Tip-In, Toronto Raptors’ Post-Game: There's No Tenth Life

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT

Last night's loss showed again that the Raptors need more gritty players of the "Pops" variety...

Franchise: "I remember a few games ago in the midst of the previous losing streak, you talked about how frustrated you were with the team’s lack of "grit," had you finally seen the emergence of that grit over the six game win streak?"

Shawn Marion: "In spurts. Not on a consistent basis, that’s the thing you gotta get to be successful in this league…get that grit and really stomp on people right from the start of the game. You know, most teams don’t really respond to that, they just fold."

Franchise: "Is that something those Phoenix teams you played for did, they got that momentum going and just took out their opponents?"

Marion: "Yeah, for sure but not just those Phoenix teams, we did that in Miami too. You know, we’re younger though, it’s hard when you’ve got that mixture of old and young guys. There’s more consistency when you’ve got a veteran group of guys you know, they know exactly what that means; you don’t have to work for another 12 or 24 minutes, or however much is left in the game, you end things right there and can coast for the rest."

Since his arrival in Toronto, Shawn Marion has been my favourite player to listen for in terms of post-game commentary. As you can see from the above, he always tells it like it is, and doesn’t sugar coat things regardless of a win or loss.

Last night’s result was indeed a loss, one that ended the team’s six-game winning streak and thankfully put the outlandish talk of sneaking into the final playoff spot in the East to bed for good.

Post-game in the Raptors’ locker room, one I had access to thanks to the Raptors’ Communications and PR staff, there wasn’t much talk of "what could have been," more focus simply on losing a game the team felt it should have won.

And how can you argue with that as a fan?

Toronto played essentially the same game as they did Saturday against the Knicks only last night the Dinos failed to do as good a job of chasing New York off the 3-point line, and the Gotham crew responded in stride by knocking down 13 of their 25 long-range bombs.

This stat was really the difference in the end between a seventh straight Raps win, and loss number 46 on the season. Toronto outscored New York in the paint, won the battle of the glass (even if it was only by one), and did a better job in various other statistical categories as well.

However the Knicks, particularly in the second quarter, just didn’t miss and if it wasn’t 3’s in transition, the Raptors were allowing open looks thanks to dribble penetration from the likes of Duhon, and a much more aggressive Wilson Chandler.

In fact, I really felt that this was in many ways the perfect follow-up to Saturday’s victory.

If Saturday’s win gave fans a glimpse of some of the positives Bryan Colangelo can take into the summer, then this match showed him the other side of the coin; the major issues he’s going to have to address if he wants to return this franchise back to being a playoff-caliber squad in the East.

For starters, even with Shawn Marion’s addition, this club is still far too reliant on jump-shooting. Toronto did a decent job offensively last night, but when their defence wasn’t holding up and they weren’t knocking down their usual array of long-distance looks, that’s when the Knicks pulled ahead. This hesitancy (or I’d argue inability) to attack the rim is something Jay Triano acknowledged to me prior to the match, and something he’s trying to continue to get his guys to work on for the remainder of the season.

Sound familiar?

For those who felt that Sam Mitchell didn’t do enough to stress this point, Triano’s comments simply reinforces something we’ve been saying here at the HQ for what seems like eons; this team just doesn’t have the personnel to either create off the dribble, or attack the basket consistently from the guard and wing positions. In last night’s game, time and time again Toronto was forced to settle for extremely tough fade-aways or desperation heaves when nothing had presented itself in the shot-clock’s dying moments.

Contrast that to the Knicks who were able to manufacture second possessions or trips to the free-throw line in these scenarios. Toronto doesn’t have a Chandler, or even a Nate Robinson, and the Dinos’ two-best players in terms of getting to the line are also their center and power forward, sort of a "bizzaro-world" version of most NBA teams today. Having a 2-guard who can create when the shot-clock is winding down and be a consistent third scoring option would be a huge lift and besides looking for such a player in the draft, BC should be putting this on the top of his statement of qualifications when looking at free-agents as well.

In addition, said 2-guard or wing needs to be able to guard the perimeter.

I thought Shawn Marion did an admirable job last night as evidenced by his three blocks and three steals, but most of these came in "help" situations and Jose, Joey Graham and Anthony Parker all struggled to stop New York’s dribble penetration. This lead to open looks early on and that’s when the Knicks’ shooters really started to warm up. On Saturday, Chris Duhon was the only member of the ‘Bockers able to get into the lane as both Robinson and Chandler were kept in check. With all three allowed to run wild, it was simply too much for Toronto’s already porous defence, leaving the team exposed from both the arc, and at times inside in terms of offensive rebounds.

And finally, looping back to the Matrix's comments to start this post, this team still needs a major infusion of grit and mental toughness. Marion and Pops are a good start, but this club is still much too soft. I felt that Chris Bosh (31 points and 14 rebounds) did a great job last night of bringing the effort and intensity necessary however you could hardly say the same was true for most of his teammates.

So where to from here?

With six games left on the 2008-09 schedule, is there anything to play for?

Of course in terms of a post-season, not exactly, however I do think that this final stretch still holds merit.

I’d like to see Triano now start giving more minutes to the likes of Roko, Mensah-Bonsu and Graham. If Triano and Colangelo really want to get a better picture of what they’re working with this summer, give Douby some more run, throw O’Bryant in the post, hell, why not bring Jawai back from the D-League as well? Why not do some experimentation and if it results in a loss, so be it? With Golden State having on a mini-run and the Knicks with virtually the same winning percentage as Toronto, a few more L’s would only help the Dino’s cause via the upcoming draft lottery.

That’s not to say I’m suggesting an all-out tank job…

…but if you can get a better look at what you currently have without sacrificing the future, that’s a plan in the short-term that I’m all for.

FRANCHISE

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Comments

The thing that stood out for me was that the Raptors could just stop one thing that the Knicks were doing yesterday. Not one. They couldn't just simply shut down one part of the Knick's game and just throw them a little off balance.

On the flip side, the Raptors were unable to use their own strengths to make up the gap between what they were giving up to New York.

Put both together, and you have a loss.

I think that when we look at it, this summer is going to have to be so development-oriented that the Raptors coaching staff is going to have their work cut out for them. For example, for all the good Pops brings into the game, he just doesn't play with any control or thought at times. Learning to assess his situation and to kick out the ball every once in a while will do wonders for his game.

Similarly, we know how much Roko will need to work on things over the summer, but Bargnani is someone else I'd like to see with a little more time. He's been tossing up that dribble-drive pull up jumper into his game a lot more recently, but at the same time, he has to be able to post up in crunch time.

by Vicious D on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Pops, Roko, Graham, Kapono were horible alst night. We just don't have a decent bench and it buried us. We tried a long bench last season and it didn't work out. We've tried a short bench this season and it didn't work out. The problem all this time has been the lack of a creator on the wings, a ncessary ingredient for all the good teams. Colangelo has to fix that this summer or else we'll be a treadmill team for years to come.

by Daniel on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Painful is how id describe torontos defence last night. They just couldnt get stops in transition, outside the perimeter, inside, you name it.

So totally agree franchise, as nice as the win streak was, this loss shows just how far the team has to go.

by fromlongrange on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I actually wasn't too upset about this loss. The Knicks every few games if you watch them, put on one of those shooting displays where they can beat anyone in the league.

Yeah, Toronto's defence sucked, but I didn't think it was THAT much worse than Saturday. Knicks just kept gunning and kept hitting from deep.

I think New York would have beaten most teams in the league with that type of shooting last night.

Hawks Tuesday is a much better test.

by lurker on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

So we are finally mathematically liminated from the post season, so now its time for the coaches to really take a look at the other pieces, and I totally agree with Franchise that JT should start giving Roko, Graham, Pops and the call up some more playing times to see who stays next season and who goes. I would love to see the Raps loose out the rest of the way. That would have us picking 7th or better. I am very optimistic for next season, I think we should keep Marion and get another another 2 guard that can create. BC should try and get that player through the draft, I am sure he can find someone....When is the dradt lottery should be interesting.....raps4life.

by RAPS4LIFE on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

isn't ben gordon a free agent this year?

Think Jake Voskuhl will be bakc? He's gritty, though unathletic.

by benjibopper on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

That's why we need Tyreke Evans. He's a creator and an amazing dribbler, and has the size and toughtness. He's the guy we need.

by Doug on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I haven’t post for a while but got to see the last 3 raptors home game. Think "god" for not tanking because me and my son would be pretty upset.

AP – Definitely the glue guy for this team and when he is knocking down shot and playing solid D this team win. Hands down….no doubt about it. With that said he his getting pretty old and it shows on the court and on the bench at times. Prefect for next year back-up SG. I fully convince he is a most to be resigned but for the right price.

Matrix – When this team is winning and in the flow Matrix is at is best. He helps a good team win but when this team is down and need someone to bring them up Matrix is not the guy. Too many times I have seen him hang his head after missing a lay-up. Too many times… but when the energy is high and flowing o boy does he shine on both end of the court. Since I was only 16 rows up I constantly catching him not paying attention in the hurdle. Always smiling and seems to have fun…even last night after the game.

Jose – The real leader on this team. I think he talks too much I swear the guy never shuts up. This is a good thing because this team needs more Jose type attitude player. Looks healthy and is Defense is not as bad as before still needs work but I can live with it. I am going to man up for calling him a pylon. There were a few times AP was bring up the ball and look at Jay for a play and Jay did not say anything and guess who was calling the play Jose. Even though he did not have the ball he was still calling the plays.

AB – Glad I had fate in this Kid unlike some people (no name) you wanted him gone in Dec. II Mango is simply unstoppable when he wants to be. He did disappear last night in the third but ….who cares.

Pop – A most to be resign. Still as a lot to learn.

by JordanFanatic on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I can't see the Spartans being able to compete with Carolina tonight, but there at least could be some intriguing one-on-one matchups (Suton vs. Hansborough, Lucas vs. Lawson etc.)

In fact, I wish that we could have seen Carolina against a club like UConn, Louisville or PITT…just not sure they’ve had the toughest route to the finals.

We'll be taking a closer look at the Final 4 prospects etc on Thursday though once the Hawks game is complete and essentially after that, it will be full speed ahead to the draft and off-season.

Sort of sinking in now that there will be no playoffs this year for us fans.

by Franchise on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I am so hoping that Mich State upset NC tonight. Like Franchise said I don't think they had a really tough route to the championship. They are favoured so the pressure should be all on them tonight. I see a huge upset tonight.

by RAPS4LIFE on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

The problem with this team really is AP, Calderon, and Marion.

They are all starter material, but they don't complement each other or the team well.

If any one of them was a get-to-the-rim type, the others would be keepers for sure.

I like them all, but one has to be upgraded.

This obvious answer would be matrix, but really maybe an effort should be made to keep them all and move AP to the bench, to play a role like stackhouse did with the mavs... he really got a lot of life out his waning skills and elevated the whole second unit.

Too bad the streak is over, but man what a relief to see this team re-moralized if that's a word. Especially Bosh... my doubts about him seem like a mere blip now and I once again hope he stays.

by axl on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Okay,
Everyone wants the status quo, and thinks that we are going to become a power. NOT!
This team is not good enough in a dollar value sense to resign everyone. Bosh will be 5 mil more. Marion is looking for some serious dough, though nothing like his present contract. Keeping what we have will push to the cap, and we need more. We need an all-world guard. A 20 point creator, defender, who plays a team game and with heart. After we keep all of the parts, we can't afford this guy (Jefferson?).

by EaseMyPain on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

With the Bosh trade talk starting to boil, the consistent theme – or tact – is that we need to get something for Bosh, cause he’s leaving. Or at least the odds are swinging that way.

I think the bigger reason that Bosh needs to be traded, is that Bargnani has more levels to go to. A 20 point average is not out of the realm for AB. Post-up Bosh is great, but a few less doses to the 4 spot, would then allow Bargnani to contribute more. We know his defense has a habit of getting better, as his offense shines, so my thinking is that more opportunities (Jose eh), could bring Andrea’s game even further.

In some ways I think Bosh will be missing the boat here. Next to Andrea, his desire to reach the highest level may be right in front of him. Next year -- No -- but definitely a better chance in 2010 – assuming some picks play out right. BC does have a decent record there ..... silver lining and all.

Understanding that a 3 month sample (of a new AB) may not make the scientific standards, I do know that the constant for those other months – Smitch – is no longer here. Of the two periods, the latter is much preferred. Of course that presupposes a free ride for Jay, for those months he was there – December coming to mind.

If we should lose Bosh to FA, I’m wondering if we couldn’t get someone almost as good, but at 2/3’s the price. By then, Kapono may be gone, and Banks .... he’ll be hanging out at the ATM, wondering why there’s millions in his account, and he feels like a regular Joe.

As far as I’m concerned, with Calderon and Bargnani we have 2 good parts that aren’t that expensive. AB will get a better salary, but it won’t be a max one. I think he likes Toronto, and is smart enough to know that max salaries can be the death of teams. But if Bosh could see himself to negotiating a one year extension – at a reasonable amount – that desire of his might see some light.

by RapthoseLeafs on Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions