Some Game 1 mail

Another bit of a change. We'll try to get to all the mail specific to the game as soon after as we can. There'll still be a generic mailbag for your other queries but this might be a nifty playoff-only bonus.

Q: Hey Doug, I imagine you have received a ton of emails regarding this so if you could clarify for us it would be great.
TJ said in his post-game that he didn't know Barngani was starting until the "starting" lineups were called.
Chris said in his postgame that they tried to "implement" to many new wrinkes to start the game when they should have just played the way they had played the entire season. Is the "wrinkle" Bargnani or were their new plays as well?

Rob V, Waterloo

A: When T.J. made that comment, we were all standing around and were, quite frankly, stunned. It was inconceivable to us that it could be true and, sure enough, about a minute later, he admitted they had practiced with the “big lineup” for a couple of days. Bargnani had earlier said he knew Friday he’d start. So I’m not sure what T.J. was talking about, quite frankly. Maybe he misunderstood the question.

And the tweaks on the plays Bosh was talking about weren’t very obvious to us and we didn’t get a chance to ask Sam because he’d already left before Bosh spoke. I didn’t notice what I thought was “horns down” call rather an a “horns up” set (two bigs down near the basket rather than at the elbow) and Bosh did seem to get the ball much further from the basket on the wing than he usually does.

Don’t worry, though, we’ll try to get more out of Sam today.

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Q: Watched the Raps lose to Orlando today. This team will be lucky to last for five games! The problems of this team are primarily defensive -poor perimeter defense, failure to contest 3's, soft interior defense. These aspects of the game are partly technique but mainly involve desire and attitude. Our players seem to lack both. Is this Sam's fault or are thes players just incapable of playing defense?
Two other questions I would like answered. Why did Sam leave T. J. on the floor so long in the third quarter when he was playing so poorly and why, oh why, do the Raps hardly ever send player after offensive rebounds? It seemed, in this game, that every time the Raps took a shot all 5 players immediately headed for the backcourt.

Gerry T, Brampton

A: The defensive problems have been around for months and were particularly noticeable yesterday because every breakdown was answered with a made three. If the Magic shoot 5-for-11 in the first quarter rather than 9-for-11 maybe those flaws aren’t as fatal, but they aren’t new.

On the Ford third quarter situation? It was the usual rotation, it wasn’t like Calderon was playing at an all-star level himself.

Here’s a rebounding thing: Let’s say they send a third guy (the two bigs usually go), let’s say the NBA’s best rebounder, a fella named Howard, is there. Let’s say Howard gets every imaginable rebound, fires a quick outlet pass and the Magic go off three- or four-on-two. Let’s say Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis spot up on the three-point line and drill transition jumpers like they were layups while the guys you want going to the offensive glass – guys who aren’t likely to get more than one in 10 rebounds with Howard there – are still getting back into the play.

Sending more guys to the offensive glass in this series is suicidal.

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Q: Watch the Raptors get man-handled by the Magic's superstar Dwight Howard, here’s a question. In a previous entry you said Bosh and Lewis is a bad match up for us. I know that defensively Lewis will make Bosh have to come out and leave the paint. However isn't having a smaller player on Bosh going to allow him to drive more and draw more fouls?

Chris S, Toronto

A: Bosh shot 13 free throws, I think he drove the ball well trying to take advantage of Lewis. What they have to do is find a way for Bosh to start closer to the basket to draw defenders and kick the ball.

Q: Hey Doug, I have tried in vain twice to get into your mailbag but I guess going to the same school that Araujo attended and sending you a link to a sweet article isn't good enough. Maybe my questions suck but no hard feelings. Did anyone expect Kapono to have the kind of game he had today? (even though we lost). I sure didn't! Can we expect it to happen again, or at least maybe another good game. Does anyone else have the chance to come out of nowhere and do the same thing? Maybe Moon? Or Gangsta? (J/K about that last one)

Blake H, Provo, Utah

A: No one saw Kapono’s game coming, that’s for sure. But the Magic do tend to leave shooters open so using him extensively turned out to be a pretty wise decision. And Kapono’s defensive rotations were pretty crisp, he’d duck in and try to lock up Howard when Howard rolled to the basket.

If Kapono keeps that up, there’s going to be a big role for him in the rest of the series.

The only other guy I can see coming up big out of nowhere is Delfino, who had one of his Bad Carlos games yesterday and is due for a Good Carlos outing.

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Q: Do you know if they are handing out playoff t-shirts for Game 3?

Kevin L, Toronto

A: I don’t know for sure, but it’d be a cool thing if they did.

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Q: Okay, so, when we cut it to 5 after Kapono (who I'm really beginning to believe would thrive under a different system) hits another 3, why did we not bring Bosh back in coming out of the timeout? Mitchell waits, they run the score back up and we can't recover. I don't really understand why he waited to bring back his best player onto the floor after that timeout in a 5-point ball game. I know he had 4 fouls but time was running out and I think you should have your best players on the floor trying to win you the game. This is the playoffs.

Marak B, Burlington

A: There were more than 10 minutes left after that Kapono basket and the time out you talk about came seven seconds later, which was too early to bring back Bosh with those four fouls. They got him in with 8:08 left after three Orlando baskets. That’s about right.

Comments

[RPF]

I was wondering why the draw and kick keeps getting the Raptors...I've seen way too many games where the opposing team gets those wide open 3s. Shouldn't they figure something out to stop that from happening...and do you think they should stop doubling the man down low and guard man on man to avoid wide open 3s?

[GM]

Agreed, Calderon was hardly close to an all-star. But I don't buy the explanation that it's the usual rotation. I think that's Sam's biggest fault -- his subs. If someone's not going well, and the score is getting out of hand, no matter who it is, make a change. Shake things up a little. Maybe Calderon wasn't the answer, but he was worth a try. And if it didn't work, then bring Ford back in. Maybe the message sent would make him play better when he got back in the game. But don't just stick to the same old rotation no matter what the circumstance.

Same goes for offensive rebounding. Are you saying it's going to be worse than 43 points in the first quarter if they sent a couple bodies in to compete for a board? At the very least, try it for a few possessions to see. It's not as if five bodies back on D made the slightest difference. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

[Dan]

I like that Bosh got to the line 13 times. But he really did struggle at times against Lewis who for the most part played him straight up. Calderon and Ford both played poorly, but Ford didn't really look like he was giving much effort. Rasho, Kapano and Parker were all really good though. I think Parker stepped up in game 1 last year as well when the rest of the team struggled. I really hope the RAptors keep him this summer.

[Ellie]

"Let’s say they send a third guy (the two bigs usually go)"

Two guys, sure. But there were multiple possessions where all five Raptors were standing behind or near the arc when the shot was made and no one went to rebound.

[AK]

Hey Doug, I saw they had new noise making contraptions in Orlando...what's worse those or the thunderstix??

Blogger's note: Thunderstix are still the most vile, evil noise-making contraptions.

[Paulino Nunes]

Hi Doug,

I thought I was being really self-delusional before, but the more I think about it, the more the story seems to be this: the Raptors start out blowing defensive assignments and the Magic put on an uncharacteristic shooting display; the Raptors get their heads on straight and take over the game in the second quarter; the Raps outplay the Magic until they run out of steam without their best player who is sitting down because of two not-just-questionable but outright phantom fouls.

You said it yourself: if the Magic shoot 5/11 instead of 9/11 three pointers, it's a different game - that being that the Raptors are 8 down instead of 20 and Kapono's three ball puts them up by 7 instead of down by 5.

Surely if I'm a Magic fan, I can't expect my team to shoot over 80% from range again - and essentially that's how they won they game. Aside from CB sitting down with his pretend "foul trouble", Howard had a fairly quiet 20/20 as you said and only made a big difference when Bosh wasn't on the floor in that 10-0 run that put the game away.

I dunno, maybe I'm really, really deluded (entirely possible) but if the Raps contest a few more shots and the Magic don't repeat that shooting display (can never happen again) then this series in entirely winnable for the Raptors depending on how they respond next game.

cheers,
Paulino

[Aaron Campbell]

I think the Raps will come back and when game 2, now that they are even more of an underdog.

Orlando doesn't seem to be that cocky of a team so game on might not go to their heads, but lets hope so.

Strange, Calderon only drove to the basket once I believe and missed an easy layup. He seems a little off his game.

[bballer]

i can't believe bosh complained about the offense when it was the defense which was lacking. that takes desire. watching philly play detroit, they came out with energy and an intensity higher than toronto produces. this team lacks passion and is too passive. i don't expect bosh to be as intense as garnett, but this team's role players like the intensity of posey, powe or even a cassell. the unfortunate thing, the most intense person with the raptors is smitch.

so was smitch outcoached in this game or were the players outworked?

[Andrew]

Toronto was the better team for three quarters. The Magic did something unimaginable (9 of their first 11 threes) and the Raps couldn't rebound. No one, not even the Magic, expects them to repeat that success. It was a fluke. If the PG situation is better in game two, I don't think there's a chance Toronto will lose. Doug, am I crazy? Ignoring the first quarter, Toronto did nothing special and still hung in there. Game two, Raps by 10...

[Joe T.]

OK, Doug, I don't think anyone was surprised by the end result of Game 1. How it happened, though, has certainly raised a few eyebrows. Here are my thoughts heading into Game 2:

1. The Raptors will not shoot as poorly as they did in Game 1 because they're a better shooting team than that and the poor shooting was not due to any tremendous defensive effort from Orlando. ADVANTAGE: Raptors.

2. Orlando will not shoot as well as they did in Game 1 because, as good as they are, that was off the wall in the First Quarter. And they cooled down after that. Plus, Sam will probably run out on the floor and tackle the next guy that let's the Magic get an open look beyond the arc. ADVANTAGE: Raptors.

3. Dwight Howard will not have the same success at the free throw line next time around because, well, it just wouldn't be right. ADVANTAGE: Raptors.

4. Toronto's point guards will not have that level of poor play in the same game again. And on the flip side, Jameer Nelson will not have as good a game again. ADVANTAGE: Raptors.

5. Chris Bosh usually plays well against the Magic. He's due for a big game with no silly phantom foul calls. ADVANTAGE: Raptors.

I'm pretty confident Toronto will steal Game 2 based on the 5 points above. I know there are areas where there would be "ADVANTAGE: Magic" overall but I think the differences between Game 1 and Game 2, minus surprises, are pretty well laid out above. So tell me, Doug, what do you think? Please rate my list from 1 to 10 on the Gangster Scale, with 1 being Sitting On The Bench Talking To Myself, 5 being Stretching At The Scorer's Table and 10 being Manning Up. Thanks!...

Blogger's note: All good points but I'm at practice so rating isn't going to happen because of time. But here's one to think of: Howard had 25 and 22 and they hardly ever through him the ball. What if they do and he gets 40 and 25?

[t-vor]

Hi Doug,
I have to commend you for stepping up your blog entries, mailbag answers and great articles as the playoffs are going on.
If I ever see you at the Harbour Sports Grille, expect a Stella or a tasty IPA coming your way, on me.

[tino]

I wrote in my comment after the game vs. Chicago that AB was going to start for Moon by game 3,but even I, was surprised that he started game 1.
In my opinion,the game was lost at the 1 and 4 positions.TJ and Jose'weren't good defensively vs.Nelson.As for CB4,he shouldn't waist time responding to members of the media critical of him:so far he is a proven all star during the regular season,but also inconsistent in the playoffs and against Lewis will not do well. Superman+ Lewis will outplay Rasho and CB4.
I would rather have Chris start as center and Andrea at the 4.

[James Borbath]

Hey Doug:

With all my reading today can you confirm the sky is indeed not falling. I trust you so I will believe you. That being said it is funny how a 15 second sound bite by Jeff Van Gundy has made him the leading candidate for the Raptor coaching job. Last I checked Sam was still our coach right? Please confirm this also. I am starting to believe I am on of the last sane Raptor fans left and it is a scary feeling. Enjoy Orlando and be careful writing the blog while riding space mountain.

All the Best
James The Dino Nation Blogger

Blogger's note: As I look out the loading dock at the arena here, I can indeed confirm the sky has not fallen.

[Joe T.]

Doug, I agree that Howard would be even more potent if they got him the ball. But Bosh can go for 40, too, and cancel that part out. Plus, if Howard shoots free throws the way he normally does, that would limit his damage. The rebounds are another thing. Ultimately, the only way to deal with him is to get him in foul trouble. I hope Sam is spending that practice you're at drilling "Attack Dwight Howard!" into the players' skulls. The man is gonna block shots, no doubt about it. But they sure could have gone at him a lot more to try to make it difficault and perhaps force him to sit on the bench for awhile...

[Jay D]

things the raps need to do to win game 2 (and they must win game 2):

TJ/Jose need to defend!! they have to stay IN FRONT of nelson. they need to take away his drive so he can't drive and kick resulting in open shots, and they need to contest any shot he takes himself. they're faster than him, they need to do it.

tj/jose should not be the ones comming over to double howard. it should be another defender.

raptors may want to play the perimiter shooters a bit closer, though it could result in the magic driving more. regardless they should try and must also try their best to stay infront of the magic. (probably asking too much of the raps).

howard - theres not much you can do. its really a case of pick your poison. let him go or double him and risk an open shot, likely a three. maybe the double has to come sooner and be more agressive.

on offence.. MAKE SHOTS!! the magic came out ready and nailed their open shots. the raptors not so much. they have to do a better job, especially tj and jose.

go at dwight.. instead of letting him alter your shot, go into him and try to pick up the foul. It should be howard on the bench with foul trouble, not bosh.

[AK (Place unknown)]

I read your blog every day,which would thrill my employer.
I read these comments about Bargnani and how he is a bust blah blah blah. Yesterday was a perfect example of how The Coach is a good coach for a bad team. Do you believe they need an expereinced coach to reach the next level?
Back to Bargnani, They insert him as SF and they do not run a play for him, they don't get him involved. I know he has been struggling but he shows he has improved in the post and he can drive and get to the line, but isn't involved and he is thrown in to different positions all the time PF, C, SF but does not touch the ball. How do you feel this impacts his development?
Coach always says if you don't play D you will sit, TJ plays D like a three legged dog. Runs in circles and never gets to where he needs to be in time...NELSON was beating him..Pathetic!

[Eli]

Doug:

Don't you think leaving Bosh out there with 3 fouls, and 2 something to go in the third was a crucial mistake?

Had he taken him out, he could have started the 4th, and presuming they still make that run - who knows.

Blogger's note: I guess it's a 'who knows?' but a point of discussion, sure. I don't think it was a huge mistake, though.

[nick]

Why in the hell are they starting Bargnani? History proved all year that he sucks offensively and defensively. If they wanted to get him going, they should have figured that out back in November. Sam's coaching still remains suspect. I think he got outcoached. TJ needs to stop thinking he's a superhero and create more plays. There's no time for that nonsense he calls being a point guard. KAPONO, if I were him I would be pissed for not getting the ball more often. Calderone should recognize that, saw him take a 2 careless threes and miss both while Kapono was open. He has a championship, so use that experience to the raps benefit. Gotta fire Mitchell, trade TJ, Bargnani, Parker or Delfino. Get a player like Jefferson or Magette. Someone fearless and athletic to drive to the hole. If Bosh is going to be captain, he needs to yell at these guys. Can't be passive. Saw Garnett on the bench being vocal to his guys, Bosh needs to be the same way or else take a back seat. Too many europeans, get more Americans.

[derek]

"strange calderon didn't go to the basket???" He got stuffed twice by howard...hard.... more lik: strange that calderon doesn't have leather stuck between his teeth!!

[derek]

What if they do give Howard the ball?? Well, It would be one less point on every possesion, and maybe we start utilizing our "depth" and foul him so hard he becomes a chicken or turkey or anything "FOUL".

[Calvin]

Doug,

I believe the Raptors ran into a HOT shooting Magic team. There is no way they will duplicate that in game 2. They lost because too many of the plays were changed and AB was inserted into the line up. You can't expect a player that's been going back and forth from the pine to starter to succeed in the first game of the playoffs.

In game 2 they need to exploit the match ups that are given to them. 1) Use the PG's and have them attack the basket more often and do the drive and kick when they pull a 2nd defender. Essentially do what the Magic did to them in game 1. 2) If AB starts, put him on the block with the smaller defender. If you have a big front court why not use his height? Give him some confidence and use his abilities. There's no use in starting him if your not going to give him the rock. I know it's easier said than done because of that Howard guy.

[oliveira]

Do the players care? Where is the intensity? do they understand how to play defence? Same effort will result in loss # 2 in game 2.

Would you agree that Magic has an advantage in coaching over the Raps?

Blogger's note: I believe the Raptors may have been guilty of over-coaching themselves in Game 1; it's not as if Stan Van Gundy made any huge strategic move in the first quarter.

[Dan]

I've read from a couple of comments including Chucks post that the Raptors won the the final three quarters. They actually were outscored in the 4th also. As long Ford and Calderon step up and they are able to use Chris to draw defenders in the post. RAther then have him start out at the top of the key against a faster player who is the same height. They should have a chance. I also agree with Doug in that you could see Ford trying to get his at the expense of the team.

[Eric]

I still think "attitude" is the Raps biggest weakness. There's something about their complacent, laissez-faire approach that allows opponents to feel more comfortable than they would if they were playing almost anyone else. Swingmen get hot on the Raptors because the Raps perimeter D is sub-par, yes, but entire TEAMS also get hot on the the Raps while they smile and laugh their way through the game, and I think Colangelo has to address why this happens so often. There's an absent attitude/edge but WHY? That's the question that needs answering. It's not always about open looks or beating a man off the dribble.

For a skilled team, there's nothing tough about playing the Raptors. It's too easy, too comfortable. I think that effects the outcomes of games and spurs underachievement when you look at the season on the whole. It's a lot easier to hit an open look vs Toronto than it is vs Cleveland or Detroit or Philadelphia, for example. Why?

[raptorman]

"A: There were more than 10 minutes left after that Kapono basket and the time out you talk about came seven seconds later, which was too early to bring back Bosh with those four fouls. They got him in with 8:08 left after three Orlando baskets. That’s about right."

I couldn't disagree with you more. When the Magic made their 10-0 run, the intervening raps possessions were turnovers, missed contested jumpers. Defensively, there were missed box-outs (leading to howard breaking the game open), and slow rotations.

Simply put, the raps burned a LOT of energy getting that close! What better time to make changes, put fresh bodies on the court, and trust your all-star to not foul out. Keep pressure on when the Magic are stumbling. Kick em when they're down. No, Mitchell missed his opportunity and let him off the hook. Has Bosh ever fouled out?? Does it matter that Bosh can finish the game when the game was decided when he sat????

This was following some mystical 'coaching guideline' that describes 'the smart choice'. Mitchell should have been coaching the GAME, and you in the media should be better than to blithely agree. It was clearly the breaking point in the raptors comeback.