-It wasn't quite the win fans probably wanted as the Raps let another big lead evaporate, but this time Toronto held the fort late resulting in a 112 - 104 win over the New York Knicks.
-Interestingly, despite saying he was going to stick with his vaunted "closing line-up," Jay Triano kept Jarrett Jack on the bench for the game's final few minutes as DeMar DeRozan took his place. This seemed to allow the offense to flow more effectively and considering DeRozan had 19 points in the game and got to the line 14 times, his PT was well-deserved.
-Jose Calderon also deserves special mention for 21 points and six assists off the bench, while Andrea Bargnani had a great game, besting his Italian counterpart Gallinari, with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
-Our buddy Hedo? Well the 9 rebounds and 5 assists were nice, but the 4 of 10 shooting and abysmal shot selection and passing (especially to the low post)?? - Not so much.
-Despite being out of this one early and being down by more than 20 points, the Knicks, like the Pacers last Monday, made a game of it in the second half, relying on the shooting of Gallinari (who finished with 26 points) and Al Harrington (who had 31.) However the player of the game for the Knicks was David Lee who was one assist short of a triple double, and who early on looked like the only Knick who wanted to be playing tonight.
-From here the Raps have a much tougher test against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. This win provides some crucial momentum but Toronto is going to have to do a much better job later this weekend against a superior opponent. The hope is that Triano and crew are sufficiently prepped and rested.