RaptorsHQ Rapid Recap - Denver Nuggets 96 - Toronto Raptors 81

by Adam Francis on Jan 28, 2012 12:00 AM EST in Raptors Rapid Recap - 2010/11

-The Toronto Raptors' scoring woes sans Andrea Bargnani continued in their 96 to 81 loss tonight to the Denver Nuggets. The Raps scored only 12 first quarter points, and only seven points in the game's final nine minutes ensuring a win by the Nugs at home. The loss snaps the Dinos short-lived win streak at two games.

-On the plus side, what looked like a blowout early thanks to the Nuggets 54 to 32 halftime lead, turned into a competitive affair thanks to a scrappy Raps' second unit. Players like Jerryd Bayless and Leandro Barbosa were instrumental in cutting Denver's lead down to a mere six points, but unfortunately that's as close as things got. The Dinos' offence died when the starters returned, James Johnson, a key player in keeping this one close all night, fouled out, and the Nuggets pulled away for good.

-Rudy Fernandez led all scorers with 23 points on an nearly unconscious night of shooting. He was 9 of 11 from the field and his first quarter shooting was a big reason the Raps got in the hole they did. Not to be outdone though, Nene and Danilo Gallinari both posted 20 point evenings with Danilo's 21 coming at key points in terms of keeping the Raps at bay. His 22 foot jumper with about eight minutes to play ended Toronto's run, pushed the Nuggets lead over six again, and by getting to the line four times in the game's final minutes, he effectively ensured the Raps' comeback was over.

-For the Raptors, as noted, Barbosa and Bayless both had strong scoring games, combining for 37 points off the bench. James Johnson had 16 himself but got nothing in terms of help from his fellow starters. Yes, Aaron Gray turned in a good game on the glass, grabbing 11 rebounds in only 15 minutes, but in terms of scoring, Jose Calderon and DeMar DeRozan shot a combined 6 for 25 on the night.

-Anything else of note in this one?

-Well, maybe a small pushing match between Linas Kleiza and Al Harrington with about 30 seconds left in the match.

-It got testy for a minute and there were some technical fouls and hard stares between teams.

-But that was about it and now Toronto heads to New Jersey to face the Nets and finish off this wild road trip.

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Forget

the 1 for 7 night, I like Kleiza’s grit that he showed,
Odd that Bayless didn;t get more minutes;

Team built too big a hole, Team adjusted well at half. Many positives from this game.

by Tinmann on Jan 28, 2012 12:17 AM EST reply actions

shooting helps you win more then grit does, though.

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by Justin Azevedo on Jan 28, 2012 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

When did James Johnson become a decent scorer? Did I miss something?

by HDave on Jan 28, 2012 1:02 AM EST reply actions

I've been talking about getting him into the offence (in a minimal dribbling situation) for weeks now...

He may not have a good jumper or ball handling, but in the paint with only one or two dribbles and a post move (hook, floater, spin-off) he looks to have real potential…

"the Truth"

by Mikthaniel on Jan 28, 2012 1:12 AM EST up reply actions

Well

This team is double faced: with or without Andrea, for everybody but Ed Davis. I am kind of worried. During last season, I was having an argument with the ABA guys (Anybody but Andrea) on Ed Davis. The argument from one side was “he was a double double machine” and from the other “he just scores on putbacks meaning he needs somebody else to create the offense for him”. On a team that runs, occasions to take advantage of Ed’s characteristics abound. On a team that plays Casey’s style they don’t. I am not sure you can say Ed has grown bigger during the summer but for sure he hasn’t come back with any new offensive move, which has left him with no offense at all again. What I am trying to say is, giving Ed playing time is not going to help him, as of now it helps just sinking his trade value. If you think Casey’s style of play should be here to stay, some drastic decisions on Ed Davis need to be taken. I am not sure how quickly one could teach the guy some offensive moves and offensive discipline, but it is either that or finding a suitor for his talent. Do not get me wrong, I like Ed, I am however struggling seeing he does not seem to fit and the Raptors can’t help him fitting any better. I always referred to him as “our birdman” but he is struggling with that role so, I am afraid, we are running out of options.

by renato on Jan 28, 2012 2:13 AM EST reply actions

My brother made a funny comment to me the other day. He said, "if the Toronto Raptors are 'building', they may want to check their foundation".

I’m not ready to put our youthful core out to pasture, yet. However, it gets increasingly frustrating to watch our building blocks flounder this season. A. Johnson, Davis and Derozan have all regressed this season. It’s hard to watch and be optimistic about the futur of the team. I’ve got to believe that the young fellas just need more time to adjust to Casey’s system. At some point, we need to see some progress in some area.

by Posterized on Jan 28, 2012 7:54 AM EST reply actions