Raptors Rapid Recap - Boston 114 - Toronto 107

by Adam Francis on Jan 10, 2010 3:58 PM EST in Game Day

-In a good test of "how far have we come," the Toronto Raptors dropped a 114 to 107 decision this afternoon to the Boston Celtics. Even without Kevin Garnett, the C's came out focussed and raced to a 10 point lead, and Toronto just couldn't get over the hump.

-The Raps managed to get within four with a couple minutes left, but were unable to convert on key offensive possessions, nor were they able to get the stops they needed, and in the end, the Raps winning streak was snapped.

-For Boston, the damage came mostly from two sources, Rajon Rondo and Rasheed Wallace. Rondo had his third triple-double of the season with 22 points, 13 assists and 10 boards, while Wallace gave the Raps fits from long-range hitting five of seven 3-pointers and dropping in 29 points and 8 boards.

-Toronto as usual was led by Chris Bosh with 31 points and 13 rebounds, and again he got some great help from Andrea Bargnani who had 23 and 5. Jarrett Jack came on late in the game and finished with 15 while Marco Belinelli also gave the team some nice minutes finishing with 14 points.

-While he had a team-high nine assists, Hedo Turkoglu was the goat again this afternoon though five points in 32 minutes of action. On an afternoon when the Celtics' wings, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, combined for 32 points, Hedo's five along with DeMar DeRozan's seven were simply inexcusable, and the key difference in a game that actually saw Toronto outscore Boston on the break and in the paint.

-Neither team was great defensively, and while Toronto managed to get Boston under more control late in the game, it was too little too late. The Dinos just didn't make Boston work hard enough for their shots through most of this one and it showed in the final score.

-The good news is, the Raps did show some fight and hopefully they can quickly put this one behind them to focus on the upcoming games against Indiana and New York. Toronto simply isn't on the Boston level right now but that doesn't mean that they can get back above .500 over the coming week to keep gelling as a group.

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raps showed some fight

at least raps played with some heart and only lost by 7 so thats not to bad i hope we can beat the pacers and knicks to go two over .500 its possible

by raptors_run_the_show on Jan 10, 2010 4:06 PM EST reply actions

Rondo is the KEY to Boston

As I stated in the preview to control and beat Boston you must control Rondo. With a triple double Jack (known for his defence) failed miserably in this regard, playing poorly. The Raptors played poorly in the 1st qtr starting 0-10 and never caught up, losing the 1st qtr for the 3rd game in a row. Is it time for a change to start the games ???

Bosh and Bargnani need more help, as two against five, does not lead to winning, and Jack and Belinelli in the 4th were to little, and two late, and Turkuglu invisible, for most of the game.

In the end Raptors are just not good enough yet, to beat ELITE teams like Boston, who have players like Rondo and Wallace playing well above their average games..

by Johnn19 on Jan 10, 2010 5:32 PM EST reply actions

Banks

I think we missed his defence on Rondo today as Jack and Calderon were simply outclassed. He could’ve provided an option.

by Scores on Jan 10, 2010 10:49 PM EST up reply actions

Scary thought eh?

Thought Jose played well on O but pretty tough for anyone to stay with Rondo…

by Adam Francis on Jan 10, 2010 11:29 PM EST up reply actions

All points have been made

Turk and DeRozan just got outplayed by their counterparts. Even at home, if we don’t all bring our A game against the Celtics, we don’t stand a chance.
Coach called a great broadcast. Lately he has been refreshingly candid. Turk was brought in to address needs and today, in a big game, didn’t show up. Our bench didn’t bring it tonight as well.

Far from down on this team still like what I see. They battled all game, just couldn’t jump that last hurdle. Celtics are a good team.Better tthan our Raptors. Rondo is an all time draft steal.

Lets see how this team bounces back. We are approaching a favourable stretch in the schedule. Only 5 of the next 17 opponents are over 500 and 10 games are at home. Lets see this team seperate from the pack and get on some kind of roll.

by Tinmann on Jan 10, 2010 10:42 PM EST reply actions

Home court Sundays

4 and 4 so far this year. Used to be an advantage.Blamed the night life.
Overall home record is still allrite, yet not overwhelming.

by Tinmann on Jan 10, 2010 10:45 PM EST reply actions

What could be learnt?

Boston did a couple of things that perhaps the Raps should look at. They have at least two offensive sets, one that works very well for their pure shooters -Allen & House which is running the baseline screens. In that , the defender is forced to fight past two screens, the last being the strong side low post. It seems very hard to defend but the Celtics only use it part time – it seems like it’s their “go to” offence.
Secondly, the Celtics recognize their own hot hand and keep going to it. In this game, it was Wallace. In one sequence, a Boston player was wide open in the corner but skip passed to Wallace on the other side and he hits the open three. For the Raps, there doesn’t seem to be that recognition. In the past few games Bargnani has had it going but it does appear that there is any deliberate effort to get him the ball when he is shooting it well.

by RT... on Jan 11, 2010 7:06 AM EST reply actions