Double Trouble

Toronto Raptors flat out were humiliated by the Denver Nuggets 10 days ago. They had no Chris Bosh and no hope when all was said and done. In the life isn't far category as well is the fact that Denver plays a Raptor team that is one game above .500 that is secure in it's playoff destiny. Denver is a better team and on the outside looking in. Blame geography for the reason and the fact that the Western Conference is so good. Chris Bosh and T.J Ford had birthdays the next day and a win over Denver would be a great present. But they would not just be given it. The Raptors would start the game on a 5-0 run and look to control the pace of the game. Denver has been scoring at a crazy rate. The high point of that came after the beating they laid on the Raptors they scored 168 against Seattle. The Raptors with Bosh this time around could afford to play in the half court against this team unlike in Denver. Still no matter how much the Raptors will try you have to think this game was going 3 digits on both sides. Allen Iverson has always killed the Raptors. He has his highest scoring average vs any team against the Raptors at 30 points a game. He is always a concern for Toronto.

It is really amazing how much a first shot can impact on Andrea Bargnani. If he hits it then the chances are good he is going to do well...Today he shoot he scores. He was 4 of 5 from field to start. Raptors were up by 9 as Andrea Bargnani had an Alley Oop to up his % and points which was now at 11. Bosh meantime on just before his birthday was handing out the gifts with 5 assists just about 3/4 of the way through the first. Bargnani was on fire he was at 16 points and in danger of doing more damage. Raptors were lighting it up and it was almost a case of role reversal from 10 days earlier. Not quite as bad for Denver but the Nuggets were shooting poorly and trailed by 12 points. Bargnani was 7 of  8 in the quarter with his 16 points to lead the Raptors. He would end up doing nothing beyond this quarter. The Team shot 66.7% and lead 35-23. That was the highest point total in a first quarter this season. 

Bargnani missed his first 2 attempts in the second quarter. But Raptors were hanging on to it's 12 point lead. Denver would hit a three to cut the lead to just 9 and Sam Mitchell would call a time out to try to avoid a Denver run by breaking the momentum off the 3 point shot. But Denver would keep coming they were on a 10-2 run and back in the game. J.R Smith was the one getting it done with 12 points helping his team back into within 4. T.J Ford would score and then drop a dime Raps were back up by 8 points. Calderon would return and start firing and Raps were back up to an 11 point lead thanks to a Jose 3 pointer. Bosh meantime was starting to look like he was gonna challenge for a pre-birthday triple double as he was up to 6 assists which would be likely the hardest number for him to get to 10 in a given game. Calderon was continuing to stay hot as he and Chris bosh were having a bit of a role reversal with Bosh dropping dimes to Jose. Bosh had 7 dimes and Jose 10 points. Nuggets had 44 points after one quarter in Denver but today in Toronto they had just 46 in the half. Raptors headed to the locker room with an eight point advantage up 54-46.

Andrea Bargnani after the hot start would struggle missed his first shot and picked up his 3rd foul. Nuggets were starting of looking to get back in the game. Moon would Block Melo and would be tripped up and come up a little gimpy. But he would be fine draining a rare three seconds later. Raptors had quickly responded to the Nugget push and pushed back harder to get back to now a 9 point lead. Iverson had a quiet 17 for the Nuggets if that is possible. But he would turn up the volume a touch and score to get Nuggets back to with in 4 once again. In the last game a quiet Lebron James caught fire and burned the Raps coming from behind. They did not want Allen Iverson to do the same. There was also Carmelo Anthony to deal with who had 18 of his own. Raptors were looking to reestablish control and not lose the big lead they had built early on. Bosh had a double double that he was 3 assist away from making a triple double. But he would be more concerned about preserving a win. Raptors were clinging to the lead for dear life. The lead had shrunk to just 1 point with less then a minute to play in the quarter. The would lead by just a basket 73-71 after leading by as many as 17 at one point in this game.

The team that could win the final quarter would likely be the winner. Denver after going down so much had to feel fortunate to be back in the ball game. A sellout crowd the 27th of the season did not want to watch the Raptors blow this ball game. They also did not want to see Iverson do it to the Raptors again. Denver made it's first shot a 3 and had lead for the first time since early in the first. Denver hit 3 consecutive 3 point shots to start the quarter. Raps would be scoring too but need to address a major leak on the perimeter of this defense. Iverson like James had done just couple nights ago was heating up down the stretch with 26 points and Raptors were in danger of the same fate that they suffered in Cleveland on Friday. Down 5 coming out of the time out Raptors would charge back to within 1 and Bosh was within 1 assist of his first career triple double. A Moon Alley Oop from the inserted into the line-up Jose Calderon and Raps were back in front. The crowd was energized by the Raptors and could they now return the favor as the Raptors were on an 8-0 run and back in front by 3. We had a march madness style finish looking likely. Carmelo Anthony was a star in March Madness for Syracuse and he was showing why he is in the NBA scoring 4 straight points to get the Nuggets back in front. A very entertaining game to watch as a basketball fan. A very nerve racking experience for a Raptor fan or Nugget fan for that matter. Jamario Moon was frustrating Anthony though always play him tough and trying to block him at ever turn. That frustration would lead to an offensive foul on Melo his 4th and it gave the ball back to the Raptors how had taken the lead back and would add to it as Bosh would hit 2 free throws and extend the slim lead to 3. Quickly erased by a Melo 3 point shot. Tie Game!!! Jose Calderon has stage presence as he makes big shots. He hit a 3 pointer to vault the Raptors back to the lead. Anthony had 29 and Iverson a matching 29 the Raptors were still answering every challenge. This was a case of 2 teams that badly needed a win late in the season and it showed. Raptors had 7 players in double digit scoring to counter the amazing combo of Anthony and Iverson. 98-98 with 2:20 left on the clock this was looking to be a great finish. A Bosh turnover gave Nuggets a chance to extend a 2 point advantage and Allen Iverson would nail a dagger 3 ball. Raps down 5 and time out Toronto.

Could the Raps rally and save this one from slipping through their fingers? The answer would be no another costly turnover and a clear path foul was called making this game all but over. Nuggets had a 7 point lead and the ball in a game that just seconds earlier was tied. A Moon steal and dunk would only tease fans into thinking Raps still had a shot. Carmelo Anthony would answer that with a jumper and nail it. 69 combined between Iverson and Anthony. Bosh would never get that 1 assist and his team would not get a win going down 109-100. The Raptors were through 70 games and at .500 at 35-35. No good news looking at the schedule as well as the will have to beat Detroit Pistons to keep from going below .500. That is another problem that would be that could be the team the Raptors will have to face in round 1 of the playoffs. Hard to feel good about things with the way this finished. Another good effort but not a complete one.

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/23/iverson-and-anothy-nba-tag-team-champs/

Boxscore: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=28032302

Bow Down To The King

This Game had a playoff feel to it. There was history made in it as well as Lebron James became all-time leader in Cavs scoring. Almost right after they had a small stoppage in the game to mark the event he then accidental scored for the Raptors. Chris Bosh was not looking for his help but would take it. He had 11 of his own points and his Raptors were up by 1 after one thanks to Lebron James.

Raptors had same type of effort they showed against Miami they just had a willing opponent to do battle with on this night. The teams would trade baskets through out the beginning of the second quarter. The lead going back and forth. This game was showing all the excitement of March Madness contest in the NCAA with far more skilled athletes. Cavs started an attempt to pull away up by 4 with 6 plus minutes remaining in the half. The Raptors were playing well but hit a bad patch with Lebron James on the bench his team was extending it's lead. Raptors were not able to defend as well which was ok when they were matching but became an issue when they were not. Cavs had a 9 point advantage and the Raptors shooting had gone cold. Jose Calderon would break the ice and then score again off a Cav turnover. The Jose show continued he had 7 straight points and the Raps were back to with in 2 points. Both teams struggled to score down the stretch of the half. Cavs had one last chance to score but could not and would have to settle for a 45-42 lead at the half.

Just a little time to grab a snack and check on your brackets before the second half. Ex-Raptor Dell Curry has a son that plays for Davidson he dropped 40 in a win for his side over Gonzaga. He one day will be in th NBA. But Lebron James and Chris Bosh are already there and battling hard for a win for their respective teams. Bosh opened the half with a dunk and he had 15 and Raps were down just 1. They carried over a 9-2 run from the first half. Cleveland had gone very cold missing 13 consecutive shots and that ended with a bang on a Lebron James Alley OOP Dunk courtesy of his recently new point guard Delonte West. Chris Bosh looked tired but was fighting through the fatigue and Anthony Parker tied the game at 49. Parker would respond to a Cleveland reply with another 3 pointer and Raptors were in the lead 52-51. Apparently it wasn't the mask as far as Bargnani he was scoreless to this point in the ball game. But Raps were doing ok without his contribution on the offensive end. They were up 4 courtesy of a highlight dunk brought to you by Jamario Moon. Raptors were at the very least making a statement that should these two teams meet in playoffs it was going to be entertaining and not easy for Cleveland. Lebron James though had 12 in the quarter and has always had great success against the Raptors. The question would be would it be enough to get his Cavs to the winner's circle on this night? He would have to do it without Ben Wallace who left the game with back trouble. The Raptors would find themselves with a still up 4 points 67-63 heading into the final quarter.

Cleveland would start the fourth quarter with some purpose and fought back to tie the game at 68. Bosh was battling hard and you could really see the effort he was making to fight through his lack of conditioning returning from his injury. One of those Raptor killers that only seem to do it against the Raptors like Roger Mason Jr. in Washington does and so does Damon Jones on the floor for Cleveland. He had a couple of threes and gave the Cavs a one point lead. Lebron James had been silent to some degree in the quarter that was ended with another poster that he created giving the Cavs a 3 point advantage. Jose Calderon to this point was a spectator and if Raps didn't win no doubt it would be a talking point. But T.J Ford would hit a 3 point shot and score again almost as if he sensed his time on the floor was in danger. But Lebron James could care less about a point guard controversy in Toronto he was too busy making posters as he had back to back dunks that were equally as impressive as the first. This is the reason many Raptors fans would rather take on Superman as he is a lightweight compared to King James. Maybe that isn't fair to Dwight Howard but his history vs. Toronto is far less successful. James to this point had 24 points and 10 rebounds. Jose Calderon would return after a Raptor time out. Raps were hanging tough but it was very evident it was not going to be easy. James was heating up and the Raptors just may not have had the answer for it on this night. The Cleveland Cavs had a 86-79 lead with under 3 minutes to play. James was just not able to be stopped he had 29 points after just 6 points in the first half. Raptors fans have seen this all before. Raptors were running out of time and hope down 5 points with under a minute to play. A last attempt by Bosh would miss after a time out and that would pretty much end any hopes of a Raptor comeback. In the end a 90-83 win for the Cavs.

The Effort was there but the result was not and the ability to stop Lebron James was just not something the Raptors have been able to show for a full 48 minutes. These are the reasons a series vs. James would be a tough task to say the least for the Raptors. Eventually though in the Eastern Conference you will need to have an answer to how to control Leborn James. That is right to say control cause stopping him is near impossible. 

Boxscore: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280321005

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/21/king-makes-raptors-bow/

Bosh Back On Defense!!!

Chris Bosh was in the line-up and the entire Raptor squad was predictably energized. Raptors started strong and it was a collective team effort. Having Bosh in the line-up seemed to have given this entire Raptor team it's swagger back. The Heat are bad and no Wade or Marion but they were coming of a rare win against the Bucks. The Beat down was in full effect as Raps had 29-16 lead after 1 quarter of play. The Raptors shot 59% from the field and Moon and Bargnani were off to great starts.

Raps would continue the strong play behind T.J Ford as the did with Jose Calderon. Raptors had jumped out to a 16 point advantage and had foot firmly on the gas pedal. Get out the Salami and Cheese the Heat were done. The Old Raptors were back and everyone was getting in on the act Ford even hit a rare 3 point shot to extend the lead to 21. You can point to lots of things that were better. But basically it comes down to two things Attitude and Effort. Add in a very tired and under staffed Miami Heat team. You had the perfect tonic to end all the woes of the Raptors. The confidence of just Bosh in uniform raised the level of his team to a level that just was not there when he was out. Raptors were shooting at a high level and were bringing it on defense and convinced the Heat early and often that they had no chance to win. The score was 58-26 a Raptor Record for lowest points allowed after a record high they gave up in Denver. Raptors are just hard to figure out at times. This was not as much so given the variables of this contest. But all that said a 32 point half time lead and a team record for defense I don't think anyone could have expected. Bosh in his first half in a long time had 6 points and 6 rebounds in just 11 minutes of action. Rasho Nesterovic off the bench lead the Raps with 12 and Andrea Bargnani in a mask was doing his best Rip Hamilton impression and had 11.

Calderon had a lottery number type game with 6 assists, 5 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals break out Dora the Explorer for your Spanish translation on that. The masked Andrea Bargnani was super hero like with 14 points after draining a 3 to start his second half. It was 66-32 and this game was on cruise control and Jamario Moon was holding his own dunk contest throughout this game along with a tremendous effort on the glass. There were no signs of the team that had been just awful on the west coast trip. The Chris Bosh welcome back party was a huge success so far and still a quarter more to celebrate. the score was 78-45 and the party was in high gear.

Joey Graham was on the guest list and was getting his groove on as a late arrival. If they had on a Raptor uniform on they were getting it done on this night. The Toronto Raptors were doing a fine impression of their fan base a complete 180 from the last game to this game. You may not want to have any sympathy for the Miami Heat but to gain a bit of perspective Miami is down 8 regulars from the line-up. They are a team in transition with a lot more questions then answers. The one constant for Toronto from the Utah game to tonight's game back to back Maceo Baston sightings. That was about the only thing that was the same. Cleveland on the road has a much different look than the last time the Raptors saw them and that game on the road will be a much better indication on where this Raptor team is at. In fact the next 3 games will be as after that they return home to take on the the Nuggets that embarrassed them and the Detroit Pistons who traditional have owned the Raptors and Bosh. But who could blame Raptor fans if they didn't worry about that on this night. Everyone connected to this Raptor Organization deserved to enjoy this win. It was already a historic night and more history would be made as the Raptors were well on the way to setting a team record for fewest points allowed. About the only drama was if the fans would get there pizza. The pizza was not mean to be and to be honest who the heck cares. Fans need to get a grip as they booed a Raptor turnover that coast them the chance at pizza. The final was 96-54 a Raptor Franchise low for points allowed. Jamario Moon had a personal record as well with 14 rebounds. For the rest of the stats on this history making night check the boxscore below and Podcast is on the way.

Box Score: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280319028

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/19/bosh-return-is-a-party-for-raptors/

Some Other Info

Just a few other little notes. March Madness starts tomorrow. Check here for some thoughts on what is going on with the madness. It is not to late to join are March Madness group the cut off time to join and have your bracket done is 11 am est. Here is the link:

http://apps.facebook.com/cbssports/groups/group/11199

There is also a group on thescore.com 

Group Name: Dino NATION MARCH MADNESS

Password: DINO

I also am always looking to stay in touch with the people that read this blog. In an attempt to do that and to give you all a chance to say what you like and don't like about the blog now you can do so as well as get to know the other people that read the Blog as well. So if you have facebook you can now Join the DINO NATION BLOG group. Here is a link.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15079925900

Hope you will join and add your input to the on going growth of the Dino Nation Blog. I want people to feel they can be able to interact with me as much as possible. I plan on having questions and comments day on here very soon as the numbers have started to grow. Thanks as always for being part of the Dino Nation Blog.

Sam Mitchell Cost The Raps

Well four losses in a row the Raptors decided to trick the Jazz into thinking they were the Celtics by wearing green. Actually it was for St Patrick's Day and Raptor Fans should drink the green beer to at least have a little fun because the Jazz are just double tough in Salt Lake City. Raptors would be tired as well closing out this awful road trip. The news that Bosh will return on Wednesday when they return home. basically everything pointed to an easy win for the Jazz. But as a wise man once said that is why they play the games.

The Raptors looked different in the green and they got off too a decent start in the first four minutes down 6-5. Andrea Bargnani already had 2 fouls but Sam Mitchell rolled the dice on the youngster. Jazz were returning from an east coast trip where they played 4 in 5 nights. Maybe after all the high scoring no defense brand of basketball the Raps could grind it out with Utah and catch the Jazz sleeping. This was an ugly game but the Raptors found themselves with a lead of only 10-9 lead with 4:00 minutes left in the quarter. Better defense or sleeping giant in the Jazz? Little of both would be the answer but the Raps were showing some effort but the Jazz were no doubt having an off night. T.J Ford entered the game and made a ill advised pass on a 3 on 2 and the Jazz would go back up by 1. Sam Mitchell called for time and looked to settle down his back-up point guard. After the time out we had a Maceo Baston sighting. Baston the former wolverine would match-up against former Duke star Carlos Boozer. It would end up tied at 16-16 after one. It was painful to watch but Raptors did not care after the trip they have had. The only thing that was important was the tie score. Raptors shot just 27% in the quarter just to drive home the fact of how ugly it was.

The second quarter the scoring on both sides was starting to increase but it would be hard not to after that first quarter. The Jazz started to get it in gear and jumped ahead 29-21. Ronnie Price was doing a solid job with his second unit for Utah and T.J Ford was not for the Raptors. Jose Calderon would return with the Raps down 6 points and Jason Kapono was having the start of back to back good nights. The Jazz were starting to pull away with a 36-27 lead the largest of the night. So thoughts of a St. Patrick's Day miracle were fading fast for the men in green. It took a little longer than it had on other nights in this trip but once again the Raptors were down big as the Jazz continued to extend the lead to 12. Andrea Bargnani continued to struggle picking up his 3rd foul with little success. Mitchell once again would leave him out there. He just looks lost on the floor and has started too look much like he did early in the year when he was in a major funk. Raptors would make a minor rally and get a technical foul shot that was called on a frustrated Deron Williams who wanted a call and didn't get it. But he did bounce back after a slow start to get 10 points in the quarter. His Jazz would take a 9 point advantage into the locker room for the half time break.

Jazz shot a amazing 72% in the second quarter. However watching this Raptor road trip it seems far less impressive. Raps would come out fighting to start the 3rd quarter. Andrea Bargnani finally found his way on the score sheet for something other than a foul making his first score of the night a 3 point shot. Raptors had cut the Jazz lead to just 4 with 8:40 left in the 3rd. Hope was reborn on Raptor side of things. Bargnani hit another shot and the Raps were on a 13-5 run and back to within 1 down 52-51. Like a bad rerun that this road trip has seemed to be the Jazz would stop the run right there. Every time on this trip the Raptors have got close or even a small lead the other team has responded and taken over. It happened in Oakland and Last Night. The Raptors were hoping to change their luck on the 3rd go around. Cue Anthony Parker who had a block on Deron Williams earlier and than hit a shot to get Raps within 1 again. Jose Calderon would also start to heat up and that earned him some extra floor time. He had 15 point and 7 assists to this point in the game. But Raptors had yet to get over the Hump(No Kris Humphries Reference Intended) but were with in shouting distance of a lead. Raps had several chances to tie or pull ahead but had yet to deliver. The Jazz shooting had gone back to cold from red hot and the Raps finally got back to even at the end of the 3rd quarter. If you were scoring this like a boxing match we had a round even and a round for the Jazz and one for the Raptors. Who would get the K.O in the 4 th round. That was to be determined.

T.J Ford would start the 4th and continue to struggle and the Jazz would cash in on his mistakes to jump back in front by 7 points. Ford and his team mates just seem to be out of sync and it is getting frustrating for him, the team and the fans. How long could Sam Mitchell afford to leave Jose on the bench? Ford clearly was frustrated and not on his game at all. Even things where he was not involved were going wrong as it was like bar karma taking over the Raptors. I often defend both Sam and T.J but this was a mistake leaving T.J in the game. It really was not fair to T.J or Jose to leave Ford in. Raptors were down 8 points and had only scored 4 points in the quarter. T.J Ford frustrated with the Referees and himself would blow up. He got two Technicals back to back and was gone. The Referees did what same Mitchell should have done and sat Ford down for the rest of the night. This game had totally gotten off the tracks and Sam Mitchell is really as much to blame as his players. I am as big a T.J Supporter as anyone but it was clear to even the untrained basketball eye that Ford was not on his game. Sam Mitchell needed to save his team and his player from a situation that was going wrong and he did not. Rasho Nesterovic meantime has totally sold me on the fact he needs and deserves to start. He had 13 and 12 so far for a double double. The only thing I can say is Rasho is not exciting and not a number one pick but he does what is needed. You have to wonder what Chris Bosh was thinking sitting on the bench watching his team fall apart in front of his eyes. Raptors were heading for their 5 th lose in a row. They have been just 4-11 without Bosh. He will return Wednesday and need to rally his troops in a major way. These are the times where you earn the labels like LEADER and FRANCHISE PLAYER. Maybe this kind of meltdown was needed to allow the Raps a way to start over. They have fallen to just one above .500. The Jazz would coast to an easy win 96-79. Raptors had a long flight home to Toronto to workout their issues.

Boxscore: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280317026

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/17/meltdown-in-utah/

Bargnani Was A Non-Factor

Most pointed to this night as the best chance at win on this road trip. This fact will not support that theory. The last Raptor Victory at the Kings was in 1997 with Damon Stoudamire and Marcus Camby and the old dino uniforms. But the embarrassment that happened in Denver you would hope would add some jump to the Raptors. News that Bosh is looking at a Wednesday return vs Miami as well. What could the Raptors show without Bosh in these next 2 games? So far they have not shown much. the most noticeable thing has been the slow starts a problem that they had with Bosh and had been exposed even more without him. Primoz Brezec pulled his groin in the warm-up was not a good sign.

So cross your fingers and pray cause here we go. Same old story it would seem down 21-11 half way through the first quarter. Jose Calderon once again was not effective and he went to the bench Andrea Bargnani also had been sent prior to that. Sloppy play with turnovers by both teams. But Raptors were getting it taken to them again. Raptor defense was leaking again. Ron Artest will be on the market this off-season and if Raptor defense continues this way he may look good in Raptor red. All this being said the Raptors were only down 32-23. The way the team has been playing down single digits after one quarter of play was a improvement.

Ford in relief of Calderon was not much better. T.J seems to be trying to do what people have been asking of him but the passes he is making would be fumbled away with his team thinking he would shoot. The Raptors still were down 9 and they were being allowed a chance to get back in the game if the would take it. Sacramento had 12 turnovers with still half of the second quarter to play. But instead the Raptors would not take advantage and the Kings would extend the advantage that had been stuck on 9 up to 15. Jose would return and spark the Raps to a run of  9-0 run to get back to within 6. Raptors had signs of life being lead by shooting of Jason Kapono. The lead was shrinking as Kings turnovers continued. Raptors were back in the ball game down 1 with a minute to play in the half. Kapono had 16 to lead the Raps and they trailed Kings 53-49.

The once comfortable spot of 5th in the east was fading fast as the Wizards and Sixers are moving up. A solid second half and a win was badly needed. Andrea Bargnani who had just 2 first half points would hit a 3 point shot and Parker a drive and a score and the Raptors had a lead of 1. Hey the way things have been a lead of 1 is note worthy. The lead would only last a short time as the Kings pushed back in front 70-58 going on a 15-2 run. Much like in Golden State the Raptors had fought back from a slow start to take a lead only to watch it evaporate in front of their eyes. You could see the disgust on Sam Mitchell face at the lack of defensive effort. They Raps would swap point guards again and T.J Ford would lead the troops back to within 3 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Helping him out were Anthony Parker and Jason Kapono.

T.J Ford would start the fourth and struggle and so would the rest of the Raps starting the quarter slow. The Kings would never take control and pull away despite the Raptors struggles. It was almost a case of the first team that would step up and act like they wanted to win could do it. Teams would trade baskets for awhile between a 4 to 6 point lead. The Kings would break it to an eight point lead causing the Raptors to call a time out. Calderon would return and be given the task of finding a way to get a win. he would answer the call helping his teammates get baskets and decreasing the Sacramento advantage to just 1 with 3:00 minute to play. That would be as close as they would get. Kevin Martin was key in the final minutes and throughout with 32 points to lead his team to 106-100 win. Raptors are now 4-10 without Chris Bosh in the line-up. That likely could go to 4-11 as Raptors face a tough Utah team that plays well at home. Jason Kapono ended up with 26 points. But it was not enough. Another loss and the losing streak stretches to 4 games.

Boxscore: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280316023

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/16/kingsraps-post-game/

No ANSWERS

Not even a broken right ring finger would stop Allen Iverson from being in the line-up for the Nuggets. He has always been big in games vs. Toronto through his NBA career. Chris Bosh remains sidelined with his knee injury. Some speculation that he might be back when the Raptors get back from this road trip. The Raptors would rather he was here to help try to save this west coast trip but he does not look like he will. So that being said it was time to take on the Nuggets. The Raps had not scored a win in Denver since 2003 so it would not be easy.

The start would be better than the one a few nights earlier in Oakland. The Raps were down 18 after one quarter vs. the team Denver is chasing for the last playoff spot in the west. Closer but still the same defense that has been torched for 117 points in two straight games. Easy lay ups happen on Raptor defense will not make the NBA commercial campaign but it was happening. An Iverson circus shot and a 3 point play gave the Nuggets a 21-17 lead and gave Anthony Parker foul number two. Not good news as he has been playing well on offense and had the defensive assignment of Iverson. Sam Mitchell would roll the dice and leave Parker in the game. Rasho Nesterovic was hot as he got off to a good start having 9 points early and was making jump shots from 17 feet away. But the Nuggets were playing to the script that had been laid out for them by the Laker and Warriors as they would go on a 7-0 run sparked by who else Allen Iverson who had 9 points to this point and his team a 28-19 lead. Raps were in a track meet again which they would prefer not to be in. The difference between the Raptors and Western Conference are many but most of all it is about desperation. Raps didn't have it and the Nuggets did. More foul trouble for the Raptors as well as Rasho Nesterovic got a foul and a technical and was on the bench with 3 fouls. Nuggets would extend the lead and much like in Golden State T.J Ford would enter the game down 12. Remember that better start? FORGET ABOUT IT!!! Ex-Raptor Marcus Camby as to add insult to injury would drain a 3 point shot to close out a 23-4 run to end the quarter and the Nuggets end up one up Golden State with a 44-23 lead after one.

The Raptors defense was being abused the Nuggets were shooting 72% after one quarter of play. Raptors were in the high mountain air of Denver but were drowning on the basketball court. It looked more like a Nugget shoot around than a NBA contest. Allen Iverson was 7of 7 from field with 17 points. Raptor fans have seen this movie before many times. Sam Mitchell would get frustrated to the point of drawing a technical of his own. Had he been smart he'd have got 2 to avoid watching his teams disgraceful effort.How bad did it get? A Raptor Record for an opposition in First Quarter scoring with the 44 points and in a half of basketball with 79 points.

Talking about the second half would be a waste of time. Other than to make mention of the fact that Denver fans are really classy as they gave a round of applause for Raptors assistant coach Alex English who stared for the Nuggets in the 1980's. Basically the second half was all garbage time. We will find out just what kind of leader Chris Bosh is when he comes back. This team is disoriented and dysfunctional. Can he pull everyone back together upon his return. He was ironically on the bench watching this game. The other 2 games he was not seen as he was rehabbing in the back. What he saw mush be very concerning. the fact the Raptors are losing to good teams in the west is not the issue. The way they are is. For the record the Final score was 137-105. Raptors now lead Washington by just 1 game in the lose column with their 31st lost of the season and a record of 34-31. Iverson had 28 points in just 32 minutes with his busted Finger.
 
Boxscore:http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280314007

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/14/denver-aftermath/

Raps Rally But Fall

Could the Toronto Raptors give a same type of effort that they did the night before in L.A? That is the thing Raptor fans would hope for from them in Oakland. The run and gun Warriors are a tough test for any team coming of a game the night before. Warriors started the season 0-6 but when Stephen Jackson returned in a win against the Raptors they have not looked back. Hanging on to the 8th spot in the western conference fighting off the Denver Nuggets who were winners earlier in the night. Golden State would do what they do by getting off to a big run 18-4 to start the game. Raptors were shooting blanks and Warriors were taking advantage. Raptors were in danger of getting run right out of the gym. Raptors were taking on water and sinking fast down 25-11 with 4:00 minutes to play in the first and were making things far to easy for the home side. Turnovers and bad shooting were not helping matters.

T.J Ford would enter the game hoping to spark the Raptors back to life. He was coming off a great night in L.A and with the team far behind he would need to get everyone on track and find away to get some points for himself along the way.However Ford was not able to help matters in fact he just added to the troubles as the Warriors lead 35-17 after one quarter. Warriors had got the track meet style of game that they love to play. The Raptors were running the track meet with cement shoes just shooting 34%.

The only thing going right for the Raptors was the play of Antony Parker who would have 13 on the half. However no one was playing defense as the Golden State team exposed the Raptors in transition. Monte Ellis was outstanding for the Warriors and he just was tearing it up . He has become a key player for the Warriors and is one of the rising stars in the NBA and Raptors and their fans were seeing just why. He would end up with 33 points on the evening. But as good as the Warriors can be on Offense they can be just as bad on defense. At one point the Warriors lead by 20 points Raps were chipping away and got back to with in 11. Against any other NBA team that would not be worth mention. But against Golden State that 11 does not hold the same value. They give themselves and the team they play much more chances to score.If a pizza place in Oakland ran the same promotion they do at the ACC than they would go out of business fast. Speaking of fast that is what was happening to the Warrior lead it was shrinking fast. After struggling in the start T.J Ford had 10 points and 7 assists leading the Raptor comeback. Kris Humphries had 10 points as well off the bench. The Raps would end the half down 10 but looking much better than they had in quarter number one.

The Raptors seem to have developed a new duo to combat the loss of Bosh. Ford and Parker were good in L.A and good through 1 half in Oakland. Could they lead the Raps back to a improbable victory. We would have to wait and see as Jose Calderon would return to start the second half along with Parker. He would start to take a page from T.J Ford's book taking and making his shoot with some regularity. A Parker three point shot and Raps got to within 6 points. But the Warriors would sense the game slipping away and extend the lead back to 11 with in about 20 seconds. The track meet was back on and the Raps now had on some track shoes as well. Defense in this game was a myth or some kind of urban legend cause you were not seeing it. It looked more like a video game at times than a NBA contest. In an attempt to continue the mad pace Sam Mitchell would add Ford and Calderon would remain on the floor. When the smoke from the burning nets would clear the Raptors were still behind by 9 points 88-79. Both teams were shooting above 50% and were having no trouble finding the basket.

Andrea Bargnani would break the ice with a three in the fourth quarter. Both teams had misfired on their first few times with the ball in the quarter. It sparked the Raps to rally getting within 4 points the closest they had been since the early moments of this ball game. The rally would continue and the Raps had got all the way back with seven plus minutes to play tied at 90. T.J Ford would hit a runner and the Raptors were in the lead after being down 20 points. Golden State pushed back encouraged by the crowd and jumped back ahead by 5 points. Raptors had used a lot of energy to climb back would they have enough to make one last push? They would look to use both point guards on the floor to try and do just that. It just was not in the cards as Golden State road the energy in the arena to close out the Raptors. Baron Davis was a big reason why with 23 points and 15 assists a lot of which he racked up coming down the stretch. He single handedly closed it out for his team. Raptors just had run out of gas and fell 117-106.

Boxscore: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280312009

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/13/golden-state-vs-toronto-post/

Raps Battle Hard

For all the Stats Click on the Link:

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280311013

Podcast Post Game:

http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/12/raps-post-game-vs-lakers/

 A.P= ALL PRO!!!

Raptors without Chris Bosh are a much different animal. They just seem to be a team missing it's heart and soul. There is just no sense of desire in the way they play. The start of the the game against the Seattle Sonics was proof of that. Last season without Bosh it was T.J Ford that took that role and ran with it. So for all of you that have Jose Calderon pegged as the starter for this team going forward I have a question for you. Why has Jose not been able to lead in this way. The numbers and his play is not in question here but he is a player that is not the guy that leads like a Bosh or even a Ford. Team first is a fine quality to have and admirable but a leader needs to know when it is about team and when it is about leading. Ford has not shown that ability this year since returning either. But has in the past. This is why all of this talk of trading T.J is crazy talk. Jose and T.J offer the team different things at different times and it is rare when one or the other has nothing to offer to the team. The team has chosen to support T.J where a lot of fans have not.

Sonics came out and took it to Toronto in the first quarter a team that came in 30 games under .500. They lead the game 31-24 after 1 quarter of play. The Raptors in a real must win situation, as they have many times this year failed to answer the bell at the start of this game. The second quarter started with more of the same. Seattle Sonics are just not good enough to be able to beat up on the Toronto Raptors it shoudn't happen. But the reality is it was and the Raptors lack of defensive intensity was a big reason why. Once again something that Bosh always provides. Bryan Colangelo took to the airwaves to do some damage control about the Chris Bosh injury situation saying that the organization was just being cautious with it's star player and does not expect this to be a long term issue for Bosh that would last the entire season or into the playoffs. But there was no answer to the really question that Raptor fans want to know which is when he will return.

Transition defense was just ugly for the Raptors. Every time they would make a big basket the sonics would storm back and get an easy bucket. If not for Seattle turnovers the Raptors could have got blown right out of this game. The young Sonics were beat really bad by the Sixers so this start should not have been a surprise. The Raps being in a funk maybe can be explained by a heartbreaking loss to Washington but still there just is no excuse that covers what went on for the first quarter and a half. The Raptors have fallen back into an age old Raptor problem. That problem is to many 3 point shots when they make them it is great when they miss them it is a nightmare. This has been a issue int Toronto for as long as I can remember. Still Seattle Turnovers would allow the Raps chances to stay in the game. Raptors had 20 points off 13 Seattle turnovers allowed the Raps to hang in the game heading to the half down 58-54.

Raptors would finally start to take control starting the 3rd quarter on a 6-0 run to take a lead for first time since early in the first. From that point the teams would battle back and forth and keep it close till mid third when Raptors would have another run of 8-0 to lead by 6. Anthony Parker would be the catalyst to the Raptor offense leading the way with 18 points and 2 big shots from long range. Rasho Nesterovic also in his quiet way had 13 points and lead the team in assists with 6. It all lead to Raptors taking a 10 point advantage into the final quarter of play by outscoring Sonics 35-21 in the 3rd quarter.

Unlike versus the Wizards The Raptors would start out the fourth extending the advantage. Kevin Durant would be kept in check by the Raptors throughout this game. He would only have 20 points and it was done in a very quiet way. Chris Wilcox had a very loud 28 to lead the Sonics.The Raptors just seemed to have woke up to the fact that they were the better team in this match-up and once they took control back in this game they would never let go. The biggest reason why would be the turnovers that Seattle had throughout this game. Despite a late Seattle push the Raps would close it out and get a very important win 114-106.

Six Raptors in double figures lead by Anthony Parker who had 23 points. Rasho Nesterovic lead the Raps in assists with 6 and he had 6 rebounds and 17 points as well. Others that we part of the fun included were Andrea Bargnani who shot a bad percentage going 6-21 but had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Three of the six came from the bench Delfino had 15 and Kapono had 10 along with a solid 12 points and 6 rebounds for Kris Humphries in just 14 minutes on the floor. Jose Calderon had 3 steals and 5 assists with just 7 points but he only took 5 shot attempts. A solid game and he also showed a solid effort at being a good team mate by trying to encourage T.J Ford who struggled again with 4 turnovers and 4 assists with just 6 points going 3-9 shooting. Despite the stats Sam Mitchell in his post game press conference was very supportive of Ford and stressed the things he did well and sounded almost like his agent more than his coach. Seems that the Raptors as a whole have decided to rally behind T.J in hopes to get him back to the player fans are use to seeing when he is good. What started off bad ended up acceptable as a lose vs. the Sonics heading into this tough Western swing would have been a very bad thing. The next time out Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are a confident team since adding Pau Gasol and will show the Raptors no sympathy as in the West wins and loses are difference between positions in the playoff race. Bosh still a unknown and unlikely to be in this game will make a hard task a almost impossible one.

To Hear The Post Game Podcast use the link below:

http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/09/sonics-raptors-post-game/

Not Enough To Finish The Job

Both teams in this game can point to reasons why they should have won and also why they could have lost. In the end after overtime the Wizards claim a huge 110-106 win. This gives them a 3-1 win of the season series and leaves them just 3 games behind Toronto in the standings. The Raptors shot a disappointing 40.2% from the field. They also fell in love with the 3 point shot late and in the end they died by the the 3 ball in this one. The Raptors were allowed to stay in the game by being able to cash in on 21 Washington turnovers making them pay with 28 points as a result of them.

Andrea Bargnani may have seen a few stars after his crash to the floor in Miami but tonight he played like a star. He had 28 points in 48 minutes of floor time. He actually scored the Raptors first 8 points and clearly was a different Andrea and not just because of his swelled up  face. He did fill in for the scoring of Chris Bosh who continues to be day to day with knee but is not expected back soon by sounds of it.  But the rebounding is what the Raps miss most and on this night more so. Antawn Jamison had 16 rebounds leading the Wizards to an advantage of 48-36 on the glass.  He also had 25 points but had lots of help from his bench in scoring. Mason,Young and Blatche combined for 44 points. What did Toronto do to Roger Mason Jr. he since leaving Toronto has been a Raptor killer he had 18 of that 44 and just always seems to get up for match-ups with Toronto.

The cloud that hangs over T.J Ford continues and may be getting larger. He played just 14 minutes and only had 2 point and was 1-5 with a steal and a dime. He came in at start of 4th with 6 point lead and left with his team trailing by 6. Rumors he is unhappy about playing time and the loss of his starting job will not go away. The team has said he has some personal issues right now but whatever the case T.J really just didn't have it at all on this night. 

Jose Calderon did though with 20 points and 9 assists and really seemed to have extra motivation in this game. That could be due to the fact that Gilbert Arenas was in the building. He was less than kind in his blog to Jose. He also had said he would be healthy in time for the all-star game. But in reality, a place that Gilbert may no be a resident he is not expected back till the end of this month. No Caron Butler for Wizards either but they are finding a way to get it done regardless. 

The Toronto Raptors faced a lot of adversity early in the season last year. This season it appears to be happening now. There were lots of good things to take away from this game and they will face a Seattle team that was getting blasted by the Sixers on this night. A long weather delayed trip to Toronto will not exactly make the Sonics in any kind of a fighting mood on Sunday. If the Raps match what they did in this game on Sunday they will get a win before hitting the West Coast. There is even talk on if Bosh will be going on the trip that is really not a good sign at all. The injury actually happened when he had an awkward fall in the the first Indiana game. At the time I thought it looked bad but when he return to the game I thought nothing of it. Now I can't stop thinking about it. 

But the silver lining of this night was the play of Andrea Bargnani. Some Raptor fans wanted to give him a smack earlier in this season and maybe they should have because if Andrea plays like that every game after this than it would have been worth it. He will be very key if Bosh is out a long time. The other key after that will be to maintain his play when Bosh comes back.  I am going to now do a podcast with post game thoughts. Not sure how long it will take seeing as it is new. So if you don't find it tonight look for it Tomorrow and as I said with it being new please share your feedback on it and if you have any trouble accessing it. Thanks in advance for your help in that regard. It is all about giving all of you more bang for your time seeing as it is free can't say bang for your buck.

Update: Your Link to The Podcast Post Game

http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/08/raptor-rewind-raps-vs-wiz-03-07-08/