Raptors Rapid Recap - Atlanta Hawks 96 - Toronto Raptors 78

by Adam Francis on Nov 28, 2010 4:50 PM EST in Raptors Rapid Recap - 2010/11

-The Toronto Raptors lost at home this afternoon in a 96-78 blowout to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite only trailing by six at halftime, the Raptors’ shoddy defense allowed Atlanta to run away with the game in the third quarter as they were outscored 25-11 in the frame.

-The Raptors had no answer for Atlanta’s offence, as five of Atlanta’s players reached double digits in scoring. Hawks forward Marvin Williams scored a season-high 17 points, while Horford and Johnson each added 16 of their own.

-While the Hawks’ offense was firing on all cylinders, Toronto’s offence had trouble getting anything done, as DeMar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani were the only two Raptors to reach double digits in scoring. This lack of offensive
production can be credited to the fact that they only hit 8.3 per cent of their shots from behind the arc, and settled for tough shots in the second half.

-While few things were going right for the Raptors, they have to be encouraged from what they are seeing from Jerryd Bayless. Despite not putting up fantastic numbers, Bayless’ motivation and determination was still present even when the game was clearly out of reach. His enthusiasm and willpower will be something that Raptors fans should get excited about for the future.

-The Raptors clearly missed the presence of the inured Reggie Evans. Joey Dorsey got the surprising start over Amir Johnson, the first of his career. While Dorsey had a respectable debut, Evans’ toughness down low was clearly missed by the Dinos as Josh Smith registered the third triple-double of his career. This is a problem that the Raptors are going to have to address as they are going to be without their physical big man for an extended period of time.
Even though he is injured, Evans was still a veteran presence for the young Raptors. In addition to cheering on his teammates from the sidelines, Evans, who is on crutches, gathered his team at half court and gave them a
motivational speech before the beginning of the third quarter.

Sean Tepper

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Comments

I picked dog of a game to see in person… everyone was in a funk, refs swallowed their whistles, dorsey starts over amir?, peja’s in a suit?

Just an off, bad game… have to say atlanta’s transition defence is awesome

by axl t on Nov 28, 2010 5:11 PM EST reply actions

Uhm no offense but until Amir can keep himself out of foul trouble the coaches should start someone off the street if they have to and manage Amirs minutes. I think in the first half he had like 2 fouls in 4 minutes of play.

by McGateway on Nov 29, 2010 9:51 AM EST up reply actions

Obviously that’s the logic triano used, but that has to be a crushing vote of non-confidence for amir. All the risks and wacky things Triano does – I just think he had to start amir…

by axl t on Nov 29, 2010 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

Next time he needs to give a better motivational speech I guess.

Glory glory Man United, AND the other MU, AAAAnd the Leafs. I think I need a drink now.

by Wan Ihite on Nov 28, 2010 6:23 PM EST reply actions

http://www.raptorshq.com/2010/10/8/1738378/2010-2011-season-prediction

When you’re right 51% of the time, you’re wrong 49.

by Ustation on Nov 28, 2010 6:28 PM EST reply actions

Pfft...

Not like you suggested the Raps would be 6-11 at the end of November…

Oh wait… lol… yea there it is right there… yup you did…

LOL, nice work…

p.s. What are the Lakers averaging so far? 110 ppg… sounds like 112 +/- 2 points to me… lol

Good on ya sir…

by Mikthaniel on Nov 29, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

Yes.. I was very confident of the 6-11 prediction.. but I will freely admit, I’m not as confident with December/January. I’m hoping I’m way off base on whether the raps either win more or lose more. Being mediocre is just not good.

by Ustation on Nov 29, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

We;re not gonna get very far

unless we develop our wings more i.e. DD, for better or worse, has to get way more touches and way more looks. He needs reps in taking his man off the dribble and getting in the lane. He needs reps reps reps in the offensive end or he will remain mediocre.

Also, the raps have reverted to the style of offense that crippled them in close games when Bosh was here. 75% of the O runs thru big men and the wings are frozen out of the game but when the game is close or getting away from us, the team is looking for a wing to create something but DD and Weems just aren’t able bec the entire game they get few looks.

by Member29 on Nov 28, 2010 7:07 PM EST reply actions

couldnt agree with you more.

Been thinking that for awhile by watching, most of the time DD just isn’t getting enough touches to at least break down the defence and try to create. That’s what theses guys wanted him to do in the summer well why not operate it during the season now? He’s never gonna develope if he doesn’t get enough reps.

by sherwin316 on Nov 28, 2010 7:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Raptors in Summer League

Were a team that relied on the wings as the focal point. The bigs were the supporting cast. Yes the competition wasn’t the same but the aggressive way the team played was a pleasant surprise that resulted in a very good record. Even on teams where the bigs are very good, Lakers, Spurs, Portland, the teams operate best with the wings as focal points. Even though some might point out Utah as an exception, Deron Williams is an all world talent, which the Raptors just don’t have.

Have teams that have needed their centre to be their most dangerous outside threat AND best interior presence fared that well? It’s games like this that really expose the problems.

Happiness is that which gets lost in the details of its pursuit.

by HQ Interloper on Nov 28, 2010 8:12 PM EST up reply actions

Sometimes they have the chance and they just hesitate then the moment’s gone. Whether off the dribble or someone flashing in the paint, Jose or whoever just doesn’t deliver the ball.

by axl t on Nov 28, 2010 8:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

+1+Question

Wouldn’t it be fair to argue that this team is tailor made for TJ Ford? Would Indiana be receptive to a Ford for Calderon swap?

Happiness is that which gets lost in the details of its pursuit.

by HQ Interloper on Nov 28, 2010 8:20 PM EST up reply actions

Ford’s just not good enough, unless of course you’re kidding…

This team needs a Nash, a Kidd, a billups, someone who is going set everyone up and make risky passes look safe.

by axl t on Nov 28, 2010 9:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

" Make risky passes look safe."

Never thought of it that way. Well said.

by Yardly on Nov 28, 2010 10:49 PM EST up reply actions

Doesn’t Bayless’s game remind you a little of TJ’s? He is probably less of a distributor than TJ but he is constantly attacking the basket.

by McGateway on Nov 29, 2010 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

The Amir question

Did Amir not start because Ed Davis is expected to very shortly? Did Amir not starting impact the team’s energy level? Did something happen in the locker room at half time that had something to do with Amir not starting and did this translate to the very poor third quarter?

Happiness is that which gets lost in the details of its pursuit.

by HQ Interloper on Nov 28, 2010 8:18 PM EST reply actions

amir ^^^

Amir flourishes off the bench, brah

by untouchable_21 on Nov 28, 2010 9:59 PM EST reply actions

About Derozen

It seems that Derozen is going to be one hell of a good player. Unfortunely, it doesn’t look like he will become “franchise player” calibur. The best tend to surface very early, ie Wall, Ty Evans, Griffin, CP3, Wade, Lebron, etc, etc. There have been some late bloomers but few.
I will say that although I still don’t see Bargnani as a “go to guy”, he has added the three key elements to his game – the 3, the mid range jumper and the drive. Right now he is their best option.

by raptball on Nov 29, 2010 7:26 AM EST reply actions

so if Bargs

just added the 3, the mid range jumper and the drive to his game… what the hell was he doing the last 4 years?

How about he adds real key elements… defense and rebounding.

by Not so Friendly Stranger on Nov 29, 2010 8:02 AM EST up reply actions

those are good examples but

Those guys also have the ball in their hands like 90% of the time more than derozan. Who’s not to say he can’t be like those guys with more reps and the ball in his hand more.

by sherwin316 on Nov 29, 2010 8:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

It's chicken-and-egg

If DeRozan was more consistently effective, he’d get the ball more. Bosh is gone, the team is nowlooking for someone to come forward and take the ball on offense. Bargnani hasn’t come through every game, but DeRozan just disappears.

I've been looking at the sky

by Back In Black on Nov 29, 2010 10:14 AM EST up reply actions