Raptors Rapid Recap: Sacramento 112 Toronto 118

by RaptorsHQ - Howland on Jan 9, 2011 3:56 PM EST in Raptors Rapid Recap - 2010/11

- With most people focused on the NFL playoffs the Raptors matched-up against the Sacramento Kings and came away with a much needed W. In a game that featured some great offense and no defense the Raptors simply scored more than their opponent led by Andrea Bargnani, DeMar DeRozan and a big fourth quarter from Leandro Barbosa.

- It was really a battle of two immature teams that need time to grow. The inexperience of both squads was readily apparent with some back shot selection at times and absolutely no regard for anything even remotely looking like defense. During one time out Jay Triano actually told his team they had not played D all afternoon. Had this been any team other than the Kings it is hard to believe the Raptors would have won.

- Offensively this games was a treat to watch. Before you could blink there was another 6 points up on the scoreboard. Shots were dropping from everywhere (the Raptors hit their first 10 shots). If you are a basketball purist this was not the game for you.

- Triano continues to baffle me at times. In a game with so little defense I am left wondering why it took him so long to insert Julian Wright. Wright is not an all-defensive player but he has had such a positive impact on ball games as of late it would have been nice to see him before the fourth quarter. On the flip side Triano did find a line-up that worked featuring DeRozan at the three and managed to get the win as a result.

- For as much as Triano can be frustrating I can't imagine being a Kings fan. Coach Westfall make some questionable moves today including re-inserting Cousins into the game before half only to see him pick up another foul ensuring he logged limited minutes in the second half. Speaking of Cousins the kid has so much talent. If only you could but someone else's head on that body.

- All in all a needed W, but nothing the team should be proud of.

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Comments

wtf. is it opposite day? bargnani +13 derozan +10 to lead the team. o.O

by claws on Jan 9, 2011 4:04 PM EST reply actions

this game was right up their alley

no defense required. In fact it may have looked ackward out there today

by Not so Friendly Stranger on Jan 9, 2011 9:50 PM EST up reply actions

Nice recap

i think there is a lot to be proud of. A young and bandeg up Raps beat a team they should beat bec they were missing their star Evans. Good play from DD as well as Bargs and excellent contribution from Barbosa off the bench; The last line od the recap sounds kinda pessimistic; i thought it wasa very entertaining game which is what I want from the raps win or lose, the plus is that we won. Love the growth DD is showing and Bargs doing what he does best while pulling down 8rebs. Nice game, not perfect but nice game and nice win for the raps.

by Member29 on Jan 9, 2011 4:28 PM EST reply actions

Maybe I'm the only 1 but I am very excited by what DD and Bargs did tonight

I like the shot distribution between the 2 and I hope this is what the team’s future looks like in terms of O. Now we need to get better at D and get these results against good and bas teams. Won’t happen this yr or maybe next but there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

by Member29 on Jan 9, 2011 4:52 PM EST reply actions

They looked good, Bargnani’s passing and sharing were nice to see and he seemed genuinely happy with Derozan’s aggression and success… It’s just the defense is sad, and they were trying I thought, just failing…

by axl t on Jan 9, 2011 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

About Juju

I still think there is something behind the scenes that we can’t see. Although Triano didn’t play him as much as I would have liked, JT put Julian in in a close 4th quarter when he wanted to secure the win. Broken record – it is like everyone knows he improves the team, especially defensively, but he still doesn’t get the minutes he deserves. Regardless, I agree with Member29, in a season lacking in wins, every one should be savoured and Bargs and DD put up some solid numbers.

Walker McKenna

by Robert Archibald on Jan 9, 2011 6:11 PM EST reply actions