Who's playing the blame game?

ADAM HUNGER/REUTERS

Chris Bosh saw an awful lot of Kevin Garnett on this night.

That was a great game. I know the bitterness level towards Sam, Kapono, Bosh, Jose, the refs, Tommy Heinsohn, KG, Pierce, Perkins, the fans, the leprechaun and, I presume, anyone remotely connected with Boston is off the charts but, really, that was a great game.

And, in a stunning development completely unheard of in the realm of professional sports, the better team won. I know, shocking, isn’t it?

The NBA’s defensive player of the year couples with the MVP of last year’s final to beat a team that finished at .500 a season ago. Who’d have seen that coming?

Really, you people slay me.

Anyway, the stuff:

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Action: Kapono on Pierce.

Reaction: Fans want to storm Sam’s office

A bad matchup? Yeah, sure is. But let me ask you this: Why do you think Jamario Moon, who had bitten on just about every pump fake he’s seen in his NBA career and who gives up more blow-bys than just about any wing on the team, would have been better? Or maybe Joey Graham would have not had the series of nightly brain cramps he often does? Or maybe Anthony Parker would have all of a sudden got up in Pierce’s chest and used his lateral quickness to keep him in front of him?

And that’s not even taking into consideration that they needed Kapono on offence because he was the only guy taking – and making – the mid-range shots the Celtics were giving up. Sure, maybe Jamario would have all of a sudden decided not to shoot three-pointers every time he shot it but that’s probably a long-shot.

Here’s the thing in a nutshell: Pierce, who made an array of very difficult shots (you think that game-breaking, twisting, reverse layup at the end was easy?) is better than anyone Toronto has. Pretty simple, no?

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Q and A time:

Q: Doug, good to see how the Raps show discipline and control in the first half of the Bobcats game when they appeared to be on a run and the sixth Bobcat appeared on the floor in a refs uniform (just joking) with several calls going against them. However, I watched the game couple of times and the Raps got the game back when they started to drive to the basket aggressively which made them aggressive in the defensive end. I'd say bench the next guy that does not drive to the basket. (No I'm not serious but interesting thought ehhh??).

Michael Z, Fredericton

A: You mean bench a guy who, for instance, takes five shots and four of them are three-pointers. A guy who’s been asked, and told, incessantly to pump fake his man, take two dribbles and let go a 17-footer?

This is the fundamental difference between Jamario Moon and Jason Kapono. Moon hasn’t learned to make a move when teams run him off the three-point line or get right up on him. Kapono, last night in Boston and in a few other games already, has the good common sense to try and create space with a shot fake, knowing that he does it enough, it may make defenders back off him and give him better three-point looks.

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Oh yeah, so much for having today off. Practice at noon. Thanks, Sam.

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Action: KG’s antics.

Reaction: What a putz

Yeah, I’m a huge fan of Garnett, I think everyone knows it. But the disrespect shown with that finger-wagging in the third quarter? That’s bush league. And if any of those three refs had some, um, guts, they’d have nailed him with a technical for taunting.

Brutal.

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Here’s how it played out in the Boston Globe.

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Oh, my.

Did you read that Globe story? The record for most points in a quarter by the Celtics is shared by Todd Day and Larry Bird and now Pierce is third.

Todd Day. Larry Bird. Paul Pierce. Which one of those is not like the others?

Speaking of points in a quarter, guess who holds the record for a Raptor opponent? I’ll give you a few more wee items to guess.

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One more question:

Q: Just a question, is it the coach's fault for not getting his message across to certain player (Moon's love for 3s) or is it player's fault for simply ignoring his coach?

Gary L, Mississauga

A: I put it 80-20 on player. Maybe 90-10 even. I know good coaches try all kinds of different ways to get players to do the right things. Yelling. Calm discussion. Use of video. Holding back playing time.

Sometimes, players just don’t get it.

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Action: Bosh’s fourth quarter

Reaction: Who’s to blame?

This is the biggie. Why didn’t Bosh get the ball in the fourth quarter?

I can’t tell you how much of an over-simplification it is for anyone to suggest: “They should have thrown the ball to Bosh every time down the floor.” It’s not that easy when there’s a guy like Kevin Garnett stuck to him like glue.

But could they have done more? Sure. Maybe a few more cross screens would have freed up Bosh but I kind of doubt it. The Celtics defended him pretty much perfectly. That’s what good teams, teams with a championship to their credit, do.

Let me ask this: Did Bosh dominate the ball when Toronto was taking its 16-point lead? Nope. Did other Raptors make plays in that stretch? Yep. Did anyone make a play in the fourth? Not enough of them. Could Jose have turned the corner and find open teammates? Probably.

Bosh didn’t have a great fourth quarter because the Celtics didn’t let him.

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Q: Hiya Doug!  Is there a monetary benefit to the owners of a team for winning the NBA championship (besides the obvious ticket sales, merchandise sales...)??

Sherry E, Toronto

A: And hiya to you, too. No, there’s not a big cheque like a definitive $10 million for winning the final, waiting at the end of the rainbow, there is money from the playoff pool that’s shared by all post-season teams and the players on them but no bonus in what I think you mean as the traditional sense.

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Oh yeah, that was a pretty easy question about the guy with the most points in a quarter against Toronto, no?

Kobe. 28. In that 81-point game.

Comments

[Rob S]

Hey Doug, I've noticed you haven't commented on the recent reports of Toronto in trade talks with Golden State and Charlotte. Is there any truth to the rumors that things are happening? If yes, what do you think the discussions would entail (i.e., which players would be going where)?

Blogger's note: Actually started commenting on that the middle of last week. There is truth, but I have no idea what either other team would want.

[Junior]

Can the Raptors protest KG's "bush league" antics? I mean, hanging on the rim or dunking over someone and staring them down is a tech automatically, why wouldn't the refs call a tech on KG for his unsportsman like conduct?

[Aaron Campbell]

I totally amazed me about last night's game was how the Celtics had the officials in the palm of their hands. Was it two or three reversed calls against the Raps, the worst one being the defensive foul call on Bosh where his feet were around the defensive no-no arc. It was way too close of a call to reverse. It seemed like Garnett was screaming at the refs all game after every play. I don't remember if it was you Doug or another reporter who pointed it out last year how bad the arguing over every single call has gotten lately, especially with respect to the so-called superstars of this league.

I know Bosh was upset but the Raps were completely thrown off their game by the Celts D and the playoff like rabidness of the fans.

[Patrick]

Hi Doug,

I would have used stronger language than "putz" but I completely agree with the sentiment. Not to add to the pile of e-mails that you've undoubtedly received calling for KG's head, but that display was both embarrassing and infuriating! Yes I'm disappointed that the Raps let a win slip through their hands, and yes the better team won, but the double standard that prevails in the league is ridiculous.

I'm not even talking about superstars getting calls (that's never going to change) but rather the perception that the league and the ESPNs of the world continue to perpetuate... if some random middle-of-the-road player did that, he'd be crucified but since this is KG, his antics will either a) not be mentionned at all, b)laughed off as just KG being KG or c)applauded as a shining example of the intensity all players should strive for.

That's just depressing.

[Dan W]

KG last night was horrible. When they were down by around 15 points they showed him sitting on the bench with a towell on his face. Then when the players on the floor got them back in the game He was all fired up and in all the Raptors faces. What a jack ass.

[Nicholas C]

Pierce killed it! Also, I thought Kapono was the player of the game for Toronto. It was the proper call to have him in at the end of the game in my mind.

KG ... I can't stand him. His taunting of Calderon not being called for a technical should be reviewed by the league. That was horrible. What a bad example for our precious children ... won't anyone think of the children!?! Hahahaha!

[Alex]

RE KG's Action-Reaction... I think you used the word "Putz". I prefer "Knob". I think we're in agreement though.

What's going on with Joey Graham? He was great last night. Is this going to be the Year of Joey or what?

[C. French]

Hey Doug - with O'Neal getting T'd up in last night's game against Boston, doesn't that make that 3 on him already for the season...after only 8 games. Correct me if I'm wrong but 12 more and he misses a game?

Blogger's note: A one-game suspension comes after a players 16th technical foul. There's lots of time to go

[cfp]

I cannot believe the refs did not tech up Garnett. He harassed Jose by wagging his finger in his face, humping him, and dancing and taunting while Jose was moving the ball up the court. What an asshole. Just because he won a ring last season, doesn't mean he should get preferential treatment. Ridiculous.

[Jojo]

Oh lord. Look, Chris Bosh is the franchise. Maybe he wouldn't have been able to get anything off against KG in the 4th. But how does he not get the ball at all??? "Mabye" they could have run some cross screens, but you doubt it? I don't even remember them trying to just post up Chris once. And what are we to understand by the digs on Parker and Moon? They're not better defenders than Kapono? If you need to leave Kapono in for his offence, than leave him on Allen and put Parker on Pierce. At least TRY something else when the same guy is repeatedly scoring on you.

I just don't understand the pass given to Mitchell all the time. You can criticize the players, as you do and as you should, but you can barely throw a velvet jab at the coach? What is he, infallible? If not, do you think you can be a tad more specific about his mistakes? Yeah, they lost to a better team but if execution has anything to do with it, than maybe, just maybe, coaching has something to do with that as well.

[Serge Papineau]

It's just ridiculous the amount of contact that the Celtics get away with on defense. They've already got the best players they don't need the refs' help.

NBA officiating is such a joke, anyone who thinks that refs are unbiased and uninfluenced by the name on the back of a player's jersey (or the front) needs to watch yesterday's game.

[Bob]

That was a gut wrenching loss. Mistake 1 - taking Calderon out of the game while up 8/9 and he was visibly upset at Mitch for taking him out. Solomon came in and made two terrible turnovers - celts right back in the game.

Mistake 2 - Running zero plays for your all-star PF. Don't tell me the Celts denied him EVERY TIME down the floor. Even if they did, it is the coach's job to find a way to get him the ball or utilze the double team to get open looks. Neither happened.

That being said, the celtics are just stone cold killers. That entire team has ice running through its veins in the 4th quarter. Unreal the shots they made. It is obvious that coaching mistakes were made but who knows the C's may have come back anyways.

[Rob]

Doug, I respect your comments but I completely disagree with you on a number of points you make in your blog today:

1. Kapono on Pierce matchup - Yes, Moon is not a good defender but he's better than Kapono any day of the week. The best defensive matchup would have been Graham on Pierce because of Graham's size and physical play. Yes, Graham has brain cramps but those almost always come on the offensive end not when he plays defence.

2. Better team won - Clearly coming into the game the Celtics were the better team so seeing them win is not a surprise. But, when the Raptors get a 16 point lead through 2 1/2 quarters, they better find a way to win that game.

3. Offensive Strategy with Bosh - Wow, you don't make a single negative comment or criticism of the coach's decision to use Bosh as a decoy (as Bosh described the strategy). Bosh the team's best player doesn't take a single shot in the 4th quarter and only 8 all game, and this is somehow a good strategy? Yes the Celtics are a great defensive team but Bosh didn't have a good 4th quarter because the coach decided not to get the ball into his superstar's hands. How can you say that "maybe a few more cross screens would have freed up Bosh but I kind of doubt it" when the team never even tried to get the ball to Bosh. Bosh is the Raptors best player and one who people are now discussing as having become a superstar. Maybe the coach doesn't feel that way since he clearly thinks Garnett can shut down Bosh. By not running plays for their best players the Raptors were playing right into the hands of Boston's defensive strategy. As an example, would Phoenix have used Stoudemire as a decoy against Boston? Would any other team have gone away from its best player down the stretch of the game?

The coach deserves a lot of criticism for his decision to use Kapono on Pierce and to keep the ball away from Bosh and the media elects not to say even one word of criticism of the team's coach. Fans tend to overreact to wins and losses and often call for the coach's head after a game like this. I'm not suggesting that the coach be fired but it would be nice to see some criticism directed by the media at the coach when he deserves it.

[petro]

Where to start my vent. I know... at you Doug.

You suggested that there was little that could've been done to free up Bosh... because Garnett was on him like glue and the Celtics defense played him perfectly. Sam and the Raps had no counters for the Celtics defense. There was no creativity shown to get Bosh the ball or for him to even be an effective decoy. Sam was completely ill prepared for that kind of defense. Yes the Celtics defense deserves credit... but Sam deserves more criticism... don't let him off the hook. Sam is a master at deflecting blame.

As for KG... never been a fan of his ego and attitude. Not sure why many folks admire him so much. Of course he has all world talent and skill, but I've never embraced him as a loveable superstar. Just think how he acted when he was being interviewed right after they won the championship last spring... no humility... no class.

[Marlon]

KG is a great player and all. But what a douchebag he was last night. The refs must have swallowed their whistles, not calling a taunting foul on him. Way to go refs.

And yes, the better team won. The Raps played good, but didn't handle the pressure well enough. But they're almost there. This should be a good learning experience for them.

Go RAPS!

[Pete]

I was never a big KG fan. Although he is a fierce competitor, because he already seemed like a "knob" to me, just by watching some of his interviews and reactions around media etc. But last night's taunt on Jose made all that certain now, and I have no respect for KG anymore. None.

[Jim Konandreas]

Folks - pretty easy explanation from last night. When the going got tough, the Raps didn't get going. And just like the playoffs last year, the only one who did show up was Jason Kapono.

[J. Popalis]

Doug, any word from someone "in the know" about a possible McDyess signing for our Raps?

And you are correct, it was a fantastic game. If we had one people would have said it would have been a great game no matter who won. But since we lost, we should fire Sam. Relax everyone, taking the world champs to the final minute is nothing to sneeze at.

Blogger's note: McDyess hasn't cleared waivers, no one can talk about him publicly. But teams are lining up to make offers.

[Jim Konandreas]

KG was calling out Calderon for his school yard clapping defense he does when somebody takes a shot. KG was clapping in Calderon's face, then finger wagging telling him not to do that.

Was KG taunting - yes and it should have been called. But is that clapping move that Calderon does bush-league? Absolutely.

[Sean]

Some days I hate being a Raptors fan. This is one of those days.

[Eric]

Call me Nutso but any time the Raps play the C's, does Sam not seem a lot more--- what's the word I'm looking for??? --- composed? Is this a coincidence!?!?! I'm sorry but I'm sooooo tired of the Sam Mitchell who is conflict-averse against his little brother KG! I dont' know what kind of a subliminal message that sends to his players but if I see my coach consistently cower into a shell against any team or player, I'm going to do the same thing eventually. I dno't think it was a coincidence that CB4 had the same cowardly look on his face throughout the game and especially in the fourth. After all, this is a student graduating from the Sam Mitchell School Of Getting Bullied Around By His Friends While Pretending He's Not. If the Raps are ever going to overtake the C's in this division, it will come only after KG or Sam moves elsewhere and will have nothing to do with who's better. In the film room today, Sam should maybe look at the camera while it's on him in Boston, and compare that to the same shot from Sunday in Charlotte! He might be surprised. Grow up, Sam!!

[jeff]

disappointed in your blog for not even mentioning Sam as part of the list of people to be blame for the loss... Why are you trying to protect Sam? He's not going to give juicy bits of news for a scoop... I'm an avid reader but this blog takes the cake for your failure to assess the game properly

[George]

It was without a doubt a re-run of the Raptors vs. Bobcats. The better team tightened up and shut down the opposition. The Raptors need several more of these games under their belt to become a better team. The talent is there, the experience isn't. If the Raptors can just take something away from these games; and find a way to stay calm, confident and focussed under pressure, that would be definite strides towards a competitive team.

[Anthony D]

All this KG hatred is just sour grapes. Sometimes he is over the top, but what he brings in terms of intensity and defense is exactly what we've been pining for, for years. If he was actually bush league, he would be not be as respected as he is by the same players he is taunting. Maybe we should stop complaining about it and start hoping that someone can bring the same confidence and intensity to the Raps so that we can actually win a playoff round. And Doug, writing that it's OK to lose to the defending champs is giving the Raps a free pass. Up double digits with a quarter to play, the Raps should be expected to win, no matter who the Raps are playing, especially if the Raps expect to make noise in the playoffs,

Blogger's note: Actually, it was a two-possession game with a quarter to go; Toronto's last double-digit lead came with about three minutes left in the third quarter.

[Mike]

Sounds like a lot of excuses to me Doug. I don't care what you say, but watching one on one coverage with Kapono on Pierce was brutal, even if you tried Jamario or Joey on him, at least you tried. But to sit there while he went off on our worst defender, and justify it by us needing his offense doesn't fly. And I don't care what KG does, you have to find creative ways to get him the ball. Your sentiment that he wasn't involved in the offense much when they built up their lead, somehow justifies him not getting the ball in crunch time is assinine. You win and lose on the backs of your stars...Sam made zero 4th quarter adjustments to what the Celtics were doing, just because their the NBA champs, doesn't mean we shouldn't win that game.