Raps Hang on Despite Fourth Quarter Collapse

Bosh posts his 38th double-double in Reggie Evans debut game

by: James Di Fiore

The first three quarters were the kind of basketball Raptor fans are getting used to. They moved the ball well, had 6 players scoring in double figures, and welcomed back Reggie Evans who played his heart out in the 5 minutes of game time he saw. Then the fourth quarter happened.

Despite the deflated effort in the final frame, the Raps were victorious at home, improving their record to 29-23 after a 104-93 victory at the ACC.

Chris Bosh scored 23 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, netting his 38th double-double of the season. Andrea Bargnani added 16 points, 7 boards and played exceptional defense throughout the game. Reggie Evans, who played just 5 minutes, supplied the Raps with an emotional boost in the second quarter.

Evans, who has missed the first 51 games with a nagging foot injury, came off the bench mid way through the second quarter to a rousing applause by the Toronto faithful. Fans were heard shouting “Reg-gie! Reg-gie!” even before the husky forward made his way to the scorers table. He responded with the kind of hustle Toronto fans were hoping for, albeit for a short stint, but provided the kind of effort that will give the next 30 games a competitive edge for the Raptors squad. In just 5 minutes of play, Evans scored 2 points, snatched 3 boards, collected a steal and drew a charge before leaving the game prior to halftime.

The Raptors may need Evans’ toughness, typified by a lacklustre final period that saw the team blow a fifteen point lead when Philly tied the game on a Thaddeus Young lay up with 2:06 remaining. They were bailed out when Willie Green fouled Jose Calderon in the corner as the Raptor guard launched a 3 pointer. Calderon successfully converted the four point play as the Raps put the game away.

Allen Iverson missed his fifth straight game to be with his ailing daughter. Hedo Turkoglu also missed the contest to be with a sick family member.

The Raptors head into the All-Star break in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, posting a 29-23 record on the season.

All Eyes on Reggie Evans

Raptors Enforcer Makes Season Debut Against Philadelphia

by: James Di Fiore

Every good story has a main character that anchors the theme of the overall tale. Most of the time it’s a centerpiece – the powerful, daunting, even tragic protagonist that sweeps audiences away from the start. And sometimes, although not often, he is unseen until the Final Act. Welcome to the Raptors 2009-2010 NBA season.

Just as the Raps have started to show fans the kind of consistency they had been lacking for much of the year, our own main character, both obvious and surprising, is making his return against the Philadelphia 76ers. Reggie Evans, the off season pickup with a menacing frame and a penchant for rebounds is finally back, and the timing has given the Raps their watershed moment.

Evans is a throwback to the days when players like Charles Oakley provided toughness, perseverance and defense – intimidating opposing teams with presence rather than skill. His career numbers are not in the same class as the game’s elite defensive players, but there are no stats to measure hustle, grit and positioning. Alas, the last time the Raps had a player like Oakley was when Charles himself called Toronto his home. Fans are hoping Evans is exactly what Oakley once was – that player providing the game’s intangibles  while relegating opposing players to limited offensive roles.

It all sounds more than ideal for a club that still gives up 30+ point quarters nearly every game. The city has been talking about Evans all year in a manner that has gone from frustrated to hopeful, optimistic to indifferent. Now that he is slated to step onto the court on Wednesday night, the expectations are completely up in the air.

Jay Triano, who was criticized for questionable substitutions early in the year, will now try to place Evans within a roster that is firing on all cylinders. Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani are averaging 36 and 34 minutes respectively, and moving Jarrett Jack into the starting lineup is the defensive edge they were seeking, forcing Jose Calderon to come off the bench and contribute in a more limited role. The move has worked as the team has posted a 14-6 record over the last 20 games, much to the credit of some clutch shooting from Marco Belinelli and defensive help from both Antoine Wright and Amir Johnson. With their core group playing cohesive basketball, Evans’ return will have to exceed expectations, taking away minutes from both Wright and Johnson while giving Bosh and Bargnani some much-needed rest down the stretch. Of course, this is all a utopian idea at the moment, born out of ideal scenario and anchored by an unknown outcome.

What’s interesting is the hardcore fans and the hopes they have rested on a player who hasn’t played one regular season game. Even more intriguing is the level of confidence Evans’ teammates appear to have in the 8 year veteran. The Raptors could end up a possible second round playoff team, or they could find themselves in the same situation if Evans re-injured his foot. Or, and this might be the most likely scenario; they find out that it is too late for Evans to come in and provide a lift for a team that is playing just fine without him.

In any event, the team will begin this last chapter against the 76ers who are without their own main character of the season, Allen Iverson. While Iverson’s drama deserves a full page on its own, Evans’ story has yet to be written.

Philadelphia VS Toronto – 7:00pm @ the ACC.
TV: TSN2

Raptors Jack the Pacers

Toronto bench triumphs as Raptors easily defeat Indiana

Jarrett Jack smiled over at his former Pacer teammates when he came in off the bench, foreshadowing what became his best effort of the season. Jack was 7 for 7 from the field, scoring 18 points and handing out 6 assists as the Raptors defeated Indiana 123 – 112.

“I felt extra energized,” Jack said. “That might have something to do with me playing against my old team, but I felt like I was in a good rhythm from the moment I was warming up with Coach Alvin Williams,” he continued. “I just came out firing, man. I just have to thank my teammates they found me on a lot of my open shots and I was able to knock them down.”

Jose Calderon also had a big game, scoring 21 points and dishing out 7 assists. The two guards played on the same line for key portions of the game, a combination that impressed Raptors Head Coach Jay Triano.

“I really liked when they were out there together,” Coach Jay Triano said. “At one point they were probably thinking they were competing for a position and now they realize they can play together on the floor as well as give each other relief.”

Last season, the Toronto Raptors had a choice between Calderon and T.J. Ford at the point. Ford was a selfish player, unable to come off the bench without feeling slighted while putting up lesser numbers than his teammate. Ford had 16 points last night but was ineffective against both Calderon and Jack when it counted, putting more pressure on Danny Granger to step up. Granger did his part, scoring a game high 36 points while fetching 9 boards, but it just wasn’t enough.

“They shot 55 percent tonight,” Granger said, also holding a copy of the box score. “I don’t even know what to say. We emphasized what we wanted to do. Sometimes we do it and sometimes we don’t and we didn’t do it tonight.”

Raptors rookie DeMar DeRozan continued to see his playing time diminish, scoring 8 points in just 10 minutes as a starter. Rasho Nesterovich finally got some quality playing time and used it productively, scoring 12 points to go along with 7 rebounds in 16 minutes. Chris Bosh struggled with his game but still had his twelfth double double of the year, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 boards in the victory for the Raps.

Toronto continues its heavy schedule today as they face off against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Raptors come up short against Orlando

Toronto’s bench shows game but can’t seal the deal at the ACC

It was one of those games that could have gone either way…if the Magic were playing Cleveland or Boston. But against the Raptors on Sunday afternoon, Orlando kept up the pressure and proved the Raps are once again a predictable squad as the game winds down.

Orlando came back from a weak first quarter and traded momentum with Toronto until both teams let their second line players ultimately decide their fates. Jason Williams, starting for the injured Jameer Nelson, and J.J. Redick hit decisive threes in the fourth quarter to put Orlando up by 10 and an eventual victory, 104 – 96.

“I think that our bench is deep,” Redick said. “We missed Vince and Rashard for several games early in the year. We’ve played with that lineup before and we’ve been successful.”

Vince Carter, who was customarily booed all afternoon, finished with 24 points, twelve of them in the third quarter. The former Raptor started the game poorly but kicked it up a notch in the second half…literally.

“The first half was a rough one,” Carter said. “I was just trying to be aggressive, trying to get into the paint, just make plays. Make the referees decide what is what. I think I was a little overly aggressive, playing a little too fast. I was trying to get there but not really playing under control. The second half when I changed my shoes, it was OK.”

Andrea Bargnani struggled for the Raps, scoring just 11 points to go along with 9 boards and fouling out with 4 minutes left in the game. Chris Bosh scored 22 points but was contained well by the Magic who made him settle for jumpers most of the game. Hedo Turkoglu was a non factor, scoring twelve points on 3 of 11 shooting from the field, while Calderon scored 16 points but managed just 4 assists.

The bigger story may have been the disappearing act of DeMar DeRozan. The rookie failed to step up against Carter and was not a factor at all throughout the game. Once again, speculation on whether or not DeRozan will still have the starting job when either Wright or Evans returns is swirling around the ACC. Head Coach Jay Triano appears to be trying to instill confidence in the young guard, but what is it costing the Raptors in the interim? DeRozan scored 1 point and 1 rebound in just over 17 minutes of playing time.

Meanwhile, Jarret Jack continued his strong play of late, handing out 9 assists to go along with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

The Raptors fall to 6 – 8 on the season and will face the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday at the ACC.

Raptors Shoot the Lights Out vs Heat

Toronto shoots 58% and continues to dominate Eastern Conference teams

They needed it. They needed it badly.

The Toronto Raptors are an interesting team this year. Once again they find themselves unable to cope with opposing big men and perimeter defense, but this time something is different.

This team can score.

The Raptors returned home and easily handled the Miami Heat 120 – 113 in a game that saw some much needed clutch shooting by Jarret Jack in the final frame. Jack scored 12 of his 17 points in the fourth, securing victory from a pesky Heat squad that rattled off a 14-0 run that cut Toronto’s lead to just 2 points.

“I just knew it was going to turn around for me at some point,” Jack said. “Last night we had the day off, and I was on the gym late getting up shots. I didn’t know when, but I knew at some point in time, it was going to pay off for me. I’m just glad it was today.”

Chris Bosh continued his contract-year style of play, pouring in 29 points and snatching 12 boards. Bosh also had four blocks in the victory. The team looked rejuvenated after looking worn out in Utah on Wednesday where they collapsed in the final half. The team outrebounded their opponents for just the second time this season.

“Rebounding is important but I think we can still do better team-wise,” Bosh said. “One thing I wanted to challenge Andrea to do this year and challenge myself to do this year is rebound the basketball. We did a good job, we just have to do a better job of limiting their second-chance points and the offensive rebounds.”

Andrea Bargnani finished with 24 points to go along with 10 boards and was key down the stretch, hitting a clutch three pointer and driving the lane with some big man authority. DeMar DeRozan, still trying to feel comfortable as an NBA starter, made up for his disappearing offense by pulling down 7 rebounds of his own. DeRozan is expected to continue starting for the Raps but may be relegated to bench status once Antoine Wright returns from a sprained ankle injury.

Dwayne Wade and Mario Chalmers each scored 30 points for the Heat who fall to a record of 7 – 6 on the year. The raptors are now 4 – 1 against Eastern Conference teams, second only to the surprising Atlanta Hawks who have an 11 – 2 record on the season overall, including a 6 – 1 record against the East.

The Raptors play the Orlando Magic on Sunday afternoon at the ACC.

Sloppy Defense Sinks Raptors in Denver

Coach Triano’s bizarre substitutions partly to blame for loss

It had the air of a preseason game by the start of the fourth quarter. Raptors head coach Jay Triano had 5 non starters on the court in an eight point deficit to the Denver Nuggets, losing 130 – 112 in an embarrassing display of poor defense and severe bench mismanagement.

Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin and Nene Halario accumulated 67 of the Nuggets 130 points, completely dominating the Raptors starters at both ends of the floor. J.R Smith also had an impressive 29 points off the bench in just 21 minutes of playing time.

The loss was another defensive collapse by the Raptors who have now allowed 109 points per game, 2nd worst in the league. It also showed Triano’s potential weakness as a coach as key players like Rasho Nesterovich played just 8 minutes while Nugget big men were scoring easily in the paint. Demar Derozan had a good night on paper, but his 17 total points came when the score didn’t matter and Anthony schooled the rookie for most of the night. Anthony was suffering from a migraine headache and still managed to dominate Toronto at both ends.

“My legs could work,” Anthony said. “As long as I could run up and down that court, I was good. One of those Doug Moe games. It ended in the third quarter, though. In the first half, we were trying to outscore them. We was going bucket for bucket. We got together at halftime and told each other we didn’t want to play like that. In the third quarter, we played old Denver Nugget basketball, getting up and down the court in transition, playing defense . It was easy for us.”

The Nuggets also managed to cool down Bosh’s game, holding the Raptors forward to just 13 points. Bosh still managed to put up a double-double by grabbing 14 rebounds, his eighth of the season – but his inside game disappeared and Triano’s team settled for jumpers while allowing the Nuggets to score almost at will.

“They were physical on Chris Bosh, they were bumping him all night and he only got two free throws,” Triano said. Denver head coach George Karl had the same thought.

“Keeping Bosh under control was huge,” Karl said. “Maybe they went away from him some, but it seemed like he never got a personality.”

The Raptors are now 5 – 6 and play the Jazz in Utah tonight.

Turkoglu’s Last Second Shot Falls Short for Raptors

Hot-handed forward misfires potential game winner against the Suns

The most competitive game against a top tier team this season turned sour for the Toronto Raptors as Hedo Turkoglu missed a shot at the buzzer, handing the Raps a heart breaking loss to the Suns, 101-100.

The miss, combined with Phoenix’s stellar shooting from the free throw line, solidified victory for the first place Suns.

Amare Stoudemire celebrated his 27^th birthday scoring 30 points, including a 10-11 night from the stripe. Steve Nash dominated fellow guard Jose Calderon, throwing down 23 points and adding 9 assists. Calderon finished the contest with just 8 points, going 3 for 7 from the field.

Stoudemire and Nash bounced back after mutual poor performances against the Lakers. The Suns’ tandem left the Raptors wishing for the kind of clutch experience the Phoenix club is known for , with Nash driving the lane, drawing the foul and scoring with 38.9 seconds left, extending the Suns home court win streak at 4 games. Channing Frye’s 6 three pointers once again exposed Toronto’s weak perimeter defense, while Stoudemire’s inside play gave Phoenix a one-two punch all night long.

“Anytime you have a game like that, especially as a team, it feels great,” Stoudemire said. “This was a bounce-back game.”

Chris Bosh had his 8^th double double for the Raptors, scoring 25 points and pulling down 10 boards. Turkoglu finished with 20 points and Andrea Bargnani chipped in with 17.

The Raptors can take a few small victories in the loss as the team finally showed it can compete against a formidable opponent like the Suns. The team shot well in the first 3 quarters but ended the game shooting just 39% in the final 12 minutes. Despite the low percentage, Toronto managed to hold the Suns when it mattered, forcing Phoenix to make clutch shots of their own.

Phoenix is currently undefeated at home this season, their 4 and 0 record matched by just the Western Conference’s Milwakee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks. The club is 9-2, good for first place in the Western Conference, and have scored over 100 points in every game so far this year.

Toronto falls to 5-5 and is a half game behind the 8^th seeded Chicago Bulls. The team travels to Denver for a game versus the Nuggets on Wednesday.

Raptors comeback ties a club record

Team defense rallies after trailing by 22 points against Clips

Call it the peek after the valley.

The Raptors showed the upside to inconsistency yesterday as they turned a 22 point deficit into a 15 point victory in Los Angeles, defeating the Clippers 104-89. As was the case in a victory against the Bulls earlier in the week, the Raps had to overcome an abysmal first half and rally to secure the win. Head coach Jay Triano, while pleased with the end result, still has no answers as to why the club shows a schizophrenic style of play thus far this season.

“We said we wanted to come out with three straight stops (in the first quarter) and we did and then they scored 15 straight (possessions) almost in the first quarter.

“I have no idea, I have no answers. Our coverages are where they’re supposed to be.

“It’s not a real high-energy group, but we find the energy as the game goes on, our offence starts to flow and we buy in at the defensive end.”

Amir Johnson was key in the comeback, pulling down 9 boards in 19 minutes of playing time while sharp shooter Marco Belinelli continued his stellar shooting with 15 points off the bench.

Belinelli, along with Antoine Wright, will force Triano to possibly rethink his decision to start hopeful rookie DeMar DeRozan at the point. DeRozan, who has better athleticism than both his backups, receives less minutes while in the starting role and has trouble containing opposing guards.

Meanwhile, the rest of Toronto’s starters carried most of the offensive load. Chris Bosh had his 7th double-double of the season scoring 21 points to go along with 14 rebounds, while Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon scored 19 and 18 points respectively. For Calderon, it was the second consecutive game he has scored 18 points, and it looks he may finally be in top form.

“I think with the repetitions of him playing more, he’s become a lot more comfortable,” Triano said of his starting point guard. “He seems to be a lot more confident.

“He struggled (early in the season) with his whole game. He wasn’t passing the ball the way he normally did and a lot of that was trying to figure out as the quarterback of this team who your players are, where to give them the basketball. He found that teams are starting to go under on screen and rolls and he’s making them pay.”

The raptors will head to Phoenix to play Steve Nash on the Suns on Sunday night.

Raptors Defensive Woes Continue

Despite shooting 59% from the field, Raptors rebounding and perimeter defense still non existent against Spurs

The Toronto Raptors have seen this script before. After shooting the lights out in San Antonio last night, Toronto collapsed under the weight of their inferior perimeter defense and rebounding woes to lose to the Spurs 131-124.

With Tony Parker and Tim Duncan out with mild injuries, Manu Ginobili picked up the slack scoring 36 points off the bench while Antonio McDyess grabbed 5 offensive rebounds – equaling the team total for the Raptors who pulled down just 29 boards. While Toronto’s offense was stellar – including a 32 point night by forward Chris Bosh – their defense was stand still, allowing Ginobli, Richard Jefferson and even former Raptor Matt Bonner to drive the lane at will.

“I thought their smalls went past our smalls,” Raptors coach Jay Triano said. “Our bigs had a hard time keeping their smalls in front of them. We’re just having a hard time stopping the penetration right now.”

The Raptors are third last in the league in opponent scoring, giving up an average of 108 points per game so far this season.

Toronto faces the Bulls on Wednesday for a 7:00 tip off at the ACC.