Tip-In, Toronto Raptors' Post-Game Report: Rainin' From Downtown
by Raptors HQ - Vicious D on Nov 2, 2009 8:02 AM EST
68 comments
Taking in the game from the former "Sprite Zone", Vicious D takes a look at the Raptor's third game, first Sunday match, and one of the hotter tickets of the year.
Before I start, I have one question:
What the heck is Magnetic Schedule Night?
As far as door prizes go, this has got to be one of the lamest things I've experienced in my life time. Thanks to the Toronto Star and your Toronto Raptors, we received a fridge magnet detailing this year's schedule. Yes, it's fine that they were giving them out and they could be quite useful. However, why is it categorized as a "giveaway day"? Heck, why is the event called a "night" when it's an afternoon game?
And that, my friends, is how I started my first game in the ACC for the 2009-2010 season.
Little did I know that the magnet would be the least of concerns for the afternoon.
Where do you begin when a game gets completely out of hand due to a lack of attention and focus?
Perhaps you look at the refs who seemed to blow about a dozen calls throughout the game, especially in the first half when the Raptors needed to build some kind of momentum. Toronto had every right to be angry for most of the match as very few of the calls seemed to be made consistently at both ends of the court. It didn't matter if it was a foul, a traveling call, or a non-call, there was plenty enough to be enraged about. In fact, it was enough to get most of the upper bowl chanting an explicative in unison like it was a wrestling show.
Perhaps all of that was just an indicator of just how wrong and messed up the Raptors' first Sunday game would turn out to be. With a final score of 125-116 for the visiting Orlando Magic, the outcome obviously indicated little attention to defense. In what was simply a sad display of poor rotations, the Raptors could not find the Magic 3-point shooters all afternoon and allowed players such as J.J. Redick to set up shop from beyond the arc and rain away. Ryan Anderson, Jameer Nelson, and Redick all managed to heave up at least eight 3-point attempts each with five each going through. That's right. 45 points were scored from beyond the arc by these three players alone. How the Raptors managed to allow a 3-point shooting team like the Magic run wild is beyond my powers of comprehension. It seemed that the Dinos always left at least one person open from deep as they attempted to protect the paint from Howard, and they simply refused to switch strategies throughout the entire game.
And actually, there are a lot of things I'm sure the team would rethink could they go back to noon yesterday:
Perhaps had the Raps chosen to play a little smarter, they would have had better offensive production. Instead, throughout the entire game, Toronto would seem to go away from the hot hand. The Raptors had both Turkoglu and Bargnani on fire at times, but in both cases, the Raptors went back to Chris Bosh. Instead of feeding the fire, the Raps chose to try and get their star player going. Unfortunately, Bosh insisted on taking many jumpers in the lane which killed the Raptors' chance of taking the game from the Magic.
Perhaps Jay Triano could have tried to put an athletic unit on to the floor when the team seemed stagnant in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Some aggressive defense from the likes of Sonny Weems and Antoine Wright could have changed up the tempo of the game.
Perhaps it was the simply crazy afternoon at the line as Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard seemed to magically switch their free throw percentages (Chris Bosh hitting 68% while Dwight Howard hit 88% from the line).
Perhaps it's all a bad dream and the Raptors can wake up from their lackadaisical effort.
After all, those of us in the ACC were waiting to absolutely explode after the blown calls. It's up to this team to give us something to cheer about to maintain home-court advantage. Toronto cannot continue down this path and expect to be a top 4 team in the league. Let's keep in mind that this Magic team was without the services of Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Rashard Lewis, and the Raptors still didn't lead for the majority of the game.
Unless this team starts to get its act together, especially on D, the opening night win against Cleveland is going to look like a once in a blue-moon occurrence.
And that, my friends, would be a very scary proposition.
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A few thoughts...
-Absolutely agree with my compatriot, unbelievably terrible defense in the first half, especially in terms of guarding the 3 point line. With no Vince or Pietrus, you’d think that they’d know to stick to guys like Ryan Anderson and JJ Redick. I mean, that’s basically all these guys DO!
-Speaking of JJ, as much as a fan as I am of the ex-Blue Devil, no way he should be dropping almost 30 on you. Raps made him look like he was back at Duke.
-Disagree with Mr. Vicious on Bosh – I was again completely impressed with his play. This year he’s just not settling for jumpers, he’s attacking the basket RELENTLESSLY. He’s also doing a great job on the glass although getting no help.
-Bargs is killing this team. Yes, he had 26 points, but again, he gave up at least that many at the other end with some horrible defensive play, rebounding (4 in 32 MINUTES?) and decision-making. I can’t wait till Reggie gets back.
-Also killing this team unfortunately? Jose. I felt that Triano should have left him on the bench actually towards the end of the game. Jack wasn’t perfect, but he was at least doing a decent job of keeping Nelson in front of him, unlike Calderon. When Jose was in the game, not only was his offence again looking shaky, but he was allowing JJ and Jameer to penetrate at will causing havoc for the bigs in terms of rotations. I think he’ll work out the free-throws, but it’s the defence that really needs to step up.
-That being said, it was great to see the club fight back after such a huge hole. Triano is just going to have to stick with it until the whole team is both healthy and on the same page offensively and defensively.
-The Magic are scary. Can’t see anyone but Boston giving this club, when healthy, a run. Just so deep, balanced and well-orchestrated in terms of coaching.
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Nov 2, 2009 8:20 AM EST reply actions
Agreed heart fully on the 26 points of Bargs, in an otherwise mediocre play, however yo need to take out the pink glasses from Chris utilization (at the opposite of Chris as a player). This team is not going to flourish if Chris is a black hole in the offense. This has to do with JT, with Jose and with Chris himself. Using Chris this way is counter productive not necessary, stupid.
Not saying that Bargnani was good. He was terrible for most of the day, but I can’t forgive Bosh for how he was from the line and how many outside looks he took. I really, REALLY didn’t like how the Raptors went away from hot hands. That just killed it for me.
Kinnon "Vicious D" Yee
Author - RaptorsHQ.com Twitter @RapHQVicious
by Raptors HQ - Vicious D on Nov 2, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions
Re Bargnani
The only reason Rap’s were in the game, only down 4 with 4 mins to go was Andrea, whether in the first or 2nd half is immaterial, the total at the end is the number.
Rap’s are averaging 108 pts per game, the offense is rolling ok, allowing 110 a game on defense is where the growth must come, and requires PATIENCE for the growth to come.
CB is not every day goiing to shoot 68% from the line, nor Howard shoot 88%, as he shot 40% in his previous 2 games. Just a freak game. Bosh shot 50% FG with 2/2 3pts, a number that I will take for the next 79 games gladly.
Franchise, this time you took the words right out of my mouth. I also disagree with Vicious D’s assessment of Bosh. Bosh and DD appears to be the only starters that are ready for the season. Bosh in particular has proven his ability to consistently be aggressive.
Now for the BAD:
I totally agree with your assessment of Barney. I’m confused and angry with his lack of intelligence on both ends of the court. At times, he looks to be in his own world when it comes to offense. Let me explain… I love the fact that he can hit the three, but he appears to never take threes in the flow of the game. An example of this was when the Raptors had a “potential” break and he decided to take an ill-advised three. Not only does Barney kill the momentum when he (alone) decides to take a three, he also limits the Raptors chances of grabing an offensive board. It comes as no surprise that he doesn’t play defense, so I don’t have to go into any details.
So far, Triano is has not done a good of a job substituting, as he did against the Cavs. I know that the players and coaches keep on saying that the Cavs game was in the past, but they need to utilize that game as their example. Triano needs to stop messing with his lineups in the 4th quarters because it is ruining chemistry that is developing on the court. If it’s not broke… for God’s sake… DON’T FIX IT!
Both of you….why is Mr.Fourth Quarter sharing distribution duties with two other guards during CRUNCH TIME !!!!
Ya Bosh was monster,but he continues to be a big fuc… black hole at the end of games…the entire building knows he is getting the ball,and the entire building and opposing team knows that it ain’t coming back out !!!!
I love the rook,but its time to start Wright.
Did Marco shit his pants? I know he hasn’t lit the world on fire ,but what has JJ been doing?
Could Weems had gotten out to those threes a little quicker ?
Definitely the entire building knows it. I mean, Turk was just hitting a ton from the outside, but Chris felt it was on his shoulders to make it work or whatever.
Kinnon "Vicious D" Yee
Author - RaptorsHQ.com Twitter @RapHQVicious
by Raptors HQ - Vicious D on Nov 2, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
Offence is not the problem
Despite our guards not exactly ripping it up, we scored 116. Our ‘big three’ were big, offensively – combined for 80 points. The ball shouldn’t be going to your PF in crunch-time so why blame Bosh, the only guy rebounding. He played amazing. The problem, or at least 95% of the problem, is D. It’s just not there.
bad game
The rook isn’t hurtin this team at all he’s been playin pretty good if u ask me. Ya Marco should have played more idk y jay didn’t play him his offense would have helped a bit and jose has got to get it goin on offence he’s missin way too many open looks dat he normally makes..when is reggie comin back I see he doesn’t need cruthes anymore
by sherwin316 on Nov 2, 2009 8:44 AM EST via mobile reply actions
rook
Ok he is not hurting…but I would like to see better and more aggresive d…if AR is in the building not on the dl,why not?
I can’t hate on DeMar too much. He’s been a bit weak (one blocked lay-up yesterday should have been a dunk +1) but when you look at his production compared to Parker’s from last year, there’s not a huge difference. I think Parker’s D was better overall, and he was more productive offensively by a hair, but the rook does add an element of athleticism that AP couldn’t, and DeMar’s been a better rebounder so far too.
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Nov 2, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
AP v DD
I really don’t think what we need right now is outside shooting, which is basically AP’s entire offensive game. With Jose, Hedo, Bargs (and apparently Bosh) shooting 3’s, we need some athleticism on the offensive boards, which DD has shown and will only get better. DD also has the speed and vertical to stay with almost anyone in the league, he’s just having trouble with his decision making. With Triano and Iviaroni and English coaching him, he’ll come around eventually. Its hard for me to say this since AP was my favourite raptor, but I’m glad we have DD.
oh jose...
honestly, as much as I didn’t see the whole game, but listened to it on the radio, and then watched bits of it because a friend recorded it for me afterwards, I haven’t really been able to complain about Bosh’s play at all.. was there the characteristic turnovers as he tried to drive at times through traffic? yes, but I don’t remember him having too many jumpers that I was saying “why did you take that?” he was 2 for 2 in 3’s. Grabbing monster rebounds in the paint, flying in for dunks, he had 19 ft attempts… that’s a pretty good indicator that he was right in there drawing contact.
Of course, maybe if I saw the first quarter, I may say otherwise, but from this corner, it felt like the problem stems from Bargs not being able to play a full game yet, like in memphis the other night, it’s taken him the first half of the game to do nothing, and then finally waking up a bit for the 2nd, since Bargs is most effective when doing the main scoring, if he gets it going from the tip, Bosh can be way more effective than Bargs is when he’s not scoring. Does that makes sense?
I don’t know if it’s because Jose’s had the whole summer off and has slipped a bit, or whether he’s just aged a tonne in a short period of time. He’s gotta be able to fight over the screens. Blow-by’s again and again until Jack took over for him. I’m really hoping it’s just early and Jose rounds into form with his game.
Perhaps giving it to Bosh for the end, is just a sign of old habits die hard, since that’s what’s been done forever, since jose, bosh, and Jay Triano has been here. I’m sure as they get more comfortable with Hedo’s game, our end game offensive strategy will evolve too.
All in all, I’m less upset with this game, than with the loss to memphis. They showed some passion and heart in the midst of all the crap the refs were giving, and seeing bargs and bosh mixing it up with the other team definitely gives me something to cheer for. They managed to close the lead from 22 to 4 or 6? at one point, and really, as many points as they gave up, I’m just glad we kept it respectable.
Most importantly I feel like this Raps team, has another gear, maybe more that they can elevate their play too, and that’s going to make for a fun season.
So let’s not crap on this team just yet. We all knew November would be difficult.
Runners in the lane, a lot of shots he missed in the second half were perimeter shots and yes, he was fouled on some aggressive plays to the basket. However, when you’re not making your foul shots, getting fouled isn’t exactly a bad thing for the other team. I’m being harsh on him for a moment, but it’s the timing of his need to “be aggressive” that I’m being picky about. Why wouldn’t you ride the guys who were making shots and plays moments ago is beyond me. Ok, so when they go cold, go back to Bosh who could bring his game to the inside. I’d have no problem with that. Instead, you get the feeling that Bosh still feels he has to be “the man” on this team offensively even though we have so many weapons.
But I agree that it’s possible it’s just that old habits die hard. I just want there to be some change in thinking on this team. We’re best when 5-7 players are scoring double figures and we have players who are being aggressive in passing lanes for steals. We were lacking that for two games straight now and I just don’t want that to be the norm.
Kinnon "Vicious D" Yee
Author - RaptorsHQ.com Twitter @RapHQVicious
by Raptors HQ - Vicious D on Nov 2, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
Given how many new players we’ve got, I can see why going with the known quantity in Bosh is an attractive option.
The team has lots of room to improve in terms of execution, and overall cohesiveness. I expect Jarrett Jack to become more of a factor, especially when driving the paint against the opposing back up pg. And once the team is executing better on offense, then I think we’ll see more of Hedo’s facilitator abilities come to the forefront. Until everyone is where they supposed to be on any given play, he can’t work his magic.
JC
I’m really worried about Jose, and I like Jose but right now he’s not looking like more than a back up PG.
All the stuff we love about Jose is not there so far:
1) Make FT. He’s missed more in 3 games than all of last season
2) Making the 20 footer and open trey. 1 of 7 ain’t gonna cut it. At no point in the season should Bosh have more treys.
3) The dribble drive penetration. I haven’t seen him beat his guy off the drive yet this season.
And to top it off, his Defence has gotten worse. His inability to keep his man in front of him is killing us. The look Turk gave him a couple of times because he had to swing over and help JC because his guy beat him, but then Nelson Kickout and have JJ torch it and make Turk look bad was not pleasant.
All the Defensive lapses were exceptable when his offence was on, but right now, I’m afraid to look at the PER ratings.
Hope he gets out of the funk soon.
Bang on here.
In fact, I found myself wondering yesterday if “instead of having two starting quality point guards, do the Raps have two back-ups?”
Not a good thing.
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Nov 2, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
Re PG's
Patience is required, neither is playing well, or scoring, JC @ 38% and JJ @33%. They will both get better, history shows.
Their game pales by comparison to Nelson, mostly because of the scoring by the PG/SG as prioritys in the Magic offense, and not in the Raptors, (JC/DD) where the bulk of the scoring will come from the front court (80 Pts this game)
My thoughts guys:
1, Jameer Nelson 30 pts on us (which seems like his avg against the Raps).
2. No defense, period. No effort to get out there.
3. Jose can’t defend quick guards.
4. Too much focus on Howard, who cares if he gets a dunk, 3 pointers will kill you as they are a more potent weapon.
5. We NEED Evans back badly, god knows what will happen to this team without a tough defender.
6. I don’t care how many pts Hedo/Bosh/Bargs score, if they give up more than they score, it’s a total wash.
7. Maybe we could have used Ariza and his ability to defend perimeter players.
Frustrated that this was a game we should have been more competitive in.
On the Evans’ point, does it scare anyone else besides me that the team misses him this badly ALREADY? I mean on a mediocre Philly squad last year, one that didn’t have Brand, he barely played.
I can’t wait to see him back, discussed this briefly with him via Twitter over the weekend, but I don’t see him being the silver bullet. He’s just not productive enough offensively so I’m betting at some point we’ll hear the opposite complaint to that of Bargs; all D and Rebounding, no O.
Bottom line for me is that Andrea needs to start playing with SOME center characteristics if this team wants to keep games like yesterday’s close. Ryan Anderson can’t be flying in for put-back dunks…
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Nov 2, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Oservations
You know, Calderon and Bargnani get their (justly) share of criticism on the defensive end, but yesterday it doesn’t just fall on them. Stat sheet shows them at an even “0” on the plus/minus. All them open looks from deep? Were not all Jose’s and Andrea’s fault.
I do see positives, that this team can improve defensively. Wright is a good addition, brings a swagger and not afraid to foul hard. Evans will be five more hard fouls once healthy.
Refs swung the momentum early on, Howard seems to be a favourite. He is a tough man to guard. Basketball is a tough game, some of these calls shouldn’t be whistled-play on! If DW consistantly makes his FT’s, he is all the more dangerous.
I will agree with Franchise regarding Bosh. His play has been impressive. Good to see the feistiness when him and Howard tangled. He has been a monster on the boards.
That being said he doesn’t come off unscathed on the defensive end. He is our leader out there, time for him to throw some chairs!
I was asking my wife during the first half, how do you say “get your head outta your ass” in Italian. Have yet to see consistancy from Bargnani. First game, killer first half, quiet in the second, last two losses, head in his ass during first half.
Jose doesn’t have his legs yet. He needs to play better than he has these past two games. Based on what I’ve seen during his tenure here, I have no doubt that it will. For the record, most PG’s can breakdown their defender offensively.
Jack is still adjusting but I like his game.
The play of Hedo, offensively, has been good. Respectable numbers with limited touches..Defensively, has contributed to our deficiencies. Must improve. Triano has to use minutes as motivation. We have several ballhandlers, Jose, Hedo, Jack and even Belinelli. All are capable of distributing the ball, who can step up defensively? Jack and Belinelli and new and younger, show some hunger and steal some minutes.
Don’t think it mattered who was missing in the Magic’s lineup. Their sub’s put up amazing numbers.
The Italian word by word translation would be: Togliti la testa dal culo ( but as an expression it is meaningless), what is it suppose to mean? weak up?
On Andrea first half on the offensive hand: he was 2/4 so it is not that he was missing, he was not being involved. That went on until he said: Fuck it, I’ll play alone. That is however NOT the way to play, true for Andrea, true for Chris.
Moreover, if you will have the time to see a recap or a Game in one hour, have a look at the Raptors faces…. not a nice display….
Thank you
I am huge Bargnani supporter. He was standing around, looking lost. Looked awkward, unsure of every move.
What was his plus/minus in the first half? It was at an even zero at the end, I bet it was a minus 10-15 in the first half.
Renato, in your opinion can Belinelli be a starting PG in this league?
Belinelli is not a PG so the .quick answer is no, he is a SG who can create plays by getting the defense to collapse on him and than reopen. I am not sure why he saw so little PT, he was pulled after one missed shot. I he is (as they claim) an important piece of they puzzle, that is a strange way to handle him. I did not see him being abused on D and other players have done much worse, how about AW believing he is an outside threat?
Defense is the reason. He played fine chasing Parker around in the Cleveland match, but hasn’t been so strong on rotations the last couple of games. Granted most of the team was weak yesterday though.
Kinnon "Vicious D" Yee
Author - RaptorsHQ.com Twitter @RapHQVicious
by Raptors HQ - Vicious D on Nov 2, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
Magnetic Schedule Giveaway
Vicious D — Why are you hating on the magnetic schedule? I LOVE the magnetic schedule… I was just disappointed that I couldn’t make it down to the game yesterday to pick up one of those bad boys. Haha.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Nov 2, 2009 10:17 AM EST reply actions
I have an extra. I’ll give it to you next time I see you if you remind me :p
Kinnon "Vicious D" Yee
Author - RaptorsHQ.com Twitter @RapHQVicious
by Raptors HQ - Vicious D on Nov 2, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
Awesome! Looking forward to it :)
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Nov 2, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
The point guard situation
I’m the biggest fan of Jose and I want him to be successful. Unfortunately, he is not ready for the season as yet. You can see that his jumper is not falling and his percentages are not where they should be. Even his missed free throws are of major concern. As for his defense… He is the worst defender on the Raptors (I hate to say it). He allows most point guards continually beat him off the dribble. Oftentimes, he cannot stay in front of his opponent and is left to run alongside them.
Given these circumstances Calderon should come off the bench. Calderon would be better suited for this role because his competition will only get harder as the year progresses. Jack should replace Calderon as the starting PG for a number of reasons. Jack has shown that he is more ready for the season and can defend the top point guards in the league.
The only knock on Jack’s game is that he cannot hit 3’s. This inefficiency is not a glaring weakness because he has shown that it is made up for in his ability to dribble, distribute, drive, and defend.
Given the rigors of the season…. If Calderon does come off the bench, it doesn’t have to be forever. Until, Calderon gets into proper game shape, he could be given an opportunity to start again.
Re PG's
JC shooting 38%, JJ worse at 33%, both struggling. For this game JC was even in 30 mins with 6ast & 10 pts, and JJ was a minus 11 in 25 mins with 2 ast & 5 pts.
Dont see any advantage in changing, both need to play better, but neither will be comparable as scorers to Nelson, who (took 20 shots) & is a main part of the Magic offense, while they are not.
2-point guard system?
I just have a question for any one who sees this as a probelm. Traino is constantly puting Calderon and Jack on the floor at the same time in the 4th. This combination has clearly not worked because the Raptors lose their size and ability to rebound. It might have worked with TJ and Calderon, but that was when both PG’s were a threat to score. Does anyone else see a problem with Calderon and Jack on the floor?
I’m seeing a problem with Jose on the floor period. Yes Jameer is good, but even Anthony Johnson and Jason Williams were getting angles on him yesterday.
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Nov 2, 2009 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed. This is his 2nd year as a full-time starter, and he’s being exposed. Time to revert back to Jose being the “best PG in the League” and give Jack the reigns (which would be somewhat ironic given that Jack was playing ahead of TJ Ford last season in Indiana).
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Nov 2, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
It is sort of ironic that Jose is behind in his game this season considering how happy we were that he didn’t play for Spain in the offseason. Maybe he should have as the injury risk might have been worth it if he was in mid season form right now.
I am really not impressed with Bosh’s numbers as we all know that when he scores 30 or more a game this team loses. I also do not think he can maintain it (though if he can then it may be a good thing) and it seems almost like he is trying to play himself off the team as he is becoming a black hole on offense. A number of us believe this team would improve if Bosh was replaced by a center who won’t demand the ball and just rebound the crap out of it and it is starting to look like this is the case. It is still early and maybe everyone can find a happy medium but I doubt it.
Correction
This team would be improved if BARGNANI was replaced by a centre who would rebound the crap out of the ball.
Bosh is playing at an extremely high level right now, and a lot of Raptor fans are going to be in for a wakeup call when Bosh is gone and we’re left cheering for an 18-win squad “led” by Andrea Bargnani and his 5 rebounds per game.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Nov 2, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Mc Gateway, I’ve always said I’d like to see us find a starting calibre center or PF who doesn’t need to score more than 12ppg but is big, heavy, tough and knows how clear space and rebound. The combination of two finess/light weight big men that do a whole bunch of scoring but can’t defent their position will never and has never worked in the nba. We need to get rid of either bargs or Bosh for a QUALITY big who can concentrate on defence and rebounding and find a Quality SG who can change the game during crunch time.
The problem is, this is much easier said than done.
Re the black hole
You have to be blind if you consider 50% shooting 31 ppg and 15 rbs per game a black hole.
I consider it All Star/MVP performance, as all 30 NBA teams would.
Bosh is fine if he continues to play as he is. What he needs is help, and a commitment
to team defense by all on the floor, nothing more.
Jack & Calderon on the floor
The problem I see with the both of them on the floor is that neither is scoring a whole lot and only one of them plays defence. There is no substitute for a natural 6’6/6’7 SG and we’re seeing that when these 2 are on the floor; they have been completely ineffective.
Overall I think it’s too early to judge this team. I’ll be commenting more on these games in mid December.
Why take Wright Out?
Wright set the tone with good D, and was a key cog in our comeback, he can guard 3 positions, including pg MUCH better than Jose can, and he is even hitting treys (which is weird). This is the closing lineup I want to see:
Jack
Wright
Hedo
Bosh
Bargs
I don’t like Jose, never have, with hedo his services as a ball handler are no longer required. Unless his shot comes back, he is a complete and utter liability, I’m sorry to say.
I’m not sure on Bargs but that’s basically the line-up I want too, especially if Wright is making like Mo Pete and knocking down 3’s. I’d put Reggie in when he gets back, Hedo and Bosh should be enough offense.
And yes, if Jose’s not knocking down shots, he’s a liability and needs to sit until his flow comes back.
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Nov 2, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed.
But since my “Andrea Bargnani Appreciation Meter” is running close to zero right now, I’d replace him with any of Reggie Evans, Amir Johnson or even Rasho Nesterovic at the end of games.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Nov 2, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Bosh/Bargnani combo
Late to the comments as usual, watching the replay…
BBs are looking better and better together and they’re both capable of carrying a line up on their own on both ends. Bargs with some crunch-time drives at the end was sweet.
Just need to get the perimeter d better…
Did you see Triano’s interview? at the end he was asked: are you impressed by how Bargnani turned it up in the second half? He blanked than he said: Yes, I have to be careful how I answer that.
Combine that with the faces I saw during the game it gives me the idea there is something untold and possibly big going behind the curtail….
Renato, can you describe it just a little bit more, he actually said he has to be careful how he answers that?
Although he could have just meant he was unhappy with Bargs’ rebounding and D, and didn’t want to give the man accolades just for a good scoring effort. No big deal imo if that was the case.
I've got a fever, and the only cure is more hustle!
Only able to watch the game until the half, a few observations.
DeMarr was in no man’s land a few times, not helping on another person’s check, not guarding his own. What was sad was the next person I saw make the same error was Bargs.
When looking forward to possible additions to this team, players with a high…reactivity level would be chief among them. I recall a game against the Knicks last year where there were three players that stood out to be as ball magnets, Nate Robinson, David Lee, and Shawn Marion. Coming out of broken plays, scrums, or other unscripted action these guys threw themselves into the fray and more often then not they came out with possession of the ball. With David Lee, it was being able to react quickly to an unexpected bounce off the rim. With Nate, it was being able to disrupt a pass or player’s dribble. With Marion, (in that game) he just had a sixth sense for the rock, like a football player trying to recover a fumble.
These are all things that most Raptors don’t do, and likely never will with any proficiency. However having two players ( a big and a small) who have that skill in their arsenal could go a long way in helping us win close games. Once the team has gelled, I can see us being efficient enough on offense that a few extra possessions via some smart hustle could make the difference against some of the better teams in the league. In the recent past, it’s always seemed like these teams can come back to beat us late, even if they’ve been having a poor shooting day up to that point. And they’d often do it by generating extra possessions via outhustling us, which is a double whammy since its a surefire momentum changer and gets the crowd out of the game. I hope that one of Amir Johnson or Weems can develop their game sense to be a factor for this club in a similar role, since they already feature top notch athleticism. Reggie Evans, even with his significant offensive limitations, brings a ferocity that will shake the team out of its collective funk at various points in the year. I’m hopeful that the aforementioned two can develop into players that can CONSISTENTLY contribute hustle plays that fire up the team, event if they don’t get a consistent role in the rotation.
And I just don’t get the deal with the booing after a sequence that was mainly an example of good execution by the opposition. One such bout followed a sequence where Brandon Bass ( a long-armed tank of a player at ~ 6’8, 250 with a 7’2’’ wingspan) forced a miss by Bargnani on one end, via challenging his shot, and on the other was able to bully his way into the post past Bosh. This isn’t indicative of a lack of hustle on either Raptors part, it was just indicative of the kind of unique matchup problems that a player like Bass presents for his opposition at both ends of the court. If you were a Bobcat’s fan you wouldn’t boo your team after Bosh turned your bigmen into 7 foot turnstiles would you?
I was surprised that Wright got the touches that he did, chances to handle the ball and drive the basket. From what I had read, I thought he was going to be the fifth option on offense every time on the floor. On defense, I noticed a player that is aggressive in his help defense, so the fact he wasn’t able to close back out on his man at the three point line doesn’t bother me that much. They were aggressive trying to protect the paint, and no matter how hard you closeout, a player can’t be in two places at once.
Amir Johnson: Getting caught with an aggressive closeout by JJ reddick was fine once. But having it happen a second time, makes you wonder whether he was just reacting out there. Unless the bigman is exceptionally nimble, I don’t think many good things will come from a bigman closing out that hard on any perimeter shooter, never mind one as eagle-eyed as Reddik.
Echoing a few sentiments upthread, the Magic have nice balance of skills throughout their rotation. The aforementioned Bass will prove very useful in certain matchups, and Barnes made some solid defensive plays on Bosh and Bargs.
Jose-Stop waving your Arms and Defend
Is Jose the slowest and the worst Starting Point Guard on a team favoured to make Playoffs?
-He is unable to defend his position
-Terrible at drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line
-Does not get to the Rim
-Walks the ball across the court instead running an offense
It is easy to notice that Raptors struggle at the defensive end every time Jose is on the floor. he loses his man and it results in one of the BIGS trying to provide help defense and resulting in an open man
by kanadianRapsfan on Nov 2, 2009 12:42 PM EST reply actions
Wouldn’t put it all on Jose, Bosh is no Kevin Garnett either and if you’re ‘superstar’ on the team can’t play D, and lead on D, then who else will?
All of us knew that D will be an issue with our team, and here we are. I really want to see if Evans helps out as much as they say he will, but I’m not sure if one dude can make that big of an impact on D. Here’s hopin’ fellas.
Is it me?
Or is Bargnani more of an impact player on the Raptors than Bosh? Sure, Bargnani is more inconsistent, but when he’s hot it seems the whole team is hot. When Bosh is hot, it doesn’t seem to affect the game except add 2 points (or 3 points with the way he’s been playing) to the scoresheet.
I disagree, actually I did not notice it until Frag pointed it out. He is right, and your men crash on Bargs keeps you from noticing /admitting it. Bosh can have a great performance and the team play bad, if Bargs is on, the whole team is. I have no clue of the reason but this is how it is working (on average of course)
Not sure about your repeated insistence about this Bargnani man crush. I’m not a fan of centres who can’t grab more than 5 rebounds per game… The fact of the matter is that Bargs can score all the points he wants, but if you’re not rebounding or stopping people at the other end of the floor, you’re not winning. This is basic basketball. You can’t score 20 points but give back 30+ on the other end.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Nov 3, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
Haha. I thought you were mistyping that… now I get it… and I don’t think the Raptors have any men — outside of maybe Bosh and DeRozan — crashing the boards, unfortunately.
by RaptorsHQ - Defensive Stance on Nov 3, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
Just a little something to remember, as we are criticising the Raptors efforts vs Orlando last night.
Raps won 33 games last year, and have added 12 players going thru JT’s camp, with a new defensive and offensive system, 3 games into the season and struggling. Why are we surprised?
The Magic (with a salary of $82mil/12mil over the lux tax & the Rap’s salary)) are NBA championship finalists from last year, going 8-0 in the preseason, and 3-0 to start the season. Playing with 3 bench players, filling in for 3 starters, who shot 12/22 from 3pts for a total of 59pts to win the game( Barnes, Anderson & Redick).
Which 3 players would you take off the Rap’s bench to fill in for 3 of our starters, to give like results???
This Orlando team is so much more talented and deep than the Raptors at this time that we should be happy to be in a position to win, which at -4pts with 4 mins to go we were but were not able to execute, and finish off the game.
For all the fault we find let’s remember that the offense is averaging 108 ppg vs 99 last year, nothing to fix there, but 110 points on defense is where the improvement must come. It will only come thru playing to the system with intensity and consistency for 48 minutes per game, and the coaching staff demanding compliance..
Huge point
As my mentioned in my first comment, beyond Toronto’s issues on D yesterday, this Magic team is also VERY GOOD and that shouldn’t be forgotten in the loss. They went 9 deep yesterday essentially and are MISSING THREE OF THEIR SIX BEST PLAYERS! Once this club is healthy I only see Boston presenting a challenge for them in the East.
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Nov 2, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Talent, Rhythm, and Coaching
Orlando isn’t ten times better than the Raps. Last year’s Raps team (an inferior squad) split the season series with Orlando. A team’s win loss record has something to do with when they face an opponent, not just the talent differential. Orlando is hot right now. They beat pretty much any team if they play the way they did yesterday. No excuses, but some perspective is necessary.
Secondly Bargnani is a rhythm player. Part of the offensive objective going into a game should be to get him established as soon as possible, which makes it easier for everyone else. Bosh being “hot” doesn’t seem to make it easier for the rest of his teammates to get going. Don’t know what it is, and I’m only working off anecdotal evidence here, but over the last couple of years, big numbers in a game by Bosh rarely mean wins for the team.
For all of those who say that coaching has little to do with a team’s success, please rethink your position. Stan Van Gundy is an exceptional coach. The systems they run and the team’s philosophy on how to win games are suited exactly to his player’s strengths.
Will the Raptors get to where Orlando is in terms of maximizing the assets they have on the team? Don’t know, but as we all seemed to appreciate going into the season, it is a wait and see situation. Nothing has changed.
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