Will that make the turkey taste better?

DANNY MOLOSHOK/REUTERS

Yeah, that feels a little better.

Feel better? Just a little? Yes, those were the Clippers, who looked as bad as they did in the darkest days of Clipperworld at times, so there’s that grain of salt to take but, still, given the alternative, not a bad outcome.

And if you’re tempted to downplay the win – as many are, I’m sure – remember this: There are no good wins and bad wins. Only wins. It’s what they play for and no matter how they accomplish it, a win’s a win’s a win.

Yes, it might have been more impressive had Marcus Camby played or if Zach Randolph hadn’t been hurt but you face what you face and the Raptors looked good at times.

And now, two days to digest it before the Sacramento Kings, and whoever coaches them now, await on Boxing Day.

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Action: Jake Voskuhl’s tough.

Reaction: Providing something they need.

I remember the day they signed Jake and a guy who knows him a little bit had this to say, or words to the effect:

“Jake’s a real good guy. Yeah, he’ll smack someone in the face if he has to, or hammer someone. But then he’ll say ‘sorry’ and he’s a nice guy.”

Well, watching him last night and I’m not sure if there’s an apology but going hard after a rebound without a care in the world who was in his way –- it turned out to be Zach Randolph – was something you don’t see from the Raptors often enough.

Not a dirty play, just a good, aggressive one.

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So the First Lady Of The Beat is the (justifiably) proud parent of a two-sport star of a daughter who’s just finished up four excellent years of track and soccer at Rice University.

And, it seems, providing guys like me with snippets of news you’ll likely find interesting.

Seems Damon Stoudamire, who is not coming back to play in Toronto despite the wishes of so many of you, is ready to get on with the next phase of his life, even as fans clamour for him to play again.

He’s taken on the job as director of player development for the Owls.

That’s pretty much the same job Shawn Respert, another ex-Raptor had.

Damon, as you’ll recall from earlier this year, expressed interest in the Arizona coaching job (they had KO, how bad would it be to get a guy with no experience?) and it seems he knows what he wants to do in the future.

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Action: Eddy Curry or Stephon Marbury?

Reaction: Someone’s on crack.

If the Raptors trade or obtain either of those team-killing stiffs, please call an ambulance because Bryan Colangelo will have suffered some serious seizure and will need immediate medical assistance.

I’ve been assured that the report yesterday was, frankly, as incorrect as you can possibly imagine.

No more questions about it, it’s not remotely possible.

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A TV question, sort of:

Q: Since we (Raps fans with Rogers) have been screwed out of watching our team, What are your thoughts of watching it on Sites i.e: Justin.tv something we can use for leverage with the big Red Empire and the little engine that tries??

Lanny E, Whitby

A: I’ve never seen a single second on any of those streaming sights so I have no idea whether they’re any good or not. But no, they are not leverage by any stretch of the imagination. It’s pretty obvious that no matter what they say, they don’t care a lick about you or any other Raptor fan with Rogers.

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Action: One bad shot

Reaction: Bad clock realization?

How many of you almost spat out whatever you were drinking with Jamario took a three-pointer in the dying seconds of the first quarter, a shot he missed with 22 seconds left in the period and 14 still to go on the shot clock?

The only explanation, and this is giving a big benefit of the doubt, is that maybe he just misread the clock and was trying to get his team a 2-for-1 opportunity. It’s the only logical point, isn’t it? Raps get the ball with 32 seconds left by the play-by-play I’m reading and maybe Jamario figures if he rushes a bad shot, it’s a good thing. Trouble was, he didn’t rush enough.

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They don’t give the Clippers nearly as much ink out in L.A. as they do the other team from the Staples Center but here’s what they said today.

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Let’s put this issuse to bed:

Q: Hey Doug, happy holidays! I asked this one before but it didn't get answered and I was so impressed with it I'd thought I'd try again. Do you think Bosh is upset about Mitchell's firing? If so, is it (unconsciously) affecting his game?

Geoff R, Thunder Bay

A: No. Not at all. Not a bit. Bosh’s went into a slump. It happens. Coincidence pure and simple. Had nothing to do with an abiding love for his ex-coach.

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Action: They win.

Reaction: Rousing applause

It's almost 1 a.m. in the local, the post-hockey, post-football crowd has thinned -- it's like these two dudes Darrel and Jas and about 40 others in various stages of having fun -- and when the Raptors win, the crowd erupts in cheers. Really. For beating the Clippers.

Yes, you are a passionate lot.

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Anyone else glad we won’t have to see Penny Marshall hanging with Jack and Matt anymore? She got more air time than some players last night and her stopping by the say hello to the broadcasters was played in an endless loop it seems.

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Action: Bosh, 31 and 7.

Reaction: If they don’t trade his sorry under-achieving, over-paid, non-franchise-guy-being behind by this time tomorrow, Bryan should lose his job.

‘Nuff said?

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Another question:

Q: The Guru's at TNT (Charles Barkly et al) made a comment a few days ago about the fact that the firing of coaches in the NBA recently is a result of GM's trying to cover up their mistakes, what do you think? The fact that Colangelo keeps going to Europe to get his players seems to me like trying to build a team on the cheap. You cannot win a lot of NBA games with FIBA players period.

David B, Barrie

A: Yes, I think there are times when coaches get fired because GMs construct odd rosters. A perfect case in point right now is Philly. Mo Cheeks had them playing an entertaining, and successful style, without a big man to bog things down. What’s his GM do? Get him a big man to bog things down.

And yes, you are 1,000 per cent correct. What team could possibly win a lot of games with FIBA players? I was asking that question just the other day of a friend of mine in San Antonio, where that Euro-trained team is so bad it’s scary.

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Comments

[Dana, Hopewell Cape, NB]

Hey Doug,
Good points here on the Qs. Glad to see them put one to bed even if I had to stay up until 2 AM to see it. As was expected the Raps bigs were better than the Clips bigs. Isn't it nice when reality meets expectations? Just wanted to wish all a Merry Christmas from the cold and snowy maritimes.

[Geeky Kewl]

OK, so after Bosh's comments about the booing, I had felt that those that did boo have a right as for 3 quarters in the game they played with no hustle, no intensity and no intelligence. I stated that Bosh, as our leader, needed to bring it and that the players, the fans and the wins would follow. It is only 1 win and yes, its against the Clips.. but Bosh did bring it! Now Bosh is not the main reason at all for the 5 losses, but when he plays his game (ohhh what a nasty dunk!) his play helps cover up a lot of what is missing on our team. Now if only Bargs can get it going to a somewhat decent level, we could see a string of victories... and yes, that would make for a nicer holiday season. Cheers!

[Nicholas C]

Just a general slice of information ... American players are also a part of FIBA. It's the World's governing basketball body.

[Pete]

I know I shouldn't have laughed but I did when Voshkul layed Randolph flat out on his back. Haven't seen that since the Oak days!

[Kendal]

Hey Doug - thanks again for doing what you do. I caught up on the game this morning since I was too tired to watch the whole thing last night and the highlights were pretty slim this morning.

I'm really looking forward to seeing Jake in action. I've missed any of his play time over the last two games and by the sounds of it he has some grit to him that we're lacking.

What's going on with the play time that Will's getting these days? Again, I haven't been watching games thoroughly lately so I may have missed some Ukić comments, but is there a reason why Jay's using Will over Ukić? I like Roko's style and energy, and I cringe when Will comes on the court - he reminds me of all that was bad with TJ.

Thanks again for all your hard work. Let's hope there's a resolution to the TSN2 debate - if anyone's interested in making their voice heard, send Rogers Director of Communication an email: Nancy.Cottenden@rci.rogers.com an email.

Blogger's note: Not sure why Solomon got the backup minutes last night; in San Antonio he played a bit when Jose was in the locker room dealing with his "flu"

[WhereisBisonDele?]

At the beginning of the year, who'd've ever thought that, of the Big Smoke's teams, the Leaves would be the ones over .500 at Christmas. A worse record than the big brother pucks team? Let's go, Raps.

[sams fan]

Hey Doug

Can u please tell Mat Devlin to refer to Bosh sometimes as "the big bosh man" i know its played out but i think its a lot better than o my bosh n stuff like that...please just pass it on to mat. Thanks,

oh yea i forgot...bring out the bosh haters...

[Ryan]

Doug, what exactly has made Marbury a team-killer? I'm not asking this in some sort of rhetorical question style, just honestly wondering, what did he do? His situation with the Knicks; it isn't entirely his own fault, is it?

Blogger's note: Wanted out of Minnesota 'cause he was jealous of Garnett's salary, far too selfish and shoot-first in both New Jersey and Phoenix, took him less than two years to alienate the majority of his teammates in New York. That'd be enough for me not to want anything to do with him.

[petro]

I think Solomono was brought in because Clippers were in a zone... and we all know Solo shoots the rock better than Roko... (mind you - that's about it).

Nice win... about time... not getting to excited... and won't til they get back to .500 plus... IF???

Noticed a little more desperation in the players last night... a little more edge... a little more emotion... a little more grit... except Bargs!

As someone beauty blonde from City described him... "he looks like a sad lost boy at the mall".

[Snake]

Raps didn't win the game, Clips lost their win-able game.

Blogger's note: Funny, I thought the team with the most points at the end won. Doesn't really matter how, does it?

[SY]

Hi Doug,

Not sure why (lack of mentor or the Raptors is simply too protective of him) but I just don't think Bargnani can develop to his potential w/ this team. As per your comments from yesterday, one of the reasons for Bargnani's non-development was because he's been jerked around by the team, I even say that's only partially true. After being in the leagure for a little more than 2 years, shouldn't he have some sort of idea which position he is most comfortable w/ and voice it to the coach? As you said, mental toughness can't be taught, so my question to you is, how much more time are you willing to give him before you consider moving him?

-SY

Blogger's note: No finite time. But if he's as horrible as they say, how much do you think you can get for him?

[Nate]

I called Rogers yesterday and got the song and dance about the ongoing negotiations. The Rogers rep even suggested watching the Raptors Game-in-an-Hour on RapsTV... They just don't get it, do they?

[Ron]

Just for the record streams like Justin.tv or Atdhe.net is actually pretty illegal because what they are doing is rebroadcasting NBA.com's own streams. You know at the end of games where they say "cannot be rebroadcast without the express written consent blah blah blah" that's what these guys are doing. Not that I'm complaining but I just figured I'd inform you so you don't run into any legal troubles with the NBA bigwigs.

[Jason Sinnarajah]

Hey Doug,
I have now moved to Singapore and have been following the Raptors via your insightful blogs. One question I had after reading a report that Vince Carter was up on the trade block. You think the Raptors would ever entertain taking back VC? How about for a package of JO, Joey Graham and a few other expiring contracts in 2009 and 2010? Would the Nets be interested in that? Maybe a three way involving Shawn Marion.

Blogger's note: You know I don't do much trade stuff, I've said often there is not a snowball's chance Carter comes back here, though.

[Niru]

typo in your first sentence dougie..

Blogger's note: Fixed

[mamadou]

leafs over .500? by my count they're 14-19 (an overtime loss is still a loss)

[UK]

Hey Doug,

This is purely speculation, but have you heard anything about Barbosa being shopped around? The reason I ask is because I think he is a good fit for the Raps (he can slash, shoot the 3, handle some back-up PG, quick) and he seems to be in Porter's doghouse. I haven't looked up his salary so it may be a moot point but what do you think?

Blogger's note: No

[Andrew]

Hey Doug,

Thanks for all your hard work for us Raptor fans this year. It is very much appreciated by all of us. You've consistently delivered beyond what's expected. Have a great holiday with the Family. You deserve it!

[Nick M]

Oh, good ol' NHL stats. Last time I checked the Leaves had 14 wins and 19 losses. Still better than the Raps. But, like the Raps, far from .500.

Merry X-mas all Toronto sports fans.

[Jonathan]

"At the beginning of the year, who'd've ever thought that, of the Big Smoke's teams, the Leaves would be the ones over .500 at Christmas. A worse record than the big brother pucks team? Let's go, Raps."

I almost laughed when I read this. Yes, the Leafs are over .500 if you want to ignore the funky stat "Overtime Losses", but I guess it's not really a loss when you do it in overtime and get 1/3 of the points that a win gets you. Just like a good loss against a good team like the Spurs is almost like a win, right?

[Jonathan]

For clarification, the Leafs have the 9th worst record in the NHL; the Raptors have the 10th worst record in the NBA. Not that 10th worst is anything to be proud of, but it certainly isn't worse than the Leafs record, or at least not yet.

[Andy]

streaming *sites

[DougG]

I'm seeing a lot of Jake the Snake images these days, for some reason. BC has already redeemed his reputation and Bargs may have to start worrying about his minutes, as he works his way through whatever it is that is bothering him.

JO looked the best he has last night. I hope he and Bosh start bringing it on a consistent basis.

[Dave B.]

Dougie,

The good folks on The Fan 590 (Smith & Jones, as I'm sure you're aware) suggested last night that perhaps the reason Willie Solomon has gotten minutes as of late is because BC is trying to showcase him...thoughts? And really...showcase what?...I suspect the more he plays, the more damage he does to his value, no? I mean he's better than me, but...

Blogger's note: I don't think a coach of a team that was 10-17 can afford to "showcase" anyone. And a guy on a one-year, minimum value contract? Don't imagine there'd be a bidding war.

[Alex]

Hey Doug,
We all know Bargnani is "soft", doesnt fight hard every possession (unfathomable for a guy who only plays half a game IMO) and probably isn't mentally focused and disciplined enough to ever overcome that.
My question sir is about the budget (sorry, Simpsons reference).
But really, for a guy so highly vaunted as a "shooter" when he was drafted, do you think, as I do, that he has a fundamental flaw in his shot that likely means he will never be much better?
He has NO arc what-so-ever. Unless he's dead-on his shot clangs short or long as we have seen soooo often lately. At least with some arc you give yourself a chance of it bouncing in and have a more favorable angle of entry.
This probably belongs in the mailbox.
Thanks!