At times it was down right ugly effort overall but in the end it is a 102-98 win on the road. Bosh was the only starter that was on his game he had 24 points going 10 of 10 from free throw line and had 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. But despite the lack of help from his fellow starters two guys made big contributions off the bench. Carlos Delfino had a career high 23 including 6 of 7 from the 3 point line. T.J Ford was also big as Jose Calderon was just not on his game with 0 assists and only 4 points. But T.J would have the back of his fellow point guard as he 16 points 7 assists and 5 rebounds. The one positive beyond those 3 players was the teams rebounding effort.

Parker may have had only 8 points but he had 11 rebounds and anytime you can have your shooting guard lead the team in rebounding you have to say he is making an effort. Raptors won the battle on the glass 46 to 39. The concern was throughout this game was the perimeter defense. Indiana was apply to get many clean looks from 3 point range. Also the Raptors normally do a great job of taking care of the ball but in this game turned over the ball 17 times which lead to 27 Pacer points. Andrea Bargnani and Jamario Moon both struggled in this game. Bargnani after a 25 point night Sunday followed it up with just 2 points on this night. While Moon was frustrating Sam Mitchell with his play on the defensive end and his shot selection on the offensive end. Both need to be more consistent if they want to maintain there positions in the starting line-up. But as they say a win is a win. Concern late is this game as Chris Bosh twisted his knee late and at first looked like it may be serious but after being checked out on the bench he was back in the game to close it out.

 Raptors move to new uncharted ground at 7 games over .500. They now head home to take on the T-Wolves and these same Pacers. Sam Mitchell will still have much to say to his team despite the win and that maybe a good thing considering the type opposition.

The Raptors must get off to better starts. Raptors can not always depend on big second quarters like tonight's 35-16 second quarter. In the end the was some good and some bad but the most important thing was the Raptors found a way to get a W in the standings and in the end that is all that matters.

O'Neil Is Not In CB4's League

When you think back about four years ago there was a huge debate on who was better Jermaine O'Neal or Chris Bosh. Time to declare a winner it is clear that Bosh a three time all-star since has won the debate. O'Neal has been injured plagued and constantly the subject of trade rumors. He has been a huge disappointment. This season he has been sidelined with knee injury and you have to wonder if he can ever be the same player that was a legit comparison to Bosh.

Danny Granger is now making a case that he is the franchise player of the future and with O'Neal out you could say of the present as well. Much like Rudy Gay in Memphis seems Granger has a bright future. The Gasol trade would not have been made if they did not believe in Rudy Gay. If O'Neal was healthy he would be out the door in Indiana as well. But he remains and sits in a suit more nights than he puts on the jersey.

Raptor fans may recall that Danny Granger was rumored to be a pick the Raptors might make. But Rob Babcock picked Joey Graham, some will say yet another Babcock mistake. I am not one to help out Rob Babcock but the truth was he was not alone in doubting Granger. Many NBA teams were concerned about Granger's health long term. But I think as clear as the debate between O'Neal and Bosh, same can be said for a Graham vs Granger debate. I think Joey Graham has clearly established that he is inconsistent at best. Granger is having a breakout season on the Pacers.

Raptor fans will get to see that up close and personal over the next three games. Tonight in Indiana and later in the week back in the ACC. Unbelievable as it may seem Indiana still has a shot to get in the playoffs in the east. Raptors are more concerned about seating in the east and that is why they can not afford another letdown like they had in New York on Friday. The Pacers are without point guard Jamal Tinsley as well. So Raptors will have an even bigger advantage at the point guard position than they normally would. T.J Ford is starting to show the confidence and play he showed before his crash landing in Atlanta. Jose Caldron meanwhile remains the starter and deserves that right. Caldron has been unreal. I had a friend I met through the Internet who lives in Spain he told me when Caldron was signed in Toronto he was like Europe's answer to Steve Nash. After season one I thought he was crazy. But now in season three it seems my Internetguards friend in Spain was not crazy after all. Caldron is an amazing talent and to both Raptor point guards credit they have taken a situation that could be a controversy and turned it into the team's greatest strength. Both have handle the situation with class and respect.

So to all those people that said Jermaine O'Neal was the real deal. I think the real deal wears #4 in Toronto and he leads his team to the playoffs while O'Neal leads the list on the injured reserve. Bosh is taking his game to a new level. Sam Mitchell said in a recent press scrum he doesn't know what the next level is beyond NBA ALL STAR. Well I think it is called NBA ELITE PLAYER and Bosh is clearly building his case to be part of that exclusive club.

That's More Like It!

But than the second half the Raptors showed they are indeed capable of defense and rebounding. The also brought the offense as well outscoring the Knicks 30-15. That was basically the ball game. T.J Ford made strides to getting back to the level he was at before all his injury woes.He had 15 points all in the second half along with 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Jose had just 9 points and 7 assists but was excellent after a rare bad performance on Friday with 4 turnovers. 

The newest Raptor Primoz Brezec had 11 points off the bench. Could he be another Bryan Colangelo find? Time will tell but the debut was good. He shows a bit of different approach than many on this team. He has a bit of an aggressive nature. He looked good and no doubt earned some fans at the ACC in his debut.

CHECK OUT MY NEW THREADS

The most frustrating thing about the blog going on the disabled list was the fact that almost daily there were huge deals being talked about and more importantly getting done. In years past it was all talk but this year teams put the talk into action. Some teams made BIG gambles. The West has been a battle all year in the standings that battle has moved to the general mangers offices. Suns made first major move of the post Bryan Colangelo era. Steve Kerr was know as a deadly shooter as a player he went deep on this trade. The window was closing on the Suns and adding an aging Shaq will only make that fact more so. They also had to feel the need to match the Lakers move to get Gasol which has to be one of the biggest steals in history of trades. Raptor fans know bad trades but the one for Gasol is even worse than the one that sent Vince to Jersey. He may be the biggest reason Jason Kidd is a Maverick again. Mark Cuban was feeling the heat like the suns. This move also is a reaction to the Gasol deal. But the irony of why the Mavs let Steve Nash become a Sun is screaming at me. The reason for letting Nash go was he was too old. That he would not be worth his salary by the end of the deal. Well 2 M.V.P trophies later seems the Mavs made an error. So now they take an older Kidd and a guy that is not as good a shooter as Nash. Basically ask yourself would you trade Steve Nash for Jason Kidd straight up? I would pass and thus I think the mavs have made a decision they will regret. The others in Texas also made moves Houston actually gave conference rivals the hornets some depth with Bonzi Wells and Mike James. The Ex-Raptor James seems to always be getting traded. I feel for the guy you can say what you will about his time with the Raptors but he was a good character to have around. Any guy that sings at his post season press conference I love. R Kelly would love to have Mike James Ball skills and James is not heading to American Idol but he is a fun loving guy. But back to business the Hornets gave up Bobby Jackson who will now back up another Ex-Raptor in Rafer Alston in Houston. Jackson played under Rick Adlman in Sacramento and should be a good fit in Houston. Than quietly San Antonio added yet another nice player. Kurt Thomas is a tough dude that rebound and has a decent post game. Add that to adding yet another former Raptor in Damon Stoudaimre. If Tony Parker comes back at close to 100% than Spurs have a shoot at repeating. But the road is long and hard now that almost every playoff team in the West has made a move since opening day to make themselves better. Utah is happy with Kyle Korver a move that went down awhile ago. But he has been good fit in Utah.

The common belief is that the Lakers are the Favorites in the West. Hard to argue when you consider we haven't even seen how Andrew Bynum will add to this. The one thing that may derail the Lakers is a pinky finger. Kobe and his finger have to be a concern cause no Kobe and the Lakers are done. He has committed to toughing it out and playing through the pain but you have to be concerned. The Suns have to worry as well with Shaq. He has a long history of injuries and the Suns are rolling the dice. All things being equal Suns,Lakers and Spurs are on a higher level than the rest of the west. But make no mistake each team has health concerns and that gives hope to the Utah's the New Orlean's and Golden States of the world. Warriors have Chris Webber in toe and will look to keep him healthy for a playoff push. This isn't a cop out but honestly the west is WIDE OPEN.

East is little more clear cut. Boston made no moves and are rolling the dice with Rajon Rondo. If he goes down Eddie House is a huge downgrade. But Sam Cassell still may get bought out in L.A with the Clippers. The desire of Celtics to land Cassell is the biggest reason they fell out of Damon Stoudmire Sweepstakes. Detroit made the minor deal with the Raps but they basically have stood firm with the veteran core that has made them a long standing power in the weak Eastern Conference. Cleveland is the gambler in the East and there seems no in between on what people think of what the Cavs did. Count me in on the negative side. I admit my mistakes like what I was saying about the Shaq trade but this I am certain of the Cavs will regret this deal. Ben Wallace was a bust in Chicago and his big contract is going to cause the Cavs to sink like an anchor. Short term it could help Cavs get to a Conference Final at best. But the long term result is they STILL need a point guard. Delonte West is not the answer and the answer to the question at the point will coast them ALOT. You wait and see the number that Jose Caldron Gets. That will set the point guard market this off season and that is not good news for Cavs. The trickle down effect will make already high demand position even more expensive. I don't care what anyone says Lebron may have agreed about this trade but he still wanted Jason Kidd not Ben Wallace and the rest. If this ultimately coasts the Cavs over the next 2 years it may cost them James himself. That happens and Danny Ferry can dust off his resume. Hey in fact if he hasn't filled out his retirement papers maybe he can get a contract like Kieth Van Horn. Nice work if you can get it.

If there was any huge surprise in the East to me it might be the fact that a guy like Mike Bibby goes to Atlanta and not Orlando. It was made evident by the Toronto Raptors how badly the Magic need a point guard. Superman may not need help but Dwight Howard mild mannered basketball player does need a good point guard. The fact the Raptors made a minor move was expected. Three seven footers is nice to have even if they don't play much like dominant big men. Still you can't teach speed and you also can't teach height. They have height. Raptors next season will have a very interesting roster with many expiring deals and you may see the BIG MOVE by Bryan Colangelo next year. This year the Raptors will just look to find a good match up in round 1 of the playoffs. Orlando would be option A at this point.

But Raptor's need to learn from the letdown of Friday. If they have and run off a big win streak I can live with the loss to the Knicks. Raptor Rewind will recap it all good bad or ugly and in a game with Knicks involved you can expect it all. Vince Carter may have been a good hamstring away from having been playing for the Knicks in this game. However the Knicks did nothing and that may speak to the future of Isiah Thomas who looks to be a dead duck. But he has looked that way for like 2 years. Thomas is on heck of a spin doctor. If does get canned I suggest he hit the campaign trail for U.S Elections as a spin doctor for a candidate he would be a great asset to any politician in fact maybe more than to any basketball game.

But I just want to say I am so happy to be back and hopefully you all are happy to have me back as well. Please share your comments and thoughts on the blog. As well if you choose to support us through adsense I thank you. Now you will have the Blog back everyday towards the drive to the playoffs.

WE ARE BACK

a power failure was to blame for the blog going on an unwanted and unexpected vacation. Lots has happened since we have been gone and in the coming weeks I'll try to get caught up a bit. But we will get back to normal very soon. sorry for the absence but now with new laptop in hand the blog is safe of computer failure for the recent future I would hope. I deeply regret this happening and apologize to you loyal readers of the Dino Nation Blog. Thanks for all you support and the few emails I did get about where the heck I was and the blog was.

James Borbath

Founder of the Dino Nation Blog

My Bad!!! It Did Happen

So ESPN was right I Was Wrong. I am sorry Dino Nation Blog readers. I messed up. But when you here something like this you think it just can't be true. Like the blog yesterday suggested how many rumors to we here daily weekly that turn out to be complete B.S. But I am a big enough man to say when I made a mistake and on this trade happening I did. There is not much anyone is talking about beyond this move. Raptor chats and forums were lit up with talk of this deal. That should tell you all you need to know when a team that has zip to do with a trade is having it's fans talking about it. There is a impact on the Raptors a little bit though but will touch on that later. First some thought as to why on earth this happened.

Well there are lots of theories to say why. Some provided by the Suns and Heat and others that people have used some good old fashion common sense. The Suns think that adding Shaq will help them in the half court offense. Important why? I mean the Suns could run up and down the floor 3 or 4 times faster the Shaq on a good day. But when the playoffs come the run and gun Suns have been taken down by solid defense and teams forcing them to grind out their offense in the half court. Shaq is a help in that way as you really a gambling if you try guarding him one on one. It is not the gamble it once was but still a risk.  One thing Shaq does have that is under rated but fits right in with sun is great passing ability. The Combo of the Top 2 vote getters for the MVP just 3 years ago is interesting. Oh and by the way the Suns still have Amare Stoudamire who now becomes a nightmare match-up at the power forward. On paper at least it looks impressive. Suns really are rolling the dice though as O'Neal is coming of an injury and Steve Nash has constant back issues. Two years from now Sun fans might regret this trade. Old Superstars that are sucking all your cap space. But win a title before than and they will live with a bad season. Not to mention should this be the end for Shaq at the end of this contract. 20 million in cap space can build you quite the rebuilding project.

So Miami does this basically to unload the large contract of what they see as a declining Shaq. The get a very interesting player back and a young point guard in Banks. But The Matrix in Miami should be interesting indeed. The last 3 years you would think Marion would be happy but not so much. Bitter about not having the spotlight shine on him he even demanded a trade this past off season. Well careful what you wish for cause you just might get it and he has. The time for talking is now over. The time for putting up is now.

Pat Riley by comparing the new combo of Wade and Marion to Pippen and Jordan will certainly add to my prior statement. But those guys have 6 rings. I don't see this duo coming any where close to that. Good news on this is if I'm wrong on this one it will take like 6 to 8 years to find out. I don't know about you but my memory is fuzzy on what happened that long ago. But Riley better be at least in the neighborhood of being right. The scene the other night in Miami when the Raptor blew out the Heat was an ugly one. Empty stands and a team that looked defeated and done. This no doubt was motivation for Miami to make this deal happen as fast as it did.

I mentioned at the start of this a minor Raptor sub-plot to this. Or at least impact on them. They are done with the Suns but still have 3 more meetings with the Heat. One on the second last night of the season. So should the Heat get a spark out of this the Raptors will need to pour water on it. Raps are getting ready to take on the Clippers. The way things have been lately expect the Clipper to make a trade. You want to know when an NBA Trade is going down? Check the Raptor Schedule. The Lakers play Raps and same day have traded for Gasol. Heat lose bad to Raptors and Trade O'Neal. Sam Cassell reunited with K.G in Boston? If they are following the script maybe. But the Raptors have been around some of biggest news lately in the NBA. Not that they were involved accept in the race to get Mighty Mouse. But still they have been traveling through and around some huge NBA News.

Will Bryan Colanglo make some of his own soon? Time will tell. You have to wonder what he thought as all this was going down. He still has to at least glance at his former team every now and than. Suns fans may be doing a take off of a South Park Song. Asking WHAT WOULD BRYAN COLANGELO DO?

So This Is A Basketball Expert?

ESPN is just a huge monster of sports broadcasting in the United States. They are the be all and end all of sports T.V. Ask the NHL how bad it is to not be part of the ESPN radar. Poker is getting bigger ratings. But I am here to say that bigger doesn't mean better. I mean every story,post you read usual can get traced back to a rumor started by ESPN. The latest story they are reporting is that the Suns are looking to deal to get Shaq from Miami. Could this be true? I suppose it might be. But is it likely going to happen? I would say no chance. But hey I am not a basketball EXPERT. I am however a person that studied the media and journalism and know the difference between fact and rumor. ESPN for the pursuit of what media is all about RATINGS is always throwing out story after story of rumors. They once in awhile get it right. I mean every guy can it a shot if they get enough attempts. Even Shaq himself hits the odd free throw. That doesn't make him a good shooter from the line though. Same thing goes for ESPN. In fact sports networks love stats so much I'd love to see the stats on them.

What do I mean. How many trades have they broadcast that never happen. How many evaluations of draft picks do they completely blow. When is the last time you heard them say hey sorry fans we were wrong. They just move on and pay no attention and are on to the next big dirty little secret they can dig up. Basically I think they have become the Tabloid King of Sports Journalism. I mean honestly what is the difference these days. They report trade rumors like I hear accounts of the sanity of Brittney Spears. I honestly don't care. Unless you have real solid evidence that you are will to produce at some point than SHUT UP. I mean it gets old. I am tired of year after year being promised all these things and than getting nothing in return. If they were a girl I was dating they long would have been shown the door. I say this sitting in Canada too. I can only imagine how sick and tired are friends to the south must be. They have it shoved down there throat daily. 

Unfortunately something about doing a story well as opposed to being the first to report it has been lost in today's modern world. Guys like Stephen A Smith who you see up top were evaluating Andrea Bargnani having seen a Highlight Reel if anything at all. I recall he said as much on the broadcast of the draft. However because Bryan Colangelo picked him and not Rob Babcock the experts were o.k with it. I can understand that as a Raptor Fan but still it isn't right. The silly stuff needs to stop. I mean enough already. Call me when you actually have something worthwhile to say based on research and facts.

Than we have the ESPN TRADE MACHINE. Yes you or I anyone that can manage to run a computer and log on the Internet can play pretend NBA GM. Wasn't bad enough you at ESPN starting a rumor a day now ESPN is out sourcing the work to the generally population of the world. Thanks a lot. Now I have to waste my time with morons that trade a bunch of lousy players and say they have the deal that will make Kobe Bryant a Raptor. By the way ESPN sure missed out on that whole Kobe situation huh? Now seems he is happy and they made the trade to get Pau Gasol. Where were the experts on that one? I mean they are so smart shouldn't they have seen that coming? Guess Not. Oh Well Jason Kidd will get moved to Dallas and make you look smart. You hope any way. The job of any good journalist is to report the news not create the news. So is ESPN in the Sports Reporting Business or the creating Sports News Business. I am not saying this is just a ESPN thing. Up here in Canada turn on any National Network at the NHL Trade Deadline you will get the same thing. But it is more entertaining at least you get to watch the 3 networks race around like mice trying to get through a maze. It is great entertainment and having worked behind the scenes at one of those networks on that day you only see 1/10 of the crazy trust me.

Next time someone is tagged with the term expert on sports T.V ask yourself this simple question. If they are such an EXPERT why are they working on T.V. They also have another term INSIDER which is just as silly. I mean seriously you think GM's and Agents do not use these insiders and rumor spreaders to the full advantage. These are not stupid people for the most part. 

Think about your own life. You have a bunch of people in your life and you have some you totally trust and others you know that 5 seconds after you told them they have told the next 5 people they see. I am not bragging here but I was somewhat popular back in my school days. I knew that people would say things based on what I said to them. I learned fast who those people were. I learned even faster how to turn that to my advantage. 

People in Sports are no different. They know the Media is the kid that likes to tell everyone. So they use them to their advantage. Example from not that long ago. We heard many rumors the Damon Stoudamire was going to Boston. A few more that he was coming back to Toronto. Few other teams got mentioned too. But in the end he goes where? To the Spurs the defending World Champions not a bad choice. But you think all the talk that was created was an accident? No way this made the market for Damon so high it was unrealistic. I mean I love Damon a lot but seriously he didn't wake up the next day after Memphis cut him loose and turn into Chris Paul. But Rumor Mill made him more in demand. The people that LOVE the ESPN way of journalism are Agents. ESPN really should be looking for a cut on that agents percentage.

So I encourage you if you ever hear me refer to myself as an expert right in a comment and quote this next line. There are NO SUCH THING AS EXPERTS OR INSIDERS. It is a myth that is created to create a false sense of security in fans to make you believe this person knows of what they speak. I mean this is not to say these people are complete idiots. I am not saying you or I can go to Bristol Connecticut and bang on the door and say hey I am an Insider too. These people do work hard and are put under a lot of stress by the people you never see on T.V. The producers and the people higher than them. They all NEED RATINGS and after a few years the things they learned back in school are not as important as how many people are clicking on the T.V sets. Why is that? 

We just had a Super Bowl that I believe had second Highest Rating in the History of T.V. To get an Ad on that game cost you 2.6 million for 30 seconds. That is a shorter amount of time than it will take you to read this blog. They can charge that high amount of money because of RATINGS. That is why they are so important to T.V and Radio.

Another Thing I saw in a thing that is related to this was someone who posted cursing at Raptors T.V. The reason was they were mad they had picked up quality Raptor Match Ups like games vs the Lakers and the much hated Nets. Well in case you haven't noticed T.V is changing. The NFL Network did same thing this year. They need people to subscribe to the station what better way to do that than high quality match-ups. If you have been paying attention you know what comes next. That's right Advertising. More Subscribers more Advertisers and a higher cost for those ads. Is it fair to fans to have to shell out a few more bucks? Not really but in the grand scheme of things will they if forced too? Yup they will. It is like the story of that awful Hockey Team that shares the ACC. A Leaf Fan has finally wised up and said NO MORE. That's o.k MLSE will take the guy on the waiting lists money for it is worth the same as the guy who left.

Fans never stand a chance because they are not organized and have no plan or collective agenda. There is no unity among fans. Want proof. Try this post who is better Jose Or T.J? You will get all the proof in the world.

This has been a rather lengthy blog but I hope you got something out of it. Which is more than you get from about 80% of what the ESPN's and other Tabloid type Sports Media are throwing at you. I love the Media I really do but they can do much better than what they do now. Fans need to demand it though and truth is to many fans buy what they are selling. I am not one of them. But that reminds me trade deadline we will have constant updates on the trades that go down. Not Rumors of Trades but that actual article like Stromile Swift who is Now a Net. That will make J Kidd Stay. Umm maybe not.

Hope you enjoyed at the very least I feel better getting out my frustration. Feel free to do the same by adding your comments any time even if your frustration is with ME. But if your not and like this blog I like to hear that too. Tell a friend as well cause blogs need hits like shows need ratings.

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Raptors Need To Add Some Coaching Depth?

Would Sam Mitchell welcome some more help on his staff? Would Bryan Colangelo agree with the concept? John Lucas may not officially be on the Raptor payroll but the fact he took charge of a big Raptor asset in T.J Ford than why not invite him to join the coaching staff. Lucas has worked with many of the NBA's best players and was on the Raptors TV broadcast last night talking about the Team beyond his own man in T.J Ford. Ford is a good friend of John Lucas III who also has bounced in and out of the NBA as a player. The elder Lucas has helped T.J Ford bring his career back for the dead twice. A huge task but in the grand scheme of what John Lucas has been though minor in nature of the grand scheme of life. If you know nothing about Lucas you really should. In fact I will help you and give you a link to a great bio on John Lucas II. He is an amazing story that is worth knowing:

His approach to life on and off the floor could only help the Raptors. He is expected to remain around the team as T.J Ford continues his return to action. The Raptors should look to make his stay a permanent one.

Speaking of Ford. His return was impressive. Nothing to much as far as minutes or his stat line. But has stated in the Raptor Rewind last night some key hurdles were passed right away. That dunk at the end was in the words of Chuck Swirsky Sick Wicked and Nasty. A guy that is big on statements in T.J Ford made a very major one with that play. He had his moments good and bad but it is clear he was hard at work in Houston and looks in tremendous shape. Another reason Raps should strongly look at Lucas as part of the Mix

I get Accused a lot of being a Ford Fan. Which I am and never hide. But make no mistake about the fact that I respect the things that Jose Caldron is. Which above all is a classy guy. He plays for his team and despite fan efforts to create a controversy between himself and Ford he never will be party too it. T.J I think is grateful of that. He said as much in his post game comments Where he stated back in Milwaukee it wasn't that way. He respects Jose and gets it back something that was not the case in Milwaukee with Moe Williams.

Some Quick NBA Thoughts:

• Memphis Fire Sale continues as they unload Swift
• Giants at Knick games is a sad reminder to Knick fans how far away the team on the court is from match the success of the team that plays in East Rutherford. The Giants. The Nets are as bad as the Knicks almost anyway
• West Reaction on the way. You have to think with Gasol deal someone is gonna Step up and Make a splash. My money is on Mark Cuban and the Mavs looking to bring in Jason Kidd or Andre Igudala or Miller. 3 names that all could impact on the Mavs greatly. Irony is the could have Steve Nash rather than Jason Kidd. I think most pick Nash if they could today.
• Miami can't wait for the Lottery. They are awful. How they fix that mess in Miami is beyond me. But I will say this. Shaq is dealing with a messy divorce. I'm thinking next year he will be a little more productive. Not the old Shaq but not the anchor he has become to hope in Miami ether
• Fan Voting will it help or hurt Jamario Moon in the Dunk Contest? I don't have the answer but I can't wait too see what he will do. UTUBE is sporting a supposed preview. But I bet none of that ever sees the light of day. From first time I saw Jamario in Pre Season I was like WOW THAT GUY CAN JUMP. But expect fans to be behind Dwight Howard he is the people's choice heading into it

That is about all for this Post Miami edition of the Dino Nation Blog. This has been James Borbath Reporting from his home nowhere near Miami. Spring can you get here fast??? Raps Playoffs and Warm Weather!!!

Too Easy

It sure seemed that way on this night. Raptors had reason to celebrate and they did from the opening tip. T.J Ford was back and as he sat and watched the first quarter he as everyone watching had to be impressed with his team. The Raptors would beat the Heat into submission by the end of the first quarter. The would have a 33-12 lead by the end of it and never look back. Going on to a 114-82 thumping of the Heat.

Chris Bosh as on many nights was a huge reason why. 24 points on 8 of 11 shooting in basically 3 quarters of work. But he was helped by the other Raptor big man Andrea Bargnani who has slowly started to round back into the lethal scorer of his rookie year.  He would have 22 on this night with some coming down in the post rather than from outside. A 9 of 14 shooting night and 5 rebounds too. Jose Caldron remains the starter and had a typical Jose night since Ford has been away with 11 points 10 assists and a steal. Anthony Parker had 18 and Moon 6 to round out the starting unit.

The Heat were under staffed without Shaq and Undonis Hasslem no to mention the now retired Alonzo Mourning. Raptor fans already gave him his gift in a 10 million dollar buy out that lead to Zoe winning a title with the Heat. Miami has lost 19 of their last 20. They are as far a way from that banner that hangs in the arena as you can get. Wade only had 12 and in his post game comments sounded like a defeated man. Not a smile to be found in Miami these days. It is a really ugly situation that shows no signs of getting better anytime soon.

But the story for Raptor fans on this night was the surprise return of T.J Ford. The team had planned to have him debut back home against the Clippers on Friday. But Sam Mitchell saw enough in yesterday's practice to give T.J the green light to return. He looked great at times as if he had never been gone. His first offensive play was a brilliant dump done to the post and a dunk for a team mate. In fact Ford was a focused distributor of the ball all night, He would not score till very late. But both scores were significant for T.J's return:

• The first came on a play that was very much like the play that sidelined him. He would steal the ball and have a open lane to the hop. But this time instead of going up to dunk he would stay on the floor, pump fake and watch the defender fly by and drain an easy lay up
• Than late in the game he drove along the baseline and threw down a incredible monster jam. If you watched closely you could see the care he took in his take off and landing but it was a vintage T.J Ford Slam.

Jason Kapono the former Miami player would lead the bench with 13 points. You have to think looking to the other bench he is very happy with his off-season choice of coming to Toronto. Raps shot like crazy on this night for a season high 59.5% from the field. They had 31 assists and 11 steals not to mention 10-19 from 3 point range. They in short were on fire. They were the hot team not the Heat. As good as the Raptors were that's how bad the Heat looked in this game. But Raps will make no apologies and look forward to 3 more match-ups with this team. But up next a night in Miami that a trip home to prepare for the Clippers on Friday. Some much needed practice time as the process of reintegrating T.J Ford into the team will continue. But so far so good.

Ford Returns!!!

Confirmed by Sam Mitchell in pre game scrum. T.J Ford will suit up for the Raptors Tonight vs. Miami. Mitchell would not confirm he would play but this marks the return of T.J to the active roster. He has been out since early December as a result of a flagrant foul committed by Al Horford of the Hawks. Dino Nation Blog will have the usual Raptor Rewind and include news of T.J's return later tonight. But for now HE'S BACK!!!!!

UPDATE

Ford did make his return to the floor early in the second quarter of tonights game. He would get an assist on his very first offensive trip up the floor. Rap lead 59-41 at the half. Ford play 3 minutes with 2 assists and did not attempt a shot. Complete recap of the game on Raptor Rewind Blog Later Tonight.