His play early in the game set the tone and suddenly we were seeing Orlando committing offensive fouls, missing open shots and looking somewhat disorganized offensively. Even when Toronto got down 6-2, the team was aggressive and looking to attack, and that was something that carried through the entire game.

Temperature Check –

Blazing – The Fans. Howland discussed this at length already but the crowd at the ACC really brought their A game. The Howwwwwward, and "Howard sucks" chants were especially effective in riling everyone up. And you gotta love Raptors’ fans; only at the ACC can you walk down a staircase with a sea of fans yelling "Let’s Go Raptors – VC SUCKS!" I laughed for about 20 minutes after that…

Hot – The Raptors. Last night this team showed just what they are capable of when they are nearly firing on all cylinders. (More on this in a second.) The ball rotation was there, the defence, while still sloppy at times, was greatly improved, and the team was aggressive in finding the open man and looking for shots. I would have liked to have seen the team get to the line more than 14 times, but some of that was simply because Chris Bosh was triple teamed and didn’t have much room to maneuver.

In particular though, you have to give a rousing hand to Toronto’s point guards. TJ Ford finally looked like the player Bryan Colangelo thought he had traded for and absolutely destroyed Orlando at the end of the first half. And then Jose Calderon was equally magnificent, doing his best Steve Nash impersonation on the way to 18 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds. Besides doing a great job of running the show, Jose’s four 3-pointers were huge, many of them coming at key moments when the Magic were making a run.

Hot – Sam Mitchell. You have to give credit to Mitchell for the job he did last night. I’m not just talking about the changes in the starting line-up, that could have easily back-fired, but the way he moved guys in and out of the game. He didn’t leave a single player in until they started to become ineffective and his small-ball game-plan had the Magic trying to counter with JJ Redick. I love JJ, but it was pretty sweet to see him miss a 3, and then have Jason Kapono come back down and hit one in Redick’s face as if to say "that’s how you do it in the NBA kid…"

Who knows what line-up Mitchell uses to start game four (although I suspect it will be the same one) but in any event, Sam showed me something last night. Sometimes all the armchair coaches in the league don’t really know what’s best for a team, and sometimes you just have to go with what made you successful all year. The starting line-up he trotted out? Oh that happened to be the same one Toronto employed for most of the season…

Lukewarm – Chris Bosh. Bosh played hard but just looked a bit tired to me last night. I said in the pre-game discussion that he couldn’t do it himself and last night he didn’t have to for a change. In fact, CB4 was nearly invisible until the fourth quarter and he only finished with 15 points and five rebounds in 37 minutes. However a lot of his lack of scoring was simply due to the fact that Orlando was throwing two or three guys at him every time he caught the ball. His five assists back this up and he did a nice job moving the ball. Next game, we may see the Magic revert to single coverage in an attempt to stop the Raptors’ long-range arsenal.

However I’ve got CB4 in the lukewarm category really for one reason – his 3 point shooting. Three 3’s last night? And not one with the shot-clock about to sound? If he can’t get looks down low, fine, but just move the ball, there’s no way I want to see him start thinking he’s Andrea.

Cold – The Orlando Magic. Last night in many ways was like the inverse of Game 1; this time, it was Orlando had nary an answer for Toronto’s offensive onslaught. I imagine we’ll see some adjustments next game but Stan VanGundy’s team just didn’t play smart basketball last night. Rarely did the Magic take advantage of the Raptors’ small line-up and go inside to Howard, and someone needs to remind Rashard Lewis that they’re not paying him $80 million to stand on the perimeter and shoot 3’s. I can live with Dwight catching the ball 15 feet away from the basket all day. He’s hardly Tim Duncan at this point and his ball-handling is still pretty suspect in those situations. Ford and Moon stole the ball from him on a number of occasions as he was trying to back players down from so far out.

Post-game Van Gundy stated that it was all on him to make adjustments and I expect they will. Guys like Maurice Evans, Keyon Dooling and Jameer Nelson were non-factors and come Saturday, all three will be looking to redeem themselves.

What can you say about Jose and TJ last night?

Moving On –

Howland sent me this quote from CNNSI.com this morning:

* The Raptors owe some serious propers to the red-clad, flag-waving Air Canada Centre crowd, a lively and organized assembly which maintained a high-decibel level and gave their players the best home-court advantage they could possibly expect. The atmosphere resembled a European soccer match during stretches – somewhat appropriate given Toronto?s melting-pot makeup -- with the fans singing and chanting and standing the entire time while rooting their players to victory.

That description was bang-on and I can’t wait to see what the fans have in store for the Magic on Saturday. There was a tremendous aura of pride in the arena, both from the fans and the players themselves.

I’m hoping that game then becomes the turning point for this team as they realize not only how good they can be, but also that they can be successful without 50 points from Chris Bosh. Multi-faceted teams are always the most dangerous and I thought that everyone who played brought a different element to last night’s affair, even the lesser-mentioned players. Jamario Moon brought some terrific rebounding and defense, and Carlos Delfino looked to get to the basket and did a solid job on Hedo Turkoglu defensively.

And what more can you say about Jason Kapono. The guy is just lights out.

So on we go now to Game 4 in what is suddenly a real series. Can the Raptors bring the same level of passion and intensity? Did Game 3 help them rediscover their confidence? And will we see Sam Mitchell make a few more subtle changes to keep the Magic on their toes?

We’ll find out in a little over 24 hours and based on the atmosphere last night, I can’t wait.

FRANCHISE

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Comments

"The raptors honestly brought more intensity than the Magic and responded to an amazing home crowd. Those fans were easily the most enthusiastic I’ve seen in the playoffs this year"

Thought this was a great quote to read...
http://mvn.com/nba-magic/2008/04/24/poor-shooting-and-violet-palmer-dooms-orlando/#more-181

by Blanco on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Raps Win!!! You’re welcome.
Made the ultimate sacrifice last night when I analyzed the last 2 games and surmised that a change in momentum was now critical. I watched the whole of game 1 and they played horribly. Turned off the tv after the opening minutes of 2 game in disgust. Tuned in on the radio at end of first half to my amazement that Raps fought back to make it a game so I decide to watch second half. Bad move.
So yes, I decided with much angst to pull an old trick not used since way back in my school days and not tune in (tv or radio) for game 3 until I knew game was over.

Awesome win…old bag of tricks still works! Go Raps!!!

by OldSchool on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Hey guys...thought you would all like to see the quote I left on an orlando magic website... scroll to the bottom, I left a fairly long quote listed under "Ben"...

http://mvn.com/nba-magic/2008/04/24/poor-shooting-and-violet-palmer-dooms-orlando/#comment-6728

PS. its the same article about the fans.

by Blanco on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

How beautiful it is to see the our little jump-shooting team actually hit a decent percentage of their jump shots.

Have to say the officiating was once again horrible, at least mostly in the raps favour this time.

by axl on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

If game 3 was the inverse of Game 1, I'm very worried about game 4 being the inverse of game 2. Game 4 will be a lot closer, and if it comes down to the final shot, Orlando could very well have the ball bounce their way and steal one in Toronto and seal the fate of the series.

by SonicSuper on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

The last time the Raps played this good a game against a quality opponent was... drumroll... beating Orlando in February!

by MattK on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

OldSchool you are a true fan..but have faith in the boys and watch the game, its not as much fun when you know the score.. but believe me I know what you are saying.
So yesterday I told you guys my X-Factor is TJ was I bang on or what...I was so proud of the Fan when they started chanting TJ, TJ, but what send chill up my spine was when they were singing Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose..Jamario said it best.."BEST FANS IN THE NBA" What a great game to watch, everytime the Magics tried to make a run if was cut down by a 3 from JC or JK..the energy from the fans just translates into great defence from the Raps...I love it...I am writing this post with the biggest grin on my face...VanGundy will make his adjustments but so will Sam...we will be even for game 5 in Orlando and with the confidence on the team I am not worried...Go Raptors you make us proud yesterday...Raps4Life

by Raps4Life on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

BLANCO...I just read your post that is funny..the nerve of that reporter..don't they get fined for ragging the refs..great point with the no call on Bosh in game 2. At least that guy recognizes and was impressed with the Raptor fans...I am still lol....Raps4Life

by Raps4Life on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise, great point that it's amazing that the lineup that got the raps most of the way back down to .500 was the one that was killing it last night, so I have to mention Bargnani's excellent defense on Howard. And rasho says he's not mentoring bargs... it was crazy rashoish.

by axl on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I miss Jack's analysis. Can't believe he's not involved in any of the playoff broadcasts.

by SonicSuper on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Great game by the whole team especially Calderon, TJ, Moon and Bargnani.

Game 4 will undoubtedly be a close game after the Magic make some adjustments and hopefully the Raps will come out on top. A couple of concerns:

1. Team defense was still shaky at times - they were double teaming Howard leaving guys open on the perimeter. I think they need to play Howard straight up and stay up on the 3-pt shooters. Orlando's shooters are due to start making some 3's.

2. Bosh has got to set up in the post rather than look for outside shots.

by Bball on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Reffing WAS terrible last night - some random calls against the Magic but hey, as a raps fan it was great. A bit concerned about Saturday though, hope theres no letdown in terms of aggression.

by fromlongrange on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

WHY is it when the Raps loose you can hardly find room to post anything,but when the Raps win and if TJ plays good nobody has anything to say...come on Raps fans give credit where credit is due...Props to TJ and Sam for a great game. That's the same thing Sam was saying in his post game interview...The media is quick to condemn but slow to give any type of accommodation..At least the Fans give props to everyone last night which is great to see and hear...Where is Marcia when I needed her...lol...Raps4Life

by Raps4Life on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the quote of the night. Adnan Virk interviewing Dwight Howard's Dad:

"You are a fine physical specimen just like your son"

by SonicSuper on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Thats the team we've been waiting to see. Saturday will be rocking - am bringing my son to the game.

Will Wednesday's loss come back to haunt us?

R4L - TJ played how he is capable of playing. The critcism he has received has been well deserved but his play of late should be praised.
To the Sam bashers - did he outcoach SVG last night - or were Orlando's shots just not falling.

by Tinman on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

tj played great. Sam coached well. and the team hit shots and rebounded.

this will not continue. based on how he reacted to crowd's cheering - swagerring like he's been performing great all season - just cemented in my mind that he needs to be traded. he's simply too sensitive for my liking and it looks like the coach and the players coddle him. that's not what you want from a floor general. they are supposed to lead, not be coddled.

sam did well but i'd still look for a new coach. though not as urgent as the tj issue, he is still double-teaming way too much and would have let them back in the game if they were hitting their 3's.

by stacks on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Adnan Virk didn't say that, did he?

Everything's already been said...nice to have a good vibe on the board... since I'm a Sam basher and sometime TJ basher, props to them last night.

Mitchell was good with his rotation, both PG delivered big...loved the TJ chant.

Can't wait for tomorrow.

by DayOner on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Great game last night. However someone made the great point of the Magic missing shots. I believe they were 2/16 from beyond the arc last night. Can't see that happening again.

The raps need a win tomorrow and they will have to get off to a much better start in Orlando if they want to win this series.

Its interesting to see the comments when the raps play well....no move TJ posts. I still want to move him and I still want Calderon starting and I still want Calderon playing the majority of minutes.

TJ has a great game and everyone is praising him yet he didn't play any better than Jose did. For 8 million a year this is slightly above what I expect to see everyday from TJ.

Bargnani needs to stop shooting 3s. The just don't ever fall....just take a dribble in and shoot it.

Some might say this post is negative but my response is that this team is what it is. The probelms they have are the problems they have regardless of whether they are winning or losing.

by wtf on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

STACK..my interpretation of the players cuddling TJ is that they are happy for him because he has been taking a lot of flack from the fans and the media and it was nice to see Raptornation show him some love..wtf the Raps are in an uphill battle with the Magics do you really expect to see move TJ post after such a well played game come on put your Raptor fan hat on for a second and just support the team and all the players...What happen to Jameer at the end of the game, did he get naucious from the Sea of Red..hope he is ok...because it will be worst tomorrow...Raps have their confidence back and that my friends is a scary thing for the opponent....Raps$Life

by Raps4Life on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Actually,I liked the D on Howard today. Brought the double before he could make a good pass outside. Great execution.

by Acie on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I don't know about the "Superman sucks" chants - Howard is one of the good guys in the NBA. But the fans were great.

Great to see "Forderon" doing their thing. I still think they're going to have to deal with the Ford situation in the offseason, but in the meantime I'll take performances like that.

I do think Orlando is going to put in a better performance tomorrow, regardless of Jameer Nelson's status.

One final thought regarding Bosh taking the last shot Tuesday. What if the situation were reversed? Would you want Orlando's best player (Howard) taking the last shot? If you could get the ball to him down low, sure, but if he had to take a jumper?

by Skywalker on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

"You are a fine physical specimen just like your son"

Are you serious ha ha? Classic Adnan, too bad I missed that but glad you mentioned it Sonic.

I'm still firmly on the "move TJ" side...and in the pregame tomorrow morning I'll be talking a bit about some of the long-term impacts of last night's win.

by Franchise on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Skywalker, I don't think many of us think Howard actually sucks, but I am pretty happy that 20,000 crazy Raptor nation massive told him so.

This is the playoffs man, get your game face on. Peace.

by DayOner on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Philly is up by 20! What is Philly wins that aeries? Then the Raps can play Philly and beat them! Then the Raps can get to the Eastern Conference finals. Maybe they face Cleveland and get to the finals! WOW! I'm wishing on a lucky star!

by BargsBust on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I noticed a change in Bargs' shot. He is putting more effort to use his legs to shoot instead of using mostly his arm strength. That's probably why he missed his threes last night. But once he gets used to it, it will be nice. Good sign I think he's learning. Good defense too.

Just a thought: Howard is not really the type of player to dominate a game by scoring. His impact is most felt through his boards and put backs. I don't think he is such an offensive threat yet. Good position D will throw him off. No need to double him yet and leave streaky shooters open. I would leave man on man to defend the shooters in at the wings and have two guys downlow to box Howard out for the boards. THe shooters are more dangerous than Howard and they have him crashing the boards if they miss (even though long shots=long rebounds).

by Aaron on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

If you do the math and score only quarters 2-4, the Raptors have outscored Orlando in all those quarters combined. This happens in game 1-3. This means that whoever wins the first quarter is going to win the game.
Also, this means that Mitchell is making the player substitutions well enough to gain an advantage during the game after the first quarter.
Also if you think about it, its hard to come out strong on the road because you don't have the intensity of the fans. The fans, your hometown pumps you up for the game. Hence, it's easier to win the first quarter at home than on the road.

Also, I've been watching some YouTube highlights of Andrea and see what skill set Andrea brings.
With the NBA becoming more focused on offense, at the time of the draft Andrea was an offensive machine.
He could run the floor, and still does so today.
He can hit the three, which BC loves.
He can attack the rim for the foul, slash to the basket for two points, which he has shown he can do in the NBA.
He also had some post moves that were pretty sick, faking out people left and right.
In the highlights you also see him do some ridiculous defensive plays against people in the Italian league. He blocked shots not only under the basket but at the perimeter as well.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=KzqJyADNaJI

If I was BC and I had a friend like Maurizio, I wold be sailvating over this player too. It's too bad that the players in his league were apparently pretty soft and D-league skilled.

I think that Bargs is no longer a bust, he just needs time to develop. I'm convinced of this. He's no longer a bust. We just need to be patient. However, his development is going to be slow and I don't think it will take one more year for him to reach all start level. I think it will take at least two.

He needs a stronger body, better foot movement on defense, and a better understanding of the American game. At the end of his third year, I wouldn't be surprised if he averaged more than 15 points.

I'm no longer going to call myself BargsBust, from now on I'll be known as PatientBargnani.

by PatientBargnani on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

okay so im expecting a response from the real bargsbust soon.....

by Aaron on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Most bipolar commenter I've ever seen.

by Chutney on Apr 25, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Aaron, Chutney, I'm just trying to mature as a sports writer.
I guess I was just fantasizing after watching those YouTube highlight videos.

by PatientBargnani on Apr 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Let's not forget that Bargs was doing a lot of those things last year (especially in the playoffs). People just don't forget how to play basketball. He has had to make a lot of adjustments this year. I wasn't thrilled with his performance either this past season (believe me), but I understand that sometimes things take longer than we want. We all had to reassess our expectations for him this year...it's good to have you on board BargsB....I mean PatientBargnani!

by Assistant GM on Apr 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

CB4 needs to stop jacking three's. After two competitive games in Orlando and a win in TO I think the Raps have found their formula for success. Hopefully it carries over today.

Can't believe Detroit is down 2-1 to Philly. Love the way Philly attacks the rim and it's good to see Detroit get their superiority complex shaken.

Can't believe the Spurs are 3-0 over the Suns. Wow. Big changes coming in Phoenix. Boy do they miss Marion's help defense now.

by Todd on Apr 26, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions