A chance at a nifty prize, and some basketball, too

Well, that was an eventful day in The Life Of Doug.

And for the Raptors, too.

Catching a breath, and catching up, here we go:

THREE THINGS I LEARNED

Don’t see this too often

Playing time is like oxygen to NBA players.

That’s what makes what Antoine Wright did last night so unusual – and so unexpected.

Late in what was still a close game, Jay Triano sidles up to Wright and asks him if he’s loose and ready to go. Wright politely declines, Jay doesn’t have a heart attack from surprise and the Raptors pull away for a victory.

So, why did Wright defer?

“I want to win. My whole career, I’ve been on winning teams and I know what it takes; what it takes; I’ve been on teams where guys have given themselves up. When you’ve got a unit out there like that with Jack and Jose, who’s out there rolling, I aid, ‘coach keep them out there, they’re doing everything they’re supposed to do. Keep them out there and keep the momentum.'”

Now that’s something you don’t hear every day. Or any day, actually.

I figured you folks would come to like Wright, I bet this cements it.

——

Small play, big moment?

There’s about 90 seconds left in the second quarter, Turkoglu comes off a side screen, looks like he’s going to drive but dishes a nice bounce pass in traffic to a cutting Chris Bosh for a dunk.

Simple play? Yes.

But it also requires a large amount of timing and a large amount of familiarity and chemistry because I’m not sure Hedo could have known exactly when Bosh would have gone to the rim or from where.

That’s the kind of “chemistry” these guys have been harping on for weeks and it seems to be coming along quite nicely.

Turkoglu’s line – 16 points, 7 boards, 6 assists – was, statistically, his best game of the four they’ve played; the way he handled himself, knowing where teammates would be and getting them the ball in the right place, was even more impressive.

——

No reaction, good action

When Detroit went small with Rodney Stuckey, Ben Gordon, Will Bynum, Jason Maxiell and Austin Daye, there was every reason for the Raptors to try to match them and go small.

But, no, Jay stuck with Jack, Wright, Hedo, Turkoglu, Amir Johnson and Andrea for a long stretch when the Toronto lead actually increased.

How many times have people wondered why Toronto didn’t force the issue with action, rather than reaction? Well, there was one and it worked quite well.

Judging by Jay’s post-game comment, you might see more of that, too.

“When those guys have it going, they know I’m going to roll with guys who have it going until they fatigue or they stop feeling comfortable with what they’re doing.”

——

And now, the rest of the story.

Click to win. At thestar.com/raptorscontest and you’ll see the details of a pretty interesting contest.

Seriously, as a way to say thanks – a small way considering all the kind words and nice thoughts yesterday – we’ve come up with a wee contest to win a couple of good tickets to a game and have a good day at the arena.

It’s two tickets to the Dec. 13 game against Houston, a chance to hang out courtside before the game while they warm up, the opportunity to see how the post-game media session with Jay unfolds and a little brunch in the press room with me and the rest of the grunts.

Well, the rest of the grunts will probably be snickering and wondering what I’m doing, but we’ll eat and chat.

Check out the contest rules and regulations at the link above, get yourself entered and I’ll see a couple of you on the 13th.

——

Okay, one more thank you and then we’ll return to the regular snark and stuff.

The video of the thing with Bryan pretty much captures it but, I have to tell you, I was kind of shaking when he handed me that check for $10,000 – his own donation, let it be known – for our Santa Claus fund.

I’ve done a lot of good things for Mother Star, I think. Broken some stories, built up some readership, handled myself pretty well but having Bryan make such a donation in my name to such a worthwhile charity to help needy kids is the best thing I’ve accomplished.

I tried to thank him well enough when the thing happened but, truth be told, I was practically speechless so I’ll say it here.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

——

Damn Yankees.

And, no, I don’t mean the movie.

——

Oh, right, Oak was there.

And in fine Oak form.

Hearkening back to the good old days, he dropped this on us:

“We said, Vince, you’re our lead singer.

Tracy, you’re our back singer.

Everybody else was in the band.

I’m playing drums, Tone’s playing guitar, somebody else is playing the flute.

“You have to establish yourself. We got established and then after rehearsal, we could go on tour. And the music got better and better.”

But then …

“We was growing, it was like we just planted some bad seeds and the police came in and busted us and we broke the team up for no reason.”

——

Here’s how the game played out in one of the Detroit papers.

——

So, no Game 7 tonight. Guess it’ll be alligator and gumbo and Abita Amber at the Cajun Cabin. And that’s not a bad night.

But traveling is going to take some time, morning flight through Chicago on a Terminal 1 airline so I’m not sure about access to wireless. If it takes me a while to get to the comments, that’s why; it’s not that I’m avoiding you.

——

Can you feel the excitement?

Today’s D League Draft Day!

For real. And it’s on NBA TV so I presume all the bars and restaurants in New Orleans will be showing it. At least I hope so.

Your Erie Bayhawks, official affiliate of Your Toronto Raptors, have the second pick and while I haven’t finished my mock draft, I’m sure they’ll get a player of some repute.

Ran through the list of draft eligibles and the only really familiar name I saw was the Russell Hicks kid from Niagara Falls. No idea where, or if, he’ll get drafted but I guess that’s a reason to scan the agate type tomorrow, no?

Comments

[Simon S-G]

Boy Bryan is some guy. To do that on his own says so much about him as a person. Again congrats Doug, keep up the great work! I'll hopefully be your colleague soon as a journalist but I can only hope my blog will be as awesome as yours!

[Paul]

Wow... now I'm a fan of Jose the person and Jose the player from a couple years ago, but man, that was pretty awful last night. Completely lost on defence. Every play except one, he lost his man and just kind of ended up standing there talking and pointing, or just drifting aimlessly. And his offensive timing is still off, witness the missed pass to Bosh running the lane. Hopefully he can turn this thing around, and quick. Gotta say I love that he continues to be the biggest cheerleader on the bench, including for Jack, his potential replacement in the starting ro if Jose can't get the mojo going.

And Andrea, GET INTO THE PAINT! A bunch of smalls on the foor for Detroit and Andrea is stuck out on the perimeter the entire second half. That's Hedo's turf now, since he can handle the ball and pass effectively.

Otherwise, great effort! The 2nd unit looked great, Antoine is an unbelievable defender, and Jack looked fantastic.

[Alex C]

Hey Doug,

Really thrilled about the money going to the charity in your name and all the coverage the blog has been getting lately.

Got me thinking, if we can get 1000 readers of your blog to donate ten bucks, we can match the amount Bryan donated and help out those children even more...

Anyone else with me?

On the page you can put "In honour of" so how about "Doug Smith's Raptors Blog"

The more readers, the more this one can grow and grow!!

All the best,

Alex, London UK.

[Aaron Jacobson]

Wow, 10 million. That's quite an accomplishment Doug, and I think I'll have to take credit for a couple thousond of those hits!
With that said, congrats Doug... All the hard work is paying off!

[Alex C]

Apologies if this has come up twice, I posted but can't see the comment anymore...

Hey Doug,

Just wanted to say how great it has been seeing all the recognition and publicity the blog has been getting of late, especially the donation from BC to the Santa Claus Kids charity.

It got me thinking, could we readers try to match that figure? All it would take is 1000 readers donating 10 bucks right? I'm sure we can manage at least that right?

So here's my proposal : Any reader who wants to help can go here : http://www.thestar.com/santafund and donate. You can choose "In honour of" from the drop down and write "Doug Smith's Raptors Blog" and let's see what happens!

All the best,

Alex C, London UK.

[Dr. Tamias]

Congtats Doug. Well done - this blog should provide some job security given the restructuring at the Star!
Good on Colangelo - he seems like a real class act.

One final note - I am not sure how declining an instruction from the head coach makes a player a good guy? Aren't they supposed to do what the coach says?

[LeeZ]

Darn, the contest is only open to people living within 75 miles of Toronto. That leaves us poor Ottawans out in the cold. Any chance you could change that rule?

Blogger's note: The rule-setters are far above my pay grade; sorry

[Matt M]

Good game by the Raps. They are definitely a fun team to watch when they are clicking. Jack and Wright picked everyone up with their defense in the first half and Calderon showed signs of coming out of his slump in the second. If Jose is hitting his shots and provides the adequate to decent defense as in the second half then the Raps will beat a lot of teams this season. Actually =, that they were able to hold Detroit to under 100, with the pace that was played, is hopefully an indication their chemistry is coming around defensively as well as offensively. It is becoming apparent they can't be stopped offensively (I will, of course, be here to slag their offense when Boston shuts it down).

[James]

I have been a huge Calderon supporter his whole career - but it is evident that he is the weak link. I dont care if it's early, not becuase he plays no defense, but becuase he is a liablity out there as a starter. He has maxed-out his game - he hasn't and wont prgress beyond what you already have seen, he'll only go down in skills from here on. In every game except the first one, when Calderon is on the floor they are losing - Double J comes in (and Wright) the "D" tightens up , the Raps catch up. If Rip and Tayshawn play lastnight, we lose - this team is suffering because Calderon and he just "talks" about getting better but never does. I saw Jose a few weeks ago by the ACC stopped shook his hand and spoke with him very briefly. We talked defense he said it is his number 1 thing he is concentrating on this year and said "trust me, we'll be a good defensive team". BS! He's horriable, and has regressed backwards since his cash-in year. Please BC trade this guy for a strong young PG - If I see him again I will lay the "jeering" on his 8 miilion dollar a year ass that had 1 assist last night and NO defense (Marco finished with the same number in a quarter of the same playing time) AND poeple stop saying that "Steve Nash doesn't play defense" - cause Jose is no where near as good as Nash

[Terence]

Hey Doug, congrats once again on the 10m hits milestone! Just wondering if the Bryan video was done before or after the game? I'm thinking if it was post-game, it was nice of the Raptors to win one for you to make the post-game environment a little bit more positive ;)

BTW, the listed cash value of your blog contest is at $200 - clearly, this doesn't include the value of meeting and hanging out with you in person.

Blogger's note: It was actually before the game. I was transcribing Oak tape -- no easy feat -- when it took place

[brent jeffries]

Doug,

I'm pumped! I don't suppose you can do a live D-League draft blog, can you? I need all the help I can get in my D-League fantasy draft! (I keed, I keed)

On a semi-serious note, can you think of even one gm who would even consider Oak as head-coach material?

Blogger's note: Not until he's served some time as an assistant. Not sure his first gig should be as a head coach

[Alex]

Hi Doug, congrats again on the blog and donation.
Two questions:

What happened to Jason Maxiell?? Last year he was a beast, one of the best energy big men off the bench in the league, but he was invisible last night.

A couple of The Score basketball commentators described Jose as a "defensive liability," this morning, and it's not a small minority of fans who believe he's too slow and not intense enough of the defensive end. I don't mean to offend you, but does your reluctance to describe him similarly have anything to do with him being such a nice guy (he appears so anyway). And more generally, does it ever become difficult to report a certain way on a player/person you may have significant positive or negative feelings about?

Blogger's note: Nothing to do with him being a nice guy; I've suggested often he's not among the best defensive guards in the league, which is quite evident. However, I also don't think he's as great a "liability" as some others do because I tend to think it's a team defensive game.

[Kempsanity]

Prize sounds great, but unfortunately I cannot respond as I'm from Ottawa....what gives?

[GSY]

Hey Doug. Congratulations. I started following your blog a couple years ago, and it has been a great source of info and insight. And a way to "leave" the office for a few minutes each am. Love the contest idea. Unfortunately, I am a pastor and skipping Sunday morning worship 2 weeks before Christmas would not be the best move on my part!

[Noxleno]

Congrats on the success of your blog; the contest is a great idea, but why is it only open to those who live close to Toronto? I live in Northern Ontario and I'm a bigger fan than most. Shouldn't we fringe fans be rewarded for clinging to our love of Raps ball despite the suffocating influence of all the ignorant puckheads?

[Darko]

All I got to say about Antoine gesture is WOW.
Rare indeed.
Quick question, what is your take on this story
about "some" Raps and Leafs getting the
flu shot "jumping the line", and let's assume
that story is accurate.

Blogger's note: I really haven't looked into it very much but, if they did get the vaccines through normal protocol, I have no problems with it. Jumping a line is quite another thing

[Jason G]

The all access pass contest sounds like it will be a great time for the winner. Too bad it is restricted to those living within a 75 mile radius of Toronto. I don't know what the rationale for that is. As someone who was lucky enough to get a glimpse into some of the 'backstage' aspects of a game (compliments of the super friendly Paul Jones) I can assure you it will be quite the experience for any basketball fan.

[oliveira]

Nice touch to offer this contest to fans. However, the Raptors are Canada's only NBA team and there are a lot of fans who live outside of TO. Next time, if you have any pull, ask the big wigs at the paper to extend the contest to any person living in Canada.

[AJ]

hi Doug

when he first handed the cheque to you-- i know it went to a good cause and all, but were you kind of hoping that cheque was for you. Also I'm glad you have revisited the Oakley era because i was to young to follow the raps on an everyday basis when he played for us and had no idea how quotable and honest he was. I'm also hoping that he will get a coaching job.

[Shawn]

Hey Doug,

I must say that I am very impressed with Antoine Wright. His grit and defence is amazing...why would Dallas have given up on him?

[Christopher P.]

Congratulations again Doug. And what a great gesture by Bryan Colangelo. Hopefully some of the players get wind of it and do the same. Everybody wins.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hey Doug:

That donation from BC is pretty sweet. Plaudits to you. And him.

That was a fun run last night but I have to say the Raps are still shooting too many jump shots. When the Pistonians caught up the Raps tried to fight back with 18 footers and I got that sinking feeling that I remember getting all too often last year. But then in comes Turk and Bosh and Andrea goes nuts and everyone is happy. Just like it's supposed to work, right?

At this rate Andrea will have to be considered for MIP. Yes. I know it's early.

And I have to say--watching Raps games doesn't get any better than when Matt and Jack are at the microphones. Except when Jack asks players about their units.

AG, Toronto

[Nick]

Oak was dropping some priceless lines last night lol
Congrats again on the 10M Doug.

[joe]

as opinionated as oak is, he has a good way of looking at how to build a team. get a couple of scorers, two guys that' defend and one perimeter guy. then back them up with another scorer, an energy guy and a smart role player.

wright fits the bill for that smart role player and belinelli suits the off the bench scorer. here's hoping evans gets back to be that energy guy. but the problem might be in the starting rotation. it seems like we're giving jack starting minutes to be that perimeter defender closing out games. everyone's comparing derozen to carter, but let's hope he develops into a better defender than him.

[Jon]

Congratulations on the achievement Doug!