Finally, some good news from the world of television

Torrential downpour means a drive to school, which means a detour for a triple vente latte, which means morning neighbourhood traffic ‘cause everyone forgets how to drive in the rain, which means a very late posting, which means one or two of you might care.

Or you might not as I digress.

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You do know we dodged a bullet tonight, right? The original TV schedule I got yesterday morning had the Chicago-Boston, Dallas-San Antonio doubleheader on TSN2, which really irked me. The other one (Philly-Orlando and Houston-Portland) was on The Score but not being able to see Bulls-Celtics was the big issue.

Well, I’m not sure which saner heads prevailed where – I presume Maple Leaf Sports was involved somehow – but another schedule landed about 3:30 that had the Chicago-Boston, Dallas-San Antonio twinbill switched over to RaptorsTV.

It’s a 7 p.m. start and we’ll be in our usual place to do the live blog if anyone wants to stop around.

And now …

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ABOUT LAST NIGHT

Byron’s last stand?

Look, there were whispers around the league that perhaps Byron Scott’s time was coming to an end even before these playoffs began but losing by 58 FREAKING POINTS AT HOME! Surely that’s the death knell, no?

Now, you know I’m a pretty big supporter of coaches, generally; I think they get too much blame when things go wrong and too much credit when things to go right. I think coaches who are considered “good” are coaches with the best talent.

But …

The Hornets had no toughness, no answers offensively, no defensive play and no heart. And as much as I’d like to suggest they get rid of eight or nine of the players who came up with such a despicable performance in the biggest game of their season, if Scott had one foot out the door before, this is the game that spells the end.

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So, how’d it happen?

The biggest thing, to me, is that the Hornets just didn’t have the mental resolve early.

It’s like they knew the Nuggets were tougher – mentally and physically – and they had no desire to fight back. And that’s strange to me given how much I’ve heard about Chris Paul’s desire and attitude and game.

But he was the most disappointing of all of them. He let Dahntay Jones push him around and stop him cold and that’s not what great players do.

Yes, the coach is going to get the heat; the all-stars (including David West) need to have their feet held to the fire, too.

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Speaking of home dogs

How about the Heat?

A chance to put the series pretty much out of reach and they come out and shoot something like 21 per cent in the first quarter and 37 per cent in the first half and get themselves so far buried they end up losing? And, yes, I know Jermaine O’Neal had another statistically strong game but so did the guy he was playing against, Zaza Pachulia and O’Neal had nine of his 20 in the first seven or eight minutes.

As our good friend Ira points out here, there’s lots of ways the Heat blew this one.

The shocking thing to me? Two points off the bench? TWO POINTS. That’s almost Rpator-esque.

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Lakers win series, Kobe great

Yawn

Seriously, has one series been as absolutely uneventful and conducted in such relative anonymity, as that Laker-Jazz one that's now over. One kind of good game (Game 3, the Deron Williams shot) but the sense of inevitability was overwhelming and I don't imagine there's a person in the world surprised that it's over so soon.

The good thing? It gets the Lakers some rest, not that they're injured or anything, but I'm not entirely convinced how mentally strong they are (outside of that Bryant fellow and Derek Fisher) and not having many close games may make it easier for them as the post-season progresses.

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Peter, during the in-game blog last night, wondered this:

Q: Since blog topics are tough to find, can you tell us how it works between someone like yourself and Bryan Colangelo? Can you call him anytime? Directly? If it's a paragraph or two, I wouldn't mind hearing how that process works in a morning blog

A: It’s a good relationship, one that develops over the course of time and, yeah, I can make a call any day, to either the office or the cell, if I’ve got something on my mind. And I don’t think there’s been one time that I’ve left a message if he’s out and not had a call returned.

Of course, it’s not something I want to abuse so it’s not like I make a call every day. But every other day or so, just a quick check to see if anything’s going on, or to check on the veracity of some other report, or to have some specific query answered, is not out of the norm.

And every now and then, one of those “cold calls” (like, ‘hey, I heard rumblings about this, is it true?” or “what do you think about this idiotic thought of mine?”) yields a good off-day story.

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One thing that’s become apparent in the first week of the playoffs, at least to me, is that Matt Devlin and P.J. Carlesimo have quickly developed some good chemistry as a play-by-play and analyst team working for TNT.

I guess I’m not all that surprised because both of them are professionals and really easy-to-get-along-with guys but, as we heard with the NBA-TV duo last night in the Denver-New Orleans game, nothing is for sure when strange duos are put together to do broadcasts.

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You know that Denver’s 58-point edging of New Orleans last night represents the greatest margin of victory in game ever by the Nuggets, right? You know what’s now second?

It was 39 points.

And you know when that was, right?

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Who wins tonight? I wish I knew but I do now that there’s a chance for four very good games, which is going to make the evening quite a lot of fun.

Of course, we’re all looking forward to Chicago-Boston because that’s the series that’s caught everyone’s attention the most but don’t sleep on Philly-Orlando. As good as the other East one’s been, three of the four Sixer-Magic games have come down to a last possession and that’s pretty impressive.

Comments

[aditya]

hi again...i guess you are talking about steve smith and rick kamla...i actually think rick kamla is okay (he has done a couple of euro final four and he does a good job) but steve smith did not have his A game last night (i guess)...

did you see the Giorgis Printezis story that Dave Feschuk today...i found it quite funny that a guy with as much NBA experience as you and me would immensely or even marginally help the raptors...i believe he is a 4, but unless his game resembles garbo, there is no need of him...

bryan colangelo must be praised since he actually dropped a couple of lines about giorgis printezis in the dave feshchuk (after all, feschuk writes a lot of negative columns about the raptors -- from BC's high collar shirts to ...to a lot of other stuff)

also, i heard gary payton or chris webber whistling (yes! whistling) on the show yesterday, and i muted by tv write away

[Travis]

I believe I know the answer here... but any 'momentum' to the Feschuk story about Giorgos Printezis coming here next year? I for one don't know a lot about the guys, but doesn't sound from what I read that he is the difference maker. Too many people are looking for the next Garbo, which is a rare breed. Thanks.

Blogger's note: I haven't seen him play more than three minutes straight in my life so I have no idea; but I'd be a tad skeptical about a young player who is a good -- not great, good -- European big man being any kind of answer for a 33-win NBA team.

[Binson]

I'm sure the only one happy about that 58pt win was Sam. Please, no more blow-outs by 58 points in the playoffs. Ever. Not only does it kill viewership, it's disgraceful. It's like playing on the team with 6 people and losing in a 5 on 6 pick-up game.

[Jim Rootham]

That game tied the NBA record for margin of victory, set by the Minneapolis Lakers, and yes, I have the city right.

[Michel G]

Taking 3-pointers when your up by 50 is wrong. I can't imagine the Hornets' fans are feeling any better about their team than we are about the Raps, even though they won 48 games compared to our 33.

[Marc in Burlington]

Hi Doug,

So this means that Byron Scott is going to be the next head coach of the Toronto Raptors, right??

Seriously though, how much of a factor is there placed by free agents out there on who is coaching the team?

When looking for a coach, does a GM try to find someone who has a system or style of play conducive to a roster? What is the "style of play" that Jay favours? Does he have the tools to employ it?

In the mention of coaches available for positions, you never hear Rudy Tomjanovich's name mentioned? Why?

What's on your summer reading list?

Marc in Burlington

Blogger's note: The coach, and the system the coach runs, is a huge part of a free agent's decision; Rudy has made it clear he doesn't want to coach again and I'm going to read The New Yorker weekly, Vanity Fair monthly and I'm not sure what else; I'm working my way through a re-read of a compilation of Damon Runyon stories and columns, too

[Daniel K.]

Byron Scott's situation seems so remarkably similar to Mitchell's, from the Coach of the Year award to a team playing with no heart. And who knows, Mitchell might be coaching the Hornets next year, and Scott might be coaching the Raptors.

The other day I watched the Nuggets-Hornets game which was called by, I think, Avery Johnson. That guy does not have a voice for broadcasting. Having him as contributing commentator to the half-time show is one thing, but having him call a game is another. Can nobody see (hear) that?

[Pharaoh]

Doug, any chance you might share BC's cell number? I've got a few ideas on how to turn the Raps back into a winning team :-)

[Paul]

Michel wrote "Taking 3-pointers when your up by 50 is wrong."

I agree if you're in high school, but this is the NBA, there are no mercy rules, and if you want someone to stop shooting 3's, play defence. It's not unlike the embarrassment that was Kobe's 81. If you don't like it, do something about it...

[Mike]

Hey Doug,
Have you given any though to after each round summarizing each series, showing your predication and what did/did not happen that you though would happen? It would be nice to see your prediction and the results. I know its a little more work, but hey, I read it like you need more stuff to do!

Blogger's note: I'm sure we'll do something in the paper to set up the next series, we always do; and I presume that'll include some kind of recap

[Dave]

Doug, since you're the local writer most plugged into the general "pulse" of Raptor fans, do you infer a growing anti-European sentiment amongst Raptors fans? This feeling is based entirely on anecdotal evidence, but I just get the sense that Raptor fans are growing weary of the EuroRaptor image that the team carries. I think that many fans (both casual basketball observers and die-hard Raptors fans) equate the team's lack of toughness with the team's Eurocentric makeup, and that bringing in "tough" players means bringing in Americans. I think that, should they draft or sign or trade for another European player, the fans will not be happy. Many fans feel that the team's reputation as "soft" comes from having European players in predominant roles and that the respect within the league won't come with a European-heavy roster. Is this an issue of respect, of race, or simply a matter of not having the right players, regardless of country of origin. What are your thoughts?

Blogger's note: Haven't really thought much about it, frankly. Quickly, off the top of my head, I would think when a 47-win team was led by a man many consider to be the toughest Raptor since Oakley left (Garbo) and an excellent Italian rookie and an emerging Spanish-born point guard with a solid starting two-guard who honed his skills in the Euroleague, the makeup of the team didn't matter a bit. After two disappointing seasons, fans would tend to look for excuses and the birthplace of the players would be one. A wrong one, of course.

[doug]

it's a NBA playoff game, it's not like the Nuggets were running up the score they were just playing the game plus those guys shooting up 3's when up by 50 never get a chance otherwise to hoist them up...there 11th,12th men on the bench, they go to practice, sit game after game so looks good on them, they can tell there grandkids one day they played in a NBA playoff game...

this is why I watch b-ball, why it's my retreat from the insanity of the real world..this is the poll question in the Star today..

"Some educators suggest starter's pistols should be banned from school track meets because the symbolism sends the wrong message. Do you agree? :...this is why were paying educators, to debate this??, there have been starter pistols for years and years, unbelievable....bring on the b-ball games, my escape from this insanity all around us..

[Jack]

"Of course, it’s not something I want to abuse so it’s not like I make a call every day. But every other day or so, just a quick check to see if anything’s going on, or to check on the veracity of some other report, or to have some specific query answered, is not out of the norm.

And every now and then, one of those “cold calls” (like, ‘hey, I heard rumblings about this, is it true?” or “what do you think about this idiotic thought of mine?”) yields a good off-day story."

So have you talked to Bryan about SY's proposal of trading Kapono, Banks and cap space to Milwaukee for Richard Jefferson?

Blogger's note: Um, no; stuff manufactured in the minds of readers and fans is not something I would discuss with an NBA general manager.

[anthony.mackay]

Everyone knew Denver could score but that looked like a video game last night.

Doug,
How good do you think Dahntay Jones 1on1 D really is, do you see him being able to slow down Kobe? The Nuggets team stats in this series are inflated but they still look like they could give the Lakers a challenge... they can score with anyone in the league and Billups seems to have these guys focused and playing above average team D.
A healthy Nene, Martin and focused Melo might have these guys coming out of the west unless Bynum quickly remembers how to bang down low.

[Bball]

Doug, thanks for the insightful answer to Peter's question. Is your interaction with the Raptors management more often directly with Bryan Colangelo or do you more often speak to other sources in the Raptors front office?

What is Maurizio Gheradini's day to day role?

Thanks Doug.

Blogger's note: I talk to several front office people on a regular basis; and I don't shadow Maurizio 'cause he spends an awful lot of time out scouting so I don't know what his day-to-day role would be other than an executive vice-president, which runs the gamut from the scouting and development role to business matters.

[Niels]

Has a coach ever been fired during the playoffs? That would be funny. Maybe if New Orleans pulls the trigger it might inspire the team! They could extend the series for another game and get another home date (not sure anyone would show up after last night, though!)

[Jason]

"Hard-nosed Athenian may be answer to Raptor need for toughness
"
Do you and Dave talk to each other? I think you once made a comment about this guy never ever being the solution to anything and now you sidekick runs a whole article on how he might be the answer to the toughness issue.
I get that there can be different opinions of a guy but I'm with you on this one. If anyone expects this guy to help out next year, we are in deep deep do do. I did like the aggressive Joey comparision as that made me giggle somewhat.

[Jim Rootham]

One difference between that game and Kobe's is that if Kobe didn't score 81, or close to it, the Lakers would have lost that game.

[dc]

chris paul, like dirk nowitzki, has had his reputation tarnished by poor play-off performances.

i give paul credit for still being, what 25? but body language last night was really bad. byron scott is gone for sure.
I watched chris paul and deron williams play all their summer games for team USA. The one thing that was glaring to me, and seemed to be the biggest challenge that team faced, was defending at the point guard position. this happened against greece and spain primarily because paul and williams were defensive liabilities. I think they're both increadible passers, ball-handlbers and scorers at this point in their careers. Defensively, chauney billups took him to school all series long.

[Chris]

Hi Doug,

the trading of Billups by Detroit, and the trade of Chandler in NO, they just seem like locker room destroyers....like the ownership gave up on the players.

Neither team played with any heart to close out the year, and NO will soon join Detroit.

In your opinion, is this what led to the demise of both teams?

Blogger's note: It's never as simple as it being just one thing with any team failing.

[gdr]

TSN and TSN Deuce SUCK! And the blatantly obvious promotion on a constant basis of a channel that is unavailable to millions of customers is enough. We know that the playoff action we want to watch is “ONLY AVAILABLE ON TSN 2!” The constant reminders and self-promotion needs to stop.

[Rob.V]

Player reputations vs. a players game.

It seems to me that once the media have "labled" NBA players with something it tends to stick. Here are a couple of examples:

Ron Artest is a knuckle head - Now, I do agree that there were legitimate reasons to believe this guy may have been bipolar however... since the brawl and wanting time off for his rap album (which I believe may have been the same year) he's been pretty much a model teammate. Yet, he will NEVER be able to shake this label, even after what, 3 or 4 seasons of being an ideal employee.

Amare, cant be coached and "refuses" to play defense.

Marbury RUINED every team.

Shawn Marion was (is)a malcontent. JR Smith and Josh Smith are not team players etc... the list goes right through the league.

My point being that there are players out there that could help the Raptors win however may not have the greatest reputation.

Doug, I mention this because knowing that you have a direct line to the poohbas office maybe you could put a bug in his ear to consider bringing in Jamal Tinsley.

Now, before the masses schedule my lynching please disregard Tinsley's media driven "label" and consider these points.

- Colangelo is on record as admitting inexperience at the PG position was a key element in the horrendous season.

- JT is an experienced vet who I believe had led the Pacer to the conference finals (or finals?, not sure).

- He knows how to play the game ,and would be a perfect back up to Calderon off the bench.

- Experience!!!, which we depseratley need.

- As with Marbury, Tinsley will be looking to rebuild his image and should me a boy scout next season.

- Larry legend will most definitely not want to deal with this issue next season so he would be probably do a deal for M.Banks... which means we could aquire an expereinced PG without taking on too much additional salary.

Doug, minus the reputation, what do you think of JT's game in a back up role with the Raps next season?

Seems like a Win/Win for both teams and we could still develop Roko as our thrid guard.

Blogger's note: If I'm a general manager, the last thing I want to do is pay a backup point guard (who might get 14 minutes a night if the No. 1 guy stays healthy), $7.2 million this coming season and $7.5 million next season; and that's quite aside from any off-court issues there might be.

[doug]

to people that raise defense at the point guard position be it Calderon with the Raps,Paul,Deron Williams or a Nash when he was winning two MVP's, please realize that scouts, coaches, GM's would love to have a high-calibre point guard that can play shut-down defense but they realize it's a moot point. The point guard is the quarterback of the team and involved in virtually every possession. They call the play, set-up the play in the half-court offense, penetrate drive on occasion, dishing off, are a buzz of activity on the offensive end, plus most of the time running the teams transition offensive game. Then to expect that player to go back on the defensive end and play shut-down defense is a impossibility both mentally and physically. So G.M's, coaches know this that's why guys like Nash win MVP's although his defense is questionable, he is not out there to play shut-down defense he is out there to lead the offense....and the good ones like Wade, Paul, Williams, Nash,Rose, Rondo do it well....

[Mark L]

Calderon's surgery: he rests the whole summer? no other obligations and is 110% at the start of training camp?

[aditya]

i was just thinking of a stupid award and its the division award... it is senseless in my opinion....i understand winning the division guarantees top 4 seed (i believe) but its a senseless award