The Goods On The Game, Vol. 32, Welcome home edition

Happy New Year's, everyone. Hope you're all out having a wild good time and fun and frivolity and all that jazz. Us? A few of us are here working and watching and wondering what tonight holds.

What it doesn't hold is Jermaine O'Neal, who'll spend this one on the inactive list with a bruised right knee he picked up Monday night in Golden State.

Andrea Bargnani gets the start in his place, and as we've noted earlier today, Anthony Parker's back in the starting lineup. As I type this, we're still not sure whether Kapono's a go or not. He's up in the practice gym getting some work in to see how he feels.

Other than that, it's a quiet night, we're all wondering what kind of crowd shows up tonight for the first New Year's Eve home game in franchise history. We'll let you know later when we're back with the usual fun stuff.

Talk to you soon.
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And let's get started
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No, there's no Kapono, guess the bruised quad didn't come around fast enough.
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Word of warning: Already had some wrieless issues, hope they don't last 'cause I'd hate to think you were missing out on this. :)
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Two of the first three Denver baskets were uncontested Kenyon Martin dunks. Quite a troubling sign for a team that wants to keep guys out of the paint.
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Oh yeah, forgot to tell you: No video recap tonight, sorry. Well, considering tomorrow's New Year's day and some of you may be under the weather, no seeing my smiling mug might not be that bad a thing.
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Not a bad crowd, now that we see it. Certainly not full but not bad for a big night like tonight.
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Nene's just a bit too strong for Bargnani to guard, they're going to have to give him some help when the big Denver centre gets the ball in the post.
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Nuggets 13, Raptors 8 with 6 1-2 minutes left.
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First famous person sighting: Stumpy!!! Up in the stands 'cause he can't get front row seats 'cause of the restraining order, I believe.
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Raptors go zone and immediately cause two turnovers that results in a Bargnani basket in transition and an AP three.
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Of courese, that means the Nuggets immediately go to J.R. Smith, who comes in and drills a three-pointer.
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With no JO, the first big off the bench is Jake Voskuhl, he replaces Bargnani, who's got six shots and a rebound in nine minutes.
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This is Jake's home debut. mark it down in red letters.
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I'm going to post a wee bit more often tonight 'cause of this wireless issue, hope you don't mind.
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Joey's the first wing off the bench, as you'd guess with no Kapono available.
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Two fouls on Calderon -- the second a questionable offensive one -- gets him a seat with 1:20 left and it's Will Solomon time. Solomon's on the court with Graham, Moon, Voskuhl adn Bosh. Hmm, how's that for a lineup?
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Solomon has two fouls in 16 seconds. SIXTEEN FREAKING SECONDS!
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I don't know what's gotten into Jamario but he's all over the offensive glass.
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Toronto 31, Denver 29 after one.
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The Chicken knows how to play the game. He's over there mugging it up with this Brian Burke fellow, who apparently has something to do with hockey and is apparently quite popular with the people. Oh, and he's famous, too.
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JR Smith can score in bunches and he's the guy Toronto's going to have to watch out for tonight. And they'll know who he is 'cause he's the guy who shoots it a lot.
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This is a glitch filled night. My wireless, which is really important, and now the scoreclocks, which are pretty important, too. The refs are over wondering if the scoring crew has stopwatches. And they do so we can play with no clocks.
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You'll notice how I refrained from making any crack about the clocks going out being not quite as bad as the fact this horrible scoreboard only shows the boxscore every now and then and that technology seems to be an issue here.
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They are buying a lot of time with Solomon, Joey,, AP, Hump and Bargnani on the court.
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Raptors 37, Nuggets 33 with 8:55 left.
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It's time for Jose to return, methinks.
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Speak of the devil. Here he is after almost six minutes -- an eternity for him -- of rest.
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Nene has no interest whatsoever in coming out to guard Chris Bosh 16 feet from the basket; Bosh has to shoot it when he gets it there. He has made two in a row now.
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Joey's in there guarding Anthony. They like that matchup a bit better than Moon 'cause Joey's a bit stronger.
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Seventy-one this season, 74 in a row all told for Jose from the free throw line.
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Okay, Bargnani's playing well as a centre, isn't he? May not last but it's been good so far.
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Moon's back for Joey.
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Jose's got three with 3:40 left and comes out. The third was a real cheapie on an out-of-bounds play.
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With Solomon in and Calderon out, it probably behooves the Raptors to play at a much more deliberate pace.
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You've probably all noticed, but assistant coach Mike Evans is back.
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I just saw Anthony Parker take a turnaround fadeaway 20-footer being double-teamed. Then I saw Andrea Bargnani track down the miss with some quickness and make a jumper. It is an odd night indeed.
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Denver 53, Toronto 50 at the half.
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Not sure if you're aware of this but Denver coach George Karl's going for his 900th career win. Not sure of the significance of that number, either. Jay, before the game, had about the same reaction: "900's a number than I'm 896 away from."
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For a team that wanted to play inside-out, the fact Toronto's now taken 12 threes in this game is rather odd, isn't it?
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Jake's now played four minutes and just got his first foul. That's a far cry from the Golden State game.
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Raps have two turnovers this quarter that the Nuggets have converted into baskets.
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Chauncey's having a very quiet effective game. He's got 10 and 7 already.
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Nuggets 70, Raptors 68 with six minutes to go.
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The Raptors are far more active on the offensive boards tonight. AP just had one for a putback bucket.
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Carmelo Anthony is one aggrieved player tonight. I beleive he believes he's been fouled on every foray to the basket.
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I think this has to be another of those games where Jose plays the entire second half, or at least long enough to have the game decided. They did it in Golden State, they should do it tonight.
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In this timeout, Jay's all the way across the court talking to Boy Ref David Guthrie (age? Maybe 17) about a travelling call.
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Raps up one. Game very entertaining. Timeout and they gotta play music, or put the big old "Cheer loud" sign on the scoreboard or do something to keep the fans up, right? Of course not. Lame game with briefcases that causes more yawns than anything. Really.
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Bosh not only has that usual brace on his right leg, he's got a compression sleeve on his left knee tonight.
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With Calderon guarding Billups, the Nuggets want to post up the guard. Of course, JR Smith just absolutely blew by Jamario and Jose had to help, leaving Billups all alone for a wide open three.
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Jay's livid with 'em. Down six, he calls timeout with 1:28 left, screams a bit and then goes and sits on the bench to let the players chew each other out. Bosh did. It came after Toronto gave up two back-to-back middle drives.
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Now it's an eight-point game and trouble signs are brewing.
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Just caught a glimpse of Bryan on the TV screen. He looks displeased.
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Nuggets 85, Raptors 77 after three.
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Jay's staying with Will Solomon to start the quarter. I'm unsure of the wisdom of that one.
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Bargnani's still looking good on offence.
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Now is precisely the time the crowd can make a difference.
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Oooh, a Jake Voskuhl 17-footer is not a pretty thing to see. But he was wide open.
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You don't see this one too often. Kleiza makes a three and Joey gets called for a foul under the basket wrestling with Chris Andersen, who misses the FT and the four-point play possibility.
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Okay, Boy Ref D. Guthrie is not having a good night. He just made a phantom foul call on Andersen on a pump fake by Bargnani that's one of the worst this season.
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Here we go again. Raps on a run, it's a two-point game, Nuggets on the ropes and they call a timeout. Crowd go nuts? Of course not, it's the stupid Spin The Bottle Booze thing. Honest to goodness. This is ridiculous. But I bet it's sponsored so someone's making money off it.
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Next timeout: Maybe a moment of silence.
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I've seen more astute plays than the Joey Graham lob in traffic to Andrea Bargnani I just witnessed.
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Hmm, a contretemps between Kleiza and Voskuhl.
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Bosh and Calderon back with 7:36 left. I might have brought them back a minute or two earlier, when it ws a two-point game. It's a seven-point Denver lead now.
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Nuggets 97, Raptors 92 with six minutes left.
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Plenty of cheering, which is good. And the "Let's go Raptors" chant is well played.
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As Kevin Harlan might say: "Right between the eyes" as Chauncey drills a three-pointer to put Denver up eight with 2:45 left. That, my friends, might have been the dagger.
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The Nuggets have 50 points in the paint. FIFTY!
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A Bosh three-point attempt way back when Toronto was down two wasn't the perfect shot but he was wide open and they'll live with him taking that in rhythm. If he makes it, it's a great shot, if he doesn't, it's a terrible one.
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Hey everyone, have a safe and very Happy New Year.
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Denver 114, Toronto 107

You wanted even more news? Well, here's some more

Been a pretty busy day over here, as it turns out.

I'm sure you all saw the earlier news that both Jason Kapono (bruised quad) and Jermaine O'Neal (bruised right knee) are going to be game time decisions for tonight against Denver.

Well, having spoken to Jay Triano after shootaround a while ago, it's apparent that even if Kapono can go, he'll come off the bench and Anthony Parker will be back in the starting five.

The reason? Well, neither of them are really lighting it up in their new roles, that'd be the one big thing.

Said Jay of Parker::

"I wouldn’t say he’s played his way into it or that JK has played himself out of the starting spot. We need to maximize those two guys and right now they’re both struggling a little bit as far as points are concerned and maybe this change will just get them back into the positions they’ve played for most of their careers."

And if O'Neal can't go, Jay said Andrea Bargnani goes into that spot in the starting lineup.

Guess all this means you'll have to check back right before the game to find out who's playing and who isn't.

Of course, this is the first time the Raptors have seen the Nuggets since they were narrowly edged 132-93 earlier this month in Denver in what was the last game of the Sam Mitchell era.

Have they talked about? Jay, again:
 

"We’ve discussed it a little bit, yeah. We’re professional athletes and you lose by 40 and you get embarrassed, you don’t want that to happen again, you don’t want that to happen in your own building. We’ve got to start playing with a sense of pride in our own building and establishing how we’re going to be represented as a team in front of our fans."

You want news? We've got news

I guess every now and then going to a morning shootaround isn't such a bad idea.

We've just been dutifully informed that the Raptors may be without both Jason Kapono and Jermaine O'Neal for the New Year's Eve game with the Nuggets.

Kapono's got a right quadriceps contusion (fancy way to say a leg bruise) and he'll be a game time decision; O'Neal's over the flu but he's got a bruised right knee (that's the good one, by the way) and he'll be a similar game-time call.

No word on who might replace them if they can't go but it'd be safe to assume Anthony Parker fills in for Kapono and it's got to be either Andrea Bargnani or maybe even Kris Humphries or Jake Voskuhl if O'Neal can't go.

Oh, and remember last time Toronto was at home and there was that smattering of boos in the Dallas game? Here's what Jose just told us:

"It happens. The fans want us to win, they have expectations for us and we have to deal with that."

But he also said he needs, or wants, some support:

"When I say 'team' it's not just the players and coaches. The fans are in that word, too."

Okay, so you're up to date.

Cleaning up the mail before the calendar turns

Long day of travel, no practice, just off the road. Of course I’m going to take the relatively easy way out and go with some mail today. And it’s a good thing, too, since there are another 20 or 25 questions I see in there now and Lord knows when I’ll get to them. But it’ll be soon so don’t worry.

As for today? Well, this cleans up some old stuff and some non-Raptor stuff, which is far more interesting these days than anything to do with the team.

Enjoy, and don’t forget to check back tomorrow after we turn over the calendar.

A word first:

May you and yours have the greatest of New Year’s Eves. Have fun, be safe, don’t drink and drive and resolve to be better people to everyone you come in contact with next year.

Have a nice night.

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Q: Merry Christmas Doug! Two questions for you: What, in your estimate, is the average number of plays that a coach has for his team? Also, what are assistant coaches always writing down in their notebooks? Thank you again, and happy holidays!

Sam C, Kingston

A: I’d guess most teams would have about eight or 10 basic plays but there are so many variations and counters off them that there’s probably three or four times that many options.

And the coaches are charting things like deflections, contested shots, success rates of various plays and other esoteric stats.

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Q: When Colangelo picked Bargnani, I wasn't convinced he was the best in the draft but I did believe he had the most upside. However, I think my fervor for "#1" allowed me to overlook something: Bargnani doesn't seem to fit on this team. Now, I'm far from a AB-hater. I think he has a future in the league and may blossom into a great player. However, I really don't think it will be with this team. Of course hindsight is 20-20 and no one knew Roy would be the superstar he is, but he's the "type" of play I see fitting on the current roster. So my question is two-fold: (i) is Bargnani a trade asset at this point; and, (ii) are there any young players out there who might fit the "type" we need? [Don't get me wrong, if AB could consistently do 14-7 off the bench, I would keep him in a heartbeat.]

Stephen J, Toronto

A: Yes, he is a trade asset. You’d be surprised as the number of scouts who tell me their team would love to have Bargnani. Just about every coach we talk to speaks highly of him and is intrigued by what he can offer.

So if Bryan is ready to give up on him – and don’t think he is but I think he’s closer than he’s ever been to cutting his No. 1 pick loose – he’ll have takers.

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Q: There's all this talk about 2010 and the possible movement of Big names, LeBron, Bosh, Wade, with the economy in shambles who is going to have money to pay these guys? New York is mentioned as a possible destination. Most of the government subsidized companies are there. I doubt that the taxpayers will let those companies keep their Boxes. There is talk about cap space, but with attendance likely to be down in most markets what's the cap going to be by 2010. I read somewhere that their current teams may be able to offer these guys the most money, is that correct?

Brian A, Toronto

A: Some of the greatest economic minds in the world can’t be sure what the financial world’s going to look like in 2010 so I sure can’t. But I don’t imagine the cap goes down because a lot of the revenue (sponsorships, television dollars) is already set through long-term contracts.

And yes, teams can offer their own free agents longer deals with larger annual raises so it’s financially better for a guy to stay for a maximum deal.

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Q: When the Celtics drafted Len Bias back in the 80's, and he died of a drug overdose two days later, did the Celtics essentially "lose" that draft pick? Or is it different because they hadn't signed him yet?

Harry J, Auckland, N.Z.

A: Yes, they lost it. A tragic loss for the Bias family, a difficult loss for the Celtic franchise.

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Q: Will the Raps match a New York offer sheet for Delfino? I still think he is better than all their present 2s and 3s (and better than their backup 1s too). Maybe it is time to pay a little luxury tax.

J L, Oakville

A: We’re getting a little ahead of ourselves since the Knicks haven’t even got the roster exception for Cuttino Mobley that they’d use to make Delfino an offer only if Delfino can get out of his contract in Russia, which won’t be easy.

But I’d hope the Raptors would look long and hard at matching if it happens. I don’t think the Knicks, who are aiming at 2010 like no other team, would offer a deal that’s too long or too expensive and Delfino is precisely the kind of player Toronto needs.

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Q: Hey Doug, what are your thoughts on where the team would be if Wayne Embry stayed on as full time GM. Honestly I think the way he EASILY moved Jalen Rose's contract and if he was given the opportunity to draft the number 1 pick we would be a totally different team. He demonstrated to me that his "GM IQ" is great! Your thoughts

Shawn S, Atlanta

A: I don’t know about the draft, I remember Wayne being pretty enamoured of Bargnani after seeing him play and work out days after the Raptors won the lottery. Would they be better off? Impossible to tell.

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Q: After watching the Lakers-Celtics game last night, this game is like a rec league pick up game. Why is intensity so hard to come by for some teams (Raptors) and not for others (Celtics). Bosh looks like he's sleepwalking! How can these guys wake up?

Doug H, Toronto

A: Sleepwalking? Come on. That’s unfair. And wrong. Intensity comes and goes, in truth, I’m sure you’d see some dogs of games if you watched Boston and the Lakers each 82 times a year. And you have to admit, the juice gets a flowing a lot harder when it’s Celtics-Lakers amid all the hoopla of a finals rematch.

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Q: It's been a while since I submitted to your mailbox. I was saving up for a good one :) The other day I was watching the Lakers-Celtics game. The announcer said there should be three point guards representing the East in the all-star game - Devin Harris, Rajon Rondo, and Jameer Nelson. Is this Jose snub due to American ignorance of the existence of our beloved franchise and all its associates, or have all really surpassed Jose this season?

Mark D, Kingston

A: I think that was a bit of an over-statement but it’s not ignorance or the existence of the Raptors at all, it’s a case of which teams are playing the best in the East right now.

Personally, if they did take three, I’d have Calderon in there with Harris and Rondo. And if they take two, I think you could make the case that Calderon and Rondo should get the nod.

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Q: I'm sitting here watching the Raptors struggle to fend off a meager Kings team. Bosh just got back into the game - 5th foul in mere moments... sigh. Still up though and nice dunk by JG. With all this constant talk about trades on the Raps, and listening to Leo at half-time talk about how the Cavs are on the heels of the Celts and Lakers... I'm wondering if you have a take on the Detroit/Denver trade now that there's been some time for a bit of examination. Appears to be a bit of a washout for the Pistons - Denver alternatively, 17-8 since, seems to be working pretty well. Any lessons here for the Raps and us fans?

Stephen H, Port Hope

A: I thought right from the start Billups would be a great fit in Denver because he brings the kind of calming influence that group needs; the concern I had on the Nuggets end was the long-term financial aspect of the deal.

But I also said this was too big a trade to judge too quickly, we need to wait to see what Detroit does with the money it saves this summer before rendering final judgement. If they use it to sign Carlos Boozer, that’s a home run. I also never thought the Pistons were true championship contenders with Billups and they sure aren’t with Iverson.

Lessons for Toronto? Guess the only one would be not to underestimate the leadership abilities of a good, veteran point guard.

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The long, sad trip comes to an end

BEN MARGOT/AP

Bosh three-pointers last night: 2. Combined Calderon, Kapono, Bargnani three-pointers last night: 2.

Well, that one didn’t turn out so well, did it?

Some good, some bad and another loss. Some defensive problems crept back into the scene – slow rotations to shooters on the perimeter, too much middle given up to the wings – and that’s probably more troubling than anything. But the Warriors are a goofy team and tough to play. They have no conscience offensively and no real clue defensively. They must be exasperating to coach and a dream to watch all the time.

And the Raptors? Well, they don’t do improvisation very well, as we saw for long stretches of that game.

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Action: Coming home.

Reaction: What’s the reaction?

It’ll be quite interesting to see how the good inhabitants of the Air Canada Centre react to these guys on Wednesday night.

Will there be support? Or boos? Indifference? Or noise.

I’d hope there’d be support and noise and when things start to go bad – as they inevitably will at some point in the game – I wonder how many boos there will be.

Paul Jones and I were talking about this very thing after the Golden State game. When the Warriors were in the process of coughing up that big fourth-quarter lead, there was absolutely no disgruntlement from the fans. There were cheers and applause and exhortation.

Same thing the other night in Portland when Toronto went up big in the second quarter. Fans were cheering rather than holding their breath or expressing disgust.

I don’t recall those kinds of things ever happening in Toronto. Which is actually a shame and speaks volumes about some faction of the ACC crowds.

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You know that each of the five three-pointers Toronto had down two in the final minutes last night was a good one, right?

Parker ridiculously wide open, Kapono with three good looks in a row and Jose with an open shot from the side.

They would take those shots every single time down the floor and not be worried a lick.

But it sort of goes hand-in-hand with how things are going, doesn’t it? That’s how Jose feels.

“Sometimes in these situations, maybe the Lakers or Cleveland now they make every shot, it seems easier. It is coming because you are winning and you’re rolling. In these situations (that Toronto finds itself in) sometimes the ball is going to off your foot and go out of bounds or it’s going to be in and out and it happens. It’s even more frustrating.”

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This from the mail a few days ago fits with the prevailing mood:

Q: Sadly, with the Raptors, what you see is pretty well what you get. They need a big move made now, tweaking can come later. To permit any future acquisition the best adaptation to his new team, how early should a deal be made? And, in your opinion, what is the latest an acquisition should be made during the season?

Richard S, Lethbridge

A: If Bryan’s got a deal that’s close, he has to make it now. Like today, or tomorrow. With three games at home and practices time Thursday and Saturday, it’s a good opportunity to get a new guy or two when there’s at least a little bit of time to get acclimated.

Now, I have no knowledge that anything’s that close but if these guys get nine or 10 games below .500, and that possibility exists, the season’s effectively over so waiting until then makes no sense.

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I’m sure you were all wondering as Jake Voskuhl picked up four fouls in 4 1-2 minutes just what the franchise record is for the quickest DQ on personals.

Well, the crack Raptor media relations staff has that kind of information right at hand.

Roger Mason Jr. holds the team record; he fouled out in nine minutes of an April 11, 2004 game against Chicago.

Know what else happened in that game? Jamal Crawford scorched the Raptors for 50 points.

The stuff you learn here, eh?

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Statistical anomaly of the night?

Chris Bosh had as many three-pointers against the Warriors as Jose Calderon, Anthony Parker and Andrea Bargnani combined.

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Action: Jermaine’s absence

Reaction: Did it mean anything?

Well, considering how well he’d been playing, and how much of an advantage he and Bosh would have had inside, yeah, it meant a lot.

Here’s how Jay put it after the game:

“Obviously we want to attack inside and they could go with a smaller lineup as soon as he was not in the game. That spreads the floor a little bit, plays to their advantage. We tried to stay big for a bit but when we started matching up, that’s when we started getting back in the game with our smaller guys.”

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One from the mail:

Q: Thanks for answering my question the other day, much appreciated Mr. Smith. Your insight into my favourite team and sport is awesome. Quick question now, any chance a player from the Filipino pro league ever gets a chance to play in the NBA? I've been over to southeast Asia and I believe those players might have something to offer.

Chris E, Red Deer, AB

A: Jim Kelly, the Raptors director of player personnel who is something of an expert on Filipino basketball (he played, coached, did media, and managed teams over there) once told me it’d be years before anyone was close to making it.

But I do know officials there are working on beefing up training – for both players and coaches – so I can see it eventually happening.

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Action: Raptors rebound.

Reaction: How bad is Golden State?

Okay, this is not something I imagine I will write again for a long, long time but Toronto absolutely destroyed the Warriors on the glass, which tells me the Raptors actually can rebound in they put their minds to it. They had 20 offensive rebounds for goodness sake.

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How’d it play in San Francisco?Like this.

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And in honour of San Francisco and one of the all-time greats, we’ll finish the day with this one:

Q: Hope it's a motivator for you to think that there are many, like me, far from home, staying in touch with beloved hoops and Raps through your blog. Thanks. San Fran was where Bill Russell "got started". Perhaps you can stop by San Fran U and pay respects to whatever they have there to remember his playing days: statue? museum? display case in gym? Which brings me back to Russell..what was it - 9(!!!!) - championships in 11 years or something like that? Whoever heard of such a thing? Russell rebounded, made the greatest outlet pass ever to spark the break and blocked shots with his left hand in such a way that he very often retrieved the ball to initiate a fast break. He could hardly shoot. What does that add up to for you? The heart of a champion? Great supporting cast? Extraordinary coaching with Auerbach? Q: What have you concluded about what it takes to achieve enduring championship-level success in NBA?

Charles N, San Miguel, Mexico

A: Will. Pure and simple. Everyone has athletic ability, some have more than others but everyone can shoot and dribble and run. What separates the greats – the true greats like Russell and Jordan and Oscar Robertson and those of that ilk – is whatever special something burns inside them.

It’s impossible to explain easily but you know what I’m talking about right? You just sense it with all the greats in all the sports. Tiger Woods has it, Nicklaus had it, Gretzky had it, and so did Pele. Borg. McEnroe. Sorenstam. They had something in their hearts that others don’t.

The Goods On The Game, Vol. 31, a Warrior night

Hey everybody? All in your places with bright, shiny faces? Thought so.

Wish there was some news or something to report from here but except for a delayed arrival of one of the team's buses thanks to Bay Bridge traffic (think 401 gridlock only suspended in the sky over the water and you'll have it nailed) there's nothing going on.

Warriors will have Jamal Crawford and Stephen Jackson in the lineup but no Corey Maggette. And the usual suspects for Your Raptors.

So, that's about it for now. I'll be back. (It's Arnold's state, I gotta throw that in, I guess.)
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And away we go
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I'm told by a person who'd know this kind of thing that the Raptors are a point and a half favourites tonight., That strikes me as odd. Luckily, gambling's illegal and I'm sure no one has wagered a bob or two on either of these teams. Right
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Touching moment at midcourt as the teams warmed up. Andrea Bargnani and Marco Belinelli having a word and a nice hug.
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Maybe in honour of his countryman, Marco Belinelli committed a foul 10 seconds into the game.
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Bosh is being guarded by the rookie Brandan Wright, they've really got to attack him. And avoid the Biedrins-O'Neal matchup because Biedrins is a bit too quick for O'Neal to go at him.
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Here's the thing about the Warriors. They are going to make you look very bad at times; but they are also going to make you look very good. The frenetic pace they like to play at lends itself to easy baskets at both ends.
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Very odd crowd. It's big but very quiet. Polite applause more than anything.
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Welcome to the NBA. Brandan Wright just had his shot blocked by Bosh and O'Neal on the same possession.
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Warriors 13, Raptors 9 with 6:11 left.
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The Raptors just scored a textbook basket. Bosh rebounded a Warrior miss, outlet to Jose at about the hash mark, dribbles to the other elbow, Kapono trails, one pass, one three-pointer.
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O'Neal's just left the game to head to the locker room. Seemed to be favouring his back. Didn't look like he did anything to get hurt. We'll wait for Media Guru J. LaBumbard to fill us in.
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Joey's in a bit earlier than usual and he's got Stephen Jackson, who immediately posts up and misses about a seven footer.
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Told you we'd tell you: Seems JO has "flu-like symptoms" and his return is questionable. Bad chowder in a bread bowl?
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No O'Neal means only one thing: More Jake. Here's Voskuhl to replace Bosh in the first quarter. Jake seems to have usurped Hump as the fourth big.
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Jose's quietly having an excellent offensive night. Nine points on only five shots. The Warriors are giving him open looks, like the give everybody, actually.
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Very good foul there by Joey on a Jackson break. Wrapped him up early and emphatically, not allowing Jackson to dunk or even get off a layup. Sure, Jackson made both free throws but it didn't get the crowd in the game or get him pumped up.
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Raptors 29, Warriors 28 after one.
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Perhaps in homage to his teammate, Will Solomon checks in to star the quarter and commits a foul 10 seconds into his stint.
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I'm not entirely sure about the Jake Voskuhl headband thing.
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And I'm sure not entirely sure about the Jake-throwing-a-lob-to-Parker play I just saw.
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Yes, that really was an Andrea Bargnani offensive rebound and putback jam. Saw it with my own eyes.
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Jake: Four fouls in five minutes.
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Oh oh. Bosh makes a three-pointer. Does that mean he'll shoot more of them?
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Bosh dribbling the ball up the court is never going to end well. And seeing him stripped when he tried to go behind his back proves that point.
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Some dude just proposed to his intended, whose name is Samie apparently, and the lovely lady said yes. Just thought you should know.
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This is a unique Toronto lineup: Jose, Kapono, Parker, Moon and Bosh. Lets them switch everything on defence 'cause the Warriors are equally small.
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O'Neal's back and about to check back in the game.
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Toronto 43, Warriors 41 with 6:12 'til halftime.
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JO's back for about 30 seconds, takes a tumble at midcourt trying to corral a loose ball and banged himself up. He's out of the game again.
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Jason and Joey have already scored. Won't be another night of shutouts like it was up in Portland on Saturday.
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Media row here is up at the top of the lower bow and it's a pretty good vantage point. Plus, there's a concession stand right behind us and Zic and I are sampling some good popcorn at the moment. If they've got nachos at halftime, this might be a very good seat.
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Yes Bargnani is playing well tonight.
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Rony Turiaf just flat-out blocked a Bosh jumper that led to a Warrior three in transition, Turiaf had a steal on Jose that led to a Warrior three in transition. Momentum? Gone all to Golden State right now.
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Belinelli drills a three and takes a charge on Bargnani at the other end.
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You'd think this one's almost getting out of hand but I think the Warriors are always going to let teams get back in games.
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Warriors 60, Raptors 52 at halftime.
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Jermaine's done for the night 'cause of the flu. Survived the fall okay but the bug got him.
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A start for Bargnani, wonder how he'll react.
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Bosh has two quick fouls, three for the game and if he's got to sit down, these guys have no chance whatsoever. And I'm not sure they've got a chance anyway.
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Raptors are trying a little zone defence. Given that their man-to-man play has been rather suspect, it's probably worth a shot.
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The Warriors are playing small and they've got Stephen Jackson guarding Bosh. An immediate double-team comes every time he catches the ball.
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This Belinelli kid is very impressive. Not sure how much that has to do with the opposition but he looks really good.
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Warriors 77, Raptors 67 with 5 1-2 left.
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Hump's going to get some burn. Guess Jay doesn't want Jake to foul out quite yet.
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Had dinner with old friend Larry Riley, who's now Golden State's general manager after years of coaching alongside Nellie. He said Belinelli has come on strong simply because he got a chance to play; he'd been buried on the bench early in the year. Riley's been a friend since he worked for the Grizzlies in Vancouver years ago.
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Hump's giving them something, like a jump shot he just made.
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Don't look now, but somehow the Raptors have got themselves back in the game, down seven with more than two minutes left in the quarter. One thing about the Warriors, they don't seem to be able to handle prosperity.
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The Raptors are trying to junk up the game with some full court pressure and a zone defence. Gotta give 'em credit for trying something.
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This is one scrambling quarter we're watching. All kinds of loose balls and crazy passes. I love it.
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Golden State 86, Toronto 79 after three.
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Any of you still up?
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I'm telling ya, Hump with hair is way better than Hump without. As a player, that is.
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I don't think they can afford to give Jose a break this quarter until the game is decided. That may be with a couple of minutes left.
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Jose's now made two free throws in the game, both on Golden State technicals. That gives Calderon 71 in a row, 68 straight this season.
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So, they have this group of kids who bring out the tramp and dunk during the timeout they just had. And guess what song's playing? Yup. None other than Flo-Rida. How do I know this? 'Cause I pay attention at home games. It's far more effective in the dunk show than as a pre-game thing.
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The five threes that Belinelli's got? Most he's had in a game in his career. Or so the Warrior PR people tell us.
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Stephen Jackson is thisclose to getting a second technical and thrown out of hte game.
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Warriors 100, Raptors 90 with seven minutes to go.
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Well, this one certainly turned interesting, didn't it?
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Bosh's second three-pointer was a big shot. Not a particularly good one, but a big one.
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I'm pretty sure there haven't been too many instances with Parker, Kapono and Calderon have all missed wide open three-pointers one after the other after the other. Any of them would have put Toronto up and that's just tough shooting luck.
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Toronto's just 2-for-9 from beyond the arc in this quarter by my calculation.
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I've seen more offence-defence substitutions in the last 11 games than I have in the last four seasons.
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Well, it turned into an entertaining one but still a loss nonetheless and I imagine Bryan Colangelo will be on the phone more than ever on Tuesday seeing if he can get something going on a trade that seems inevitable.
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Warriors 117, Raptors 111.
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Talk to you from back home on Tuesday. Thanks for hanging around.

A little late but here's all the stuff you need

Sorry, I’m late. Four words in my defence.

Jack Armstrong. Buena Vista.

‘Nuff said.

Anyway …

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So is 3-3 that bad? If they get the Warriors tonight (and that’s a big ‘if’ ‘cause it’s a matchup of styles that doesn’t really suit Toronto) they can go .500 on this trip and if you gave them that two weeks ago, everyone would have signed that scorecard, I think.

But even if they do, it’s a bad 3-3 because of that Oklahoma City thing the night the journey started, isn’t it? This team can’t give away games like they did that one and while beating Golden State would be nice, the sting is still there.

But is 13-18 that bad? The schedule does start to turn (Denver, Houston, Orlando is no picnic right off the bat) but it’s always been the goal to get back to .500 by the end of the month (the all-star break at the worst) and no one’s really running away and hiding in the East after Boston, Cleveland and the Magic.

So it can be said they’re not in bad shape, certainly not good shape but not disaster.

That’s if they beat Golden State, mind you. If they don’t, you can go all angst-filled if you like. And I’m sure you do.

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Is there a trade coming?

Somebody suggested last night that one will get done in the next couple of weeks.

I remember a wise man suggesting back in mid-December that nothing would happen until the New Year and being chastised for it.

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Hey, you know Friday’s game is on TSN2, right? If you want to watch it on TV and you’re a victim of Rogers, better make plans now, there’s no suggestion anything can miraculously be resolved this week.

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STEVE YEATER/REUTERS

Jermaine O'Neal has it working right now.

So, who gets traded?

Can they trade Jermaine O’Neal? Even if they could find someone interested in that contract, I’m not sure they can move the guy because he’s playing so well right now. I have no idea if that lasts (and there’s a school of thought that says his value may never be higher than it is right now) but it’d be awful difficult to suggest they still have expectations for this season if they move him.

Given that I don’t think teams are beating down the doors to acquire Parker, Kapono, Moon or Graham, does that mean Bargnani’s in play.

I don’t think Bryan’s entirely ready to pull the pin on his No. 1 draft pick but I bet he’s listening more closely now when people talk about Bargnani than he has been.

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Here’s what they said around these parts this morning (and it’s not even 8 a.m. where I am) about the Warriors.

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A wee bit of mail and there are lot of questions lurking around that I’ll get to today and that I hope to post overnight somehow.

Q: Hey Doug, quick question, I remember reading an article you wrote late January about the raps thinking of bringing a NBDL team to the greater Toronto region. Was wondering if you had a update with regards to that? Because I really think it can do wonders for this team. When you can send a guy like Jawai down there and let him work on some post moves and defence as well as the ability to monitor his progress closely and control the coaching staff so that you develop what the players need. I know San Antonio and the Lakers have their own franchises, do you think it’s working well for them? Kinda similar to soccer academies or reserve teams.

Nelson S, Toronto

A: Last I heard, the D League franchise idea was still alive, but certainly not on the front burner. I think the difficult financial times would make it hard to start a new team that would, in my opinion, draw flies. That said, I think it’d be a great proving ground for everything from players to coaches to front office staff to back-of-the-house employees and I hope it happens. I just think it’ll be later, rather than sooner.

The people I talk to in LA and San Antonio think the existence of a farm team in their own market (well, just outside it in the case of the Spurs) has been nothing but a good idea.

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A throwback story in honour of being in San Francisco, where the team stays because, well, because it’s not Oakland.

There are always a few autograph seekers hanging out at the hotel when the team leaves for whatever arena they’re going to and they run the gamut of kids just goofing around to the loser dopey grown ups trying to get stuff signed so they can sell it on e-bay.

It’s 2004 and they’re going from downtown San Fran over to the Oakland and this dude comes up to the one and only Robert Archibald (how he knew he was an NBA player is beyond me) and asks him to sign.

Archibald, who had a rather high opinion of himself and his skills, looks at the guy with disdain and says, boarding the bus:

“Catch me at the arena.”

Yeah, like some dude’s going to chase a bus across the Bay Bridge to get an autograph from Robert Freaking Archibald.

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Another question:

Q: Hey Doug, do you think the Olympics hurt the Raps? Bosh in particular looks like he doesn't have the same jump. Calderon too.

Derrick L, Mississauga

A: No, not at all. They weren’t playing a lot of minutes, they weren’t playing every day and the Games ended, what, five weeks before NBA training camp even began? No, I see no residual effect of Beijing in them at all.

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Speaking of Archibald, there were lots of suggestions for other bad centres after I had that question on the weekend. Yes, Alex Radojevic has to be on that list and the former star and congenial hostess of The Norma Wick Hour writes to point out that no list of bad Raptor centres has to include Nate Huffman and she’s right.

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And a final question before I’m off for breakfast.

Q: I noticed in the Spurs game that Tim Duncan is still listed as the power forward in the starting line-up. What determines who is listed at what position? Does the coach submit a line-up card? The reason I ask is that Duncan took the opening tip, covered the opposing team's centre and spent pretty much all his time playing what could be described as "centre".

John H, Ottawa

A: Yes, coaches submit lineup cards before every game with two guards, two forwards and a centre listed. Also, when teams provide their rosters to the league at the start of the year, they specify positions as well, for such things as all-star ballots.

The power forward-centre and shooting guard-small forward debates are really in vogue right now and teams generally break down their rosters into point guards, wings and bigs. Maybe that’s how the public and media should see it, too.

The highs and lows, as usual

Well, wasn’t that some kind of collapse. Up 11 with less than two seconds to go in the first half, down 13 when the buzzer sounds. Fifty-seven in the first half, 32 in the second. Funny thing, though, sitting in the arena it didn’t seem so much a collapse as a takeaway. The Blazers, who are good with a capital GOOD, just played that much better than Toronto did in the second half.

As Jay said after the game, sometimes there are no excuses or explanations. Sometimes the other guy just plays better for 48 minutes, which is exactly what happened.

Now, as I recall, a wise old man said way back on about Dec. 16 that he could see a 3-3 trip coming. And if you peer off into the distance, so can you. All it’ll take is the same effort as Friday and Saturday tomorrow because if you get into a game of execution with the zany Warriors, there’s an excellent chance you win.

But if you don’t execute to near perfection against a team like Portland, you don’t have much of a chance. As we all saw Saturday.

So here we go (And how's this for timing? Two overnight blog posts after games? Guess this west coast stuff must be worth something):

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Action: A disappearing act

Reaction: Where did they go?

You scored as many points against Portland as Jason Kapono did and I got as many as Joey and if there’s any way these guys are going to win any game they play, someone has to help out Bosh and O’Neal.

And with Moon held to eight and AP six, there was no way in the world that’s good enough for them to win.

I can specifically remember two open three-pointers that Kapono missed (one to start the dreadful third quarter) and that’s just unusual and I can think of a couple of times AP had makeable catch-and-shoot looks that didn’t go in.

It was much more a case of them missing shots than anything the Blazers did so maybe it can be chalked up to just one of those nights. Here’s one thing to think about, though: If they’re going to run everything through Bosh and O’Neal, and they will and should, it’s going to limit the opportunities for those twos and threes and they’re going to have to be ready to contribute with fewer chances. Not sure if they can, though.

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Yes, Will Solomon did not play well against the Blazers. Yes, maybe it’s time to go back to Roko. Yes, I believe Jay saw the game and noticed the same thing you did.

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This fits right about here:

Q: Hey Doug. With Jermaine O'Neal’s dominating performance against the Sacramento Kings. Is it to early to call him the best Center in franchise history? Better than Antonio Davis, apples and oranges? Your Top 5? Rasho Nesterovic in there? Honorable mention The Gangster?

Rob W, Winnipeg

A: Oh yeah, it’s way too early but, funnily enough, we were discussing this just last night.

If he lasts the full two seasons, and given the possibilities of trades and injuries that’s not a sure thing, I’d say he’s got a chance to be the best ever in a Toronto uniform for sure. And he’s probably there now but the fact it’s been only 25 games mitigates against him.

The others? I’d say Rasho for sure, AD would have to top the list at the moment and there’s a guy a lot of you forget but who’d be in my top five for sure. And that’s Eric Montross.

Toss in Keon Clark and Kevin Willis and that’s the top.

The (dis)honourable mentions? The Gangster would be there; but don’t forget Mengke Bateer and I’m not sure if they considered Robert Archibald a centre but if they did, he was a bad one.

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Congratulations. As I type this at about 2 a.m. Eastern time, I don’t have a single e-mail pointing out the folly of the Brandon Roy (non)draft thing.

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Action: Rose Garden game-ops

Reaction: A fine experience

Someone was asking me over in the comments section what makes the Rose Garden such a great place to watch a game.

Well, it’s big but not huge and the crowd – as knowledgeable as there is in the NBA – doesn’t have to be told to cheer, ever. The game ops crew is among the best in the game, not at all intrusive and some of the bits are great.

They do one where Rudy Fernandez tries to teach the crowd to say “slam dunk” in his native Catalan and they did a question-and-one-word-answer thing with Greg Oden that was a hoot. Of course, they didn’t use those timeouts to sell Marlies tickets or do some lame promotion for, say, a lottery corporation.

Oh, and the scoreboard? Great HD TV and in the corners, actual scoreboard with things like stats and boxscores. What a novel idea.

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Here’s a follow up to something I mentioned Saturday morning:

Q: Doug, can you let your readers know what is found in the information packages from the other teams that you missed out on in Portland? I'm curious to know what could possibly be in it that could not of been sent electronically.

Casey A, Burlington

A: Well, first and foremost is the credential for that night’s game, which makes it exponentially easier to get in the arena in the first place. Not impossible because most of us have league credentials but still easier.

And, believe it or not, there are still a few dinosaurs like me who like to have the notes and stats and other information available in printed form so maybe we can sit in a comfortable chair or recline on a bad and read rather than having to sit at desk and stare some more at a computer screen.

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Check out today’s Oregonian to see what they had to say.

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And, finally (okay, almost finally)

Q: Hey Doug, so I know you must be sick of the coaching talk, but I've got a quick inquiry. And this is nothing against Triano, as I have long wondered when he will get his shot; but I noticed after some deep research, that besides Lenny Wilkens, none of the coaches in Raptors history have had any prior Head Coaching experience. And seeing as Lenny has seen the most success out of any of them (playoff wins), why have the big name coaches never really been a part of Raptor conversation?

Joey H, Toronto

A: Deep research indeed.

Well, the first reason that comes to mind is money. The second would be opportunity (this team was never really on the list of the most desirable jobs in the NBA). And the third would probably be money.

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Ah, an off-day in San Francisco. That can’t bite, can it? A Bueno Vista Irish Coffee or two, maybe a stop in Chinatown for dim sum, perchance a walk through Little Italy for a social stop or two. Might not be a bad day.

See you tomorrow morning.

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The Goods On The Game, Vol. 30, a night in Portland

Roll call! It's the Saturday of a holiday weekend, the big night between Christmas and New Year's Eve, I'm sure there are dozens of you sitting around with a computer on waiting for this hilarity. Or not.

But for the hearty souls who are here, you have my undying thanks, makes it worth my while to know someone's reading as we go along. And it keeps me actually paying attention to the game.

Speaking of, nothing much has changed at all for the Raptors since that glorious victory in Sacramento and I'm told it's the usual stuff with the Blazers, too.

Same old Toronto starters and it's Steve Blake, Brandon Roy, Nicolas Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden for Portland.

Talked to Jay Triano about half an hour ago and he says it's business as usual for the Raptors, who won't worry about the imposing inside presence of Oden and will go right at him with O'Neal and Bosh.

And I've set 10 minutes after Andrea's first missed shot as the over-and-under number on how long it takes me to get the first e-mail lamenting the fact the Raptors didn't take Roy, or even Aldridge, with that No. 1 pick way back when. Smart money's on the under.

Okay, fresh air beckons and then to our seats, which are at the top of the lower bowl here at the Rose Garden, which has to be in the top five arenas in the league.

See you soon.
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And we're underway
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Hey Super Son, you there tonight? (As if, there's Rock Band II and Get Smart DVDs to keep him busy). But if you are, the dude who just did the anthems did 'em on the saxophone and was outstanding. Keep practicing on yours and who knows where it'll take you.
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As you'd expect, Bosh and Aldridge are matched up, as are Oden and O'Neal. Little known fact: Jermaine told us last night he's known, and been helping, Oden since the kid was a freshman in high school in Indiana.
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And as you'd exepct, the Blazers go right to Oden, who has four of their first six points. And O'Neal responds in kind with the first two Raptor baskets, including an emphatic slam.
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Not a lot of defence early, the Blazers are shooting 75 per cent from the floor early.
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O'Neal's blocked Oden three times already. First time, Oden got the board and dunked, the second and third times were on the same possession and ended up with a Kapono foul.
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Blazers 14, Raptors 10 with 5:55 left.
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Special guest here on Grunt Row hgh atop the lower bowl is none other than the star of stage, screen, radio and TV Jack Armstrong, who has the night off from broadcasting duties and is here to thrill Zic and I.
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Bargnani's in the game. So is Roy. Let the fun begin.
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There's a group of four fans about five rows off the court below us bedecked in Spanish jerseys. Two of them at least have Calderon No. 8 jerseys, the others have generic team shirts. Wonder how Rudy Fernandez feels about that.
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It never looks like Brandon Roy is very quick but he always gets where he wants to go quicker than any defender.
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I'm hearing there are HD problems back home on TV. Well, we're in HD here.
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Raptors only have two assists so far, crisp ball movement is not part of the attack tonight.
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Steve Blake's a very solid point guard that a lot of teams would be glad to have.
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Back to back threes by Parker and Bargnani only come because O'Neal's active on the boards.
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Raptors 28, Blazers 26 after one.
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Who is that guy wearing No. 7 in the red? Ten points already?
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And that Bargnani fellow already has two rebounds.
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We're getting a lesson in Catalan from Rudy Fernandez on the scoreboard during a timeout. Apparently "slam dunk" in Catalan is "esmaixada." Of course, the Raptors couldn't do anything that much fun on their scoreboard because they'd be too busy selling Marlies tickets or something.
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A little bit of time with Toronto going big with Bosh, O'Neal and Bargnani. Second possession, what do they get? A quick Solomon three. Brilliant.
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Rudy Fernandez is going to be right in the conversation when it comes to rookie of the year chatter in April. At least he better be. The dude can play.
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Dancers just got finished dancing in a timeout. Two seats over, Jack yells: "Hello!" You can take the guy off the broadcast, but you can't take the broadcast out of the guy.
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Moon replaces O'Neal and the Raptors are big no more.
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Toronto 40, Portland 34 with six minutes 'til half.
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Andrea has to guard Oden and I'm wondering if it might not be time for Jake Voskuhl to get some minutes.
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Meadowlark Kapono just made a nifty behind-the-back pass in traffic that Jose converted into a three-pointer. Very nice pass.
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It'll be O'Neal to guard Oden now as Bargnani's half is probably over.
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Who are these guys? The Raptors are playing quite well and there's a really nice feel to this game. Entertaining, well-played, two good teams.
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The deal on the TV thing? I'm told the HD truck that was supposed to meet the crew here couldn't get here because of weather. It snowed about a foot a week or so ago and the city is still digging out.
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Oh, oh. Toronto 50, Portland 40. Know what that means, right? A double-digit lead.
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Nice hard foul by O'Neal on Oden. Let's the young fella know things won't come easily.
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Blazers in a zone for a few possessions. Toronto hasn't seen much of that the last little while.
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This might be the best quarter the Raptors have played in while at both ends of the court. Especially impressive is the fact they've had 10 assists this quarter.
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Of course, they give up a halfcourt shot at the buzzer.
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Toronto 57, Portland 49 at the half.
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Man, they know how to inform the fans here. Aside from one of those huge HD TV scoreboards (with a screen about a third again the size of the one in Toronto, they have an auxiliary board that shows every conceivable stat --from second chance points to charges taken to turnovers to bench points -- hanging from the ceiling. And they have another one that's a full boxscore. Imagine that! Maybe the ACC can ask where the bought them.
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O'Neal just got his third foul that was a bit of a cheapie. An illegal screen that was a borderline call if anything. If he's going to get fouls, they have to be defending Oden not setting screens 30 feet from the hoop.
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Jack's trivia time: Two players in the game were born in Buffalo. Who are they? Answer later if I remember.
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Kapono just missed his second wide open three of the game. That's an odd happenstance.
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Raptors are hanging on at the moment, not nearly as crisp as they were in the first half but I guess it's a good sign they've still got a lead.
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Raptors 63, Blazers 61 with 5 1-2 remaining.
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Well, there goes that 11-point lead, it's 65-65 with 3:20 left in the third.
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Raps have stopped going inside on nearly every possession, which is how they built that lead.
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O'Neal's now got four personal fouls and I smell trouble brewing. The momentum in this game has shifted seriously in favour of the Blazers.
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Toronto's going to get Will Solomon's second half minutes out of the way early. Figure he'll play the final 2:43 of the third, maybe a minute into the fourth and then it'll be Jose's time to finish the game.
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Chris Bosh is the only Raptor to have shot free throws tonight. Shameful.
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Toronto now has more offensive rebounds than Portland does. But three fewer second chance points.
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Portland 69, Toronto 67 after three.
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Seems I was right about Jose. He's back and I imagine he plays until this one's decided.
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Oh yeah, trivia answer: Jack, good Western New York boy that he is, tells me both Greg Oden and Ike Diogu were born in Buffalo. I knew Oden, didn't know Diogu.
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The Raptors bench has been scoreless in this half. There's your difference in the game.
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AP's doing as good job on Brandon Roy and the three he just hit over a hand was a tough, tough shot.
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Jim LaBumbard, ace PR dude, informs us that Toronto's 10-point third quarter was the fewest the lads have scored in a quarter this year.
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I take that back, a bit, about AP on Roy, who is getting much more aggressive offensively. Game must be on the line.
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Blazers 82, Raptors 74 with 6:35 left.
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This one is totally in Portland's control now. Toronto can't get going offensively at all, the Blazers aren't missing a shot and I'd say it's almost over.
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O'Neal's particularly frustrated with the officiating but it looks like the Blazers are just playing good, swarming defence.
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This is when a guy like Brandon Roy shines. He's had 14 points in this quarter. And the game, my frineds is over.
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Of course, Steve Javie's got to get is moment in the sun, hits Jay with a technical.
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They're chanting M-V-P for Roy and it's as ridiculous as the chants were in Toronto earlier this season.
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Bosh and O'Neal are the only two Raptors who've got it going now but they aren't going to have enough for a miracle comeback.
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The Aldridge free throws with about 40 seconds left win free chalupas for the folks in the stands and you'd think they'd won pizza or something.
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Blazers 102, Toronto 89.

Of crowning the Kings and more fun and games

Getting this done early today, or late last night depending on where you were. The alarm’s going to ring in about three hours and 45 minutes for the early flight up to Portland so I’ve got to get this done or it’ll be late morning your time before it’s finished.

Not a bad game, eh? O’Neal’s first 30-pointer since Dec. 4, 2007 and if he’s going to keep playing with that efficiency, there’s no way in the world they can even think of moving him.

And if he and Bosh ever really get it going in the same stretch of games, this team might win a few in a row and lessen the angst level out there.

I imagine things are a bit better for the true diehards today. Yes, the Kings are hardly a juggernaut but it was one of those tough games to figure with the Raptors. Hardly the most mentally tough team in the history of pro sports, they could have just as easily shown up after three days off for Christmas and mailed it in.

They didn’t, which is a positive sign.

On to the stuff:

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Action: JO’s last basket.

Reaction: A gem out of a timeout

I’m sure you all saw it but it bears talking about again. Up four with 1:17 left, five left on the shot clock and, arguably, the game’s biggest possession.

Not only do they get the ball inbounds without having blow another time out, they get it to Bosh, who gets it to O’Neal in the post, who makes the basket and the game’s effectively over. It was a specific play out of a timeout that worked to near perfection.

That’s not something we say very often around these parts.

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Oh, big error in The Goods On The Game.

I’ve got Hump growing his hair and reprising his role as a Wally Dow lookalike.

Of course, that should be Tony Dow.

And for you young ‘uns who have no idea who that is, ask your parents? Or your grandparents. Or do that Google thing.

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Action: One play.

Reaction: And we see how it works.

I have no idea what the television angle was but there was a play in the final 30 seconds that perfectly summed up what Toronto wants to do defensively. And it unfolded right in front of us on a perfect angle so I saw it develop from the start.

Salmons has the ball in front of the Raptor bench, Kings down four and you know he’s driving.

The primary defender, Joey, guides him to the baseline and as Salmons gets a step on him, Bosh comes over to cut off the drive, forcing him to the baseline and almost under the basket.

As Bosh comes over, JO slides into the paint from the weak side and when Salmons gets trapped between Bosh and out of bounds, he’s got nowhere to pass the ball.

He tries to throw it to the far corner, O’Neal picks off the pass and the game’s over.

That’s exactly the kind of defence Triano wants.

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Here’s what they were saying in Sacramento about last night’s game.

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It’s a matter of styles:

Q: Now every team has strengths and weaknesses. For the Raptors those strengths are 3 point shooting, free throw shooting and low turnovers, while the weaknesses are rebounding, getting stops and perimeter defense. What do you really value more: 3 point/free throw shooting or rebounding/perimeter defence.

Chirag B, Mississauga

A: Personally? As a fan of the game, I’d rather see a team light it up from three-point range but the reality is, defence and rebounding should be valued more. They are much more effort-based and if you’re a coach or a player and you want to win, it honestly does start with stopping the other team. That can be a constant as opposed to a variable like shooting.

Now, ask me who I’d rather watch, the ’06 Suns or the ’08 Celtics and there’s no doubt it’d be Phoenix.

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Action: Early bonus

Reaction: It’s no bonus

Sure, they won and that’s the point of the whole exercise but still ...

With 7:31 left in the third quarter, the Kings commit their fifth foul of the quarter and the Raptors are in the bonus. O’Neal’s having a monster night, Bosh can get to the line with the best of them and surely they attack the rim at every possible moment, right? Wrong, Jump Shot Breath (Check old Carson tapes for that one).

The Raptors manage to shoot a total of four free throws the rest of the quarter. The other possessions end up with stuff like an 11-foot Bosh jumper, a Moon three-pointer, a 16-foot Jose J, an O’Neal fadeaway and a Bargnani three.

A clinic? Not quite.

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Oh, and this is what they’re talking about in Portland, where it rained so hard Friday, we’re told the Blazers couldn’t deliver our information packages to the hotels ‘cause of the deluge. Sweet.

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The Things You See On The Road, Vol. Something or other:

No, not a lady in a plane with a giant tomato.

How about thespian Timothy Busfield checking out of the team hotel and driving off in a nifty looking Audi.

Yeah, not quite the most famous guy in the world but it was the day after Christmas.

In Sacramento.

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Action: 100 shats?

Reaction: Yeah, right.

Check out the boxscore. See the field goal attempts. See Toronto. See 69.

Lowest of the season and far cry from the high-velocity hopes some are harbouring for the team.

But, having lived through the Kevin O’Neill era, even 69 shots seems like Showtime.

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Here’s Jay, Friday morning, on why he’s gone to Will Solomon over Roko lately:

“In the last couple of games, Will Solomon’s done a real good job. He’s come in and … controlled the tempo a little bit. Not that Roko had done anything wrong, it was a gut feel and we went with Will for a little bit.

“Roko’s still a part of what we’re doing, who knows when he’ll get his chance again to get in the rhythm, but he did nothing wrong. We felt we needed a shooter on the floor and Will came in and shot the ball well.”

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A Celtic question sent before they went into the tank, such that it is:

Q: Hey Doug, love the blog, has been a nice basketball-fix while temporarily living in dark, basketball-starved Norway! My question is actually about the Celtics, because this run is getting to be really quite historic. Do you think it's possible that the loss of Posey has actually had the reverse effect to what was wildly assumed to be the loss that would cost them the championship? If you were one of the proud reserves on that team, wouldn't all the talk about how losing Posey has almost nullified their bench motivate you to no end? Thus we are seeing everyone playing with that extra fire, leading to this 18-win (and counting) streak?

Devon M, Oslo

A: I think it’s got far more to do with the big names, like Garnett, Pierce and Allen. Those are the guys you’d worry about coming back less motivated since their careers were validated with last year’s championship. But they are as intense and driven this year as last and they’re pulling everyone along with them.

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Arco Arena is a dump. They ought to tear it down. Today.

Not only is it bad for us Worker Bees, it’s awful for the players, too.

How cramped are the locker rooms?

Well, in every other arena in the league, everyone gets his own stall. In Arco, Hassan Adams and Nathan Jawai had chairs, underneath tape on the walls telling them where to sit.

A dump, I tell you.

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