A little bit of this and that on another big comeback

The goal’s always to get this up by 8:30 or so every morning and as I glance at the clock over there, it’s about 7:20 a.m. and I’m just about to post it.

Guess there are some benefits to being in this time zone.

Anywho …

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THREE THINGS I LEARNED

Fourth quarter menaces

That fourth quarter defence on Friday night was as good as the other night against Chicago and if you’re going to be good at that end of the floor, that’s the time to do it when it’s going to have the greatest impact.

The Clippers shot 29 per cent in that quarter – 5-17 from the field, 1-7 from three – and went scoreless for the last 6:58.

Yes, not one single solitary point in the final seven minutes of an NBA game. That’s shocking.

Now, it’s not all on Toronto, the Clips took a dizzying array of weird shots but, even the most hardened critics of the way this Raptors team defends has to admit that’s pretty good.

And coming on the heels of a 3-21 fourth from the Bulls, it’s a pretty good trend.

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Horrid homecoming.

I’m thinking that, eventually, DeMar DeRozan’s going to look back on last night fondly, it being his first game in his hometown as a pro and everything but I also think that, as soon as the game was over, he wanted to put it entirely out of his mind.

Four shots, one made, two airballs (“His jumper had about three extra feet on it,” was how Jay described it), no rebounds and a turnover.

Yikes.

But you live and learn and at least he’ll never have to go through that again. You could tell from the first time he touched the ball that he was too geeked up to really have an impact, which is why he ended up only playing 11 minutes.

But he was the subject of the night’s best line.

Pre-game, big crush of local reporters around Jay trying to get the inside scoop on the DeRozan Development.

Reporter: “What does DeMar bring to the team?”

Jay: “I heard Hedo say inside (the locker room): Donuts.”

And them, of course, Jay went on to laud the kid for working hard and getting better and yadda, yadda, yadda.

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Time for change?

Not sure how many noticed – heck, I imagine TV sets and computers around the world were being turned off at halftime in disgust – but there was another subtle defensive alteration at halftime that had a huge role in Toronto’s second-half improvement.

After trying to defend Chris Kaman one-on-one to relatively disastrous results, the Raptors went to a double-team for a lot of the third quarter that really messed up his rhythm. And, as Jay pointed out to us in his post-game session, just when Kaman got used the double, they didn’t.

“We started coming a little bit and then late in the game, we didn’t come. We could have settle for his twos but we didn’t want them to get a couple of threes and rally behind that. So we trapped him in the second half and he turned it over a couple of times, had a more difficult time scoring and then late in the game, we decided just to stay at home and force him to take tough twos and not give up the threes.”

Not a bad shift in strategy, as it turned out.

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And, in other news:

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Just want to get this straight:

LeBron James is going to change from No. 23 to No. 6 to “honour” Michael Jordan for what he did for the game? Yeah, that Bill Russell and Julius Erving really didn’t do squat for the NBA.

And I’m not entirely sure where this cockamamie notion came from that the league should change it’s logo to make it Look Like Mike but that might be one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard.

Yes, Jordan did wonders as a player, won titles, competed ruthlessly and made a lot of players and a lot of owners a lot of money.

But the game was pretty good when he got there thanks to Magic and Bird and I’m sure the shoe company that made Jordan iconic would have glommed on to someone else eventually.

Look, Jordan was brilliant and – maybe – the best player ever, although you can make a case for Oscar or Russell.

But to suggest they change the very mark that identifies the league itself – a mark that would no doubt evoke more memories of a shoe company than anything these – is a disservice.

Thankfully, this idea will have no legs and die a peaceful death

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Riding in to the Staples Center for LAX, the cab passes by the exit for the Coliseum, which is right near the old L.A. Sports Arena, where last night’s Raptors opponents used to play.

And it gave a guy rise to think about what might have been the lowest point in Raptors history. Believe me, having seen so many lows, that’s a helluva statement to make.

It was in March, 1998, the Clips – who were 13-49 going into the game – hung 152 points on Toronto, which remains the most points scored by an opponent ever.

Was like a 48-minute layup line before about 3,000 fans in a stinky old arena that smelled like urine. Oh, and they have to give you an armed guard to walk you to your car in the media parking lot after the game.

Sweet.

Now, cue the scary music.

That was a Friday the 13th, too. Just like last night.

Eerie, eh?

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The L.A. Times says this about that one.

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Oddest sight of the night?

After the game, walking back along the court to get to the locker room, there’s Clippers owner Donald Sterling standing at midcourt surrounded by a group of fans.

One lady: “I just want to thank you for all you’ve done.”

Ah, yeah. Right.

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I presume you all saw the Bryan quote about The Legend from the notes in the paper today?

“The timing is purely coincidental. He’s someone we would have to consider but I’ve heard there may be a deal in Europe in place for him.”

Now, I know so many of you are going to go off half-cocked – or fully-cocked, I should say – about the notion of Pops Mensah-Bonsu coming back so you might find that interesting.

But if it happens, please riddle me this: Would you use him before Amir Johnson, who’s bigger, younger, better? Or before Reggie Evans, when he gets back in a couple of weeks? Or Rasho? Well, maybe Rasho.

Truth is, you’re talking about the fifth big at best so please keep that in mind.

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Speaking of ex-Raptors, looks like Quincy’s going to land on his feet.

Was told last night Douby is likely headed to Turkey if no NBA team puts a claim in on him over the weekend before he clears waivers on Monday.

And there you have the reason they kept him around for a couple of weeks, as I expected. By not holding firm to the original Nov. 1 date to have his contract more fully guaranteed, it allowed Douby’s agent, with some help from the Raptors and their European connections, to find a job.

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All right, a Steve Nash piece to write for tomorrow’s paper, a flight to catch and, hopefully, a nice sports bar to find by the hotel in Phoenix to watch a fight and work on some morning mail. Sounds like a good day ahead.

See ya.

Comments

[LeeZ]

Yes, totally did notice the switch to the double-teaming-Kaman strategy in the second half. Without a doubt, that won the game for the Raps. This win's all on Jay (and the players for executing Jay's strategy so well, of course). Kaman can't pass the ball for beans, and even if he could, had no room to on the baseline, so to my mind it was a no-brainer. Two questions (the second of which I've elaborated on in a mailbag submission): was the 37-point turnaround (down by 22, won by 15) the largest turnaround in Raps history? Second, are the coaches starting to get a little pissed at Antoine for his habit of slowing the offence down to a crawl by holding onto the ball for long stretches at a time for no discenrable reason?

Blogger's note: I'd have to get some stats monkeys to check on that turnaround, there might be a game where they were down 10 and won by 25, I'm not sure. I know in their seventh biggest comebacks, three 22s, a 20, a 19 and two 18s, they've never won by more than seven.
And, yes, the coaches would like Antoine to move the ball more often

[LeeZ]

Oh, and one more thing. As regards his Popsitude, yes, I would definitely bring him back. Yes, you're right, he'd be behind most -- if not all -- the other bigs on the depth chart, and wouldn't even be close to a rotation guy. But, and it's a big but, in contrast to someone like POB or Banks, or even Weems (although I like the kid and think he should get more of a chance), Pops CAN serve a very useful purpose when the team needs a shot of energy and hustle. He can, in small doses, be a game changer on nights (especially at home) when the team is stinking up the joint and the crowd isn't in the game.

[Alex]

Morning Doug, Im not sure if I read the same quote or not, but from my take Lebron was saying that since the NBA logo is already made after Jerry West, the league can't honor MJ that way, so every team should retire his jersey instead. Maybe I misread but I didn't think he was saying they should redesign the logo.
Lets remember also that Lebron is young and all he has ever known was MJ, not to discount Oscar or Russell but to most people who grew up with the modern game, MJ is the undisputed GOAT.

[graham]

so its a half full or half empty response from the Raptors to the last two games: do they now collectively realize they can play defense and win games? Do they realize that their offense is pretty good when they move the ball, not so functional when they dribble, dribble and fail to attack the hoop? This team may be .500 right now, but I get he sense they are either going to morph into a top 3 team in the East or fail spectacularly -- I'm inclined to think they will grasp these lessons and this west coast trip will help define a successful season this year.= after they play well in all three of the remaining games this trip!

[Matt M]

The only way the Raps should consider bringing Pops back is if he can bring that energy from the small forward position. I have thought that that energy and rebounding ability would complement Bosh and Bargnani. That said it has been pointed out before Pops at small forward would likely be an ugly sight to behold, considering his lack of shooting ability. In the end an empty roster spot may be the best thing for the Raps as it will give them a little flexibility going forward.

[Andrew23]

That's what Lebron was saying. I liked the gesture by Lebron, it's all part of freedom of choice. Unfortunately, so many guys are writing full articles about it now. If u ask Bird and Magic who they think is the greatest player ever, they will simply answer, "Michael", that's good enough for me.

Blogger's note: And when I ask Wayne Embry, he says Oscar and that's good enough for me.

[Mike Kovacs]

Watching the post-game shows I get the impression that Jay is willing to spend more time answeing questions than his predecessors. Is that correct?

Blogger's note: Not something I've noticed because I got the answers to the questions I had from each of them but it could be

[doug]

one thing that has been lost in all this talk about the raptors defense or lack thereof and rebounding etc....is that this is a very talented ofensive team, and that is not by accident....BC's days with the Suns and the impact it had are all over this team, you can teach defense with offense your players either have it or they don't.....this teams confidence is and will be based on that, you could see it last night they were down 22 and although it was stil early the team still had a offensive swagger....they scored a 104 points on really a bad night from a few guys, so don't discount the fact this team can score, and that can tend to help alleviate many of the other ailments....looking from the outside in to be a oppssing coach I would find it hard to put a game plan into effect against these teams as they are versatile and can score in many different ways...

with Hedo fans need to get there heads out of the stat sheet, and just watch the little things the guy without a doubt has the highest b-ball of any of the Raptors...

and to think there was a NBA before Jordan...wow blow me away...oscar averages a triple double for a whole season, Chamberlain, Erving, guys like Gervin, Thompson,Bird,Johnson there the ones that re-defined the game Jordan will even admit that, hence him asking Thompson to introduce him for his acceptance speech at the HOF.....it just boggles my mind when jordan is used as the starting in any time-line...

[Nadeem]

Raptor fans,

Vote CB4 into the all-star game. He's pleying the best basketball of his career and deserves to be in. He's not getting as much U.S national coverage as his competition. He will be selected by the coaches whether or not he's voted in by the fans, but lets show him how much T.O (and Canada as a whole) appreciates him by voting for him.

Go raps!

[Wade Tomlin]

Thank goodness but it appears coach Triano's philosophies are starting to set in. When you read the comments Belinelli made p and even hear Jose Calderon talking about being down by 22 in the second quarter, it appears the players are just starting to get that their defense at the beginning of the season was unacceptable. It's gotta be the consistent minutes Amir Johnson and Antoine Wright are getting for just playing defense, it appears the bench guys in particular feel that unless they play d, they don't play.

[cool hand luke]

I know we got the win but, is there any reason to sitting Turk in the 4th when the game was still undecided? I'm thinking Triano was cautious due to the hip.

[tea time]

doug, i am a big fan our your blog but i do disagree with some of your points. i believe and im sure others could see pops beating out amir and possibly reggie. he sure would replace rasho, well depending on the line-up but you cant say that he is not better than any of the three players you mentioned. last season, he was the reason why the team started to pick up their game at the end of the season. his energy and tenacious rebounds and dunks are all great reasons why to get him on this team. think about it, fans love him, his hustle is what gets the fans going, and im sure you know that when the fans get going, the entire team does as well.

also they all bring different elements to the game, rasho bringing the vets mentality and IQ, amir bringing the rebounding and shot blocks, reggie brings the hustle and grit, while pops brings the energy and excitement to the fans. This is why fans love him and it would be a no brainer to bring him back as he'd bring excitement to the crowd which brings motivation to the players. plus he'd sell more seats if played on a consistent basis even if he's playing just 10 mins a night.

im just saying, LETS BRING BACK THE LEGEND!

[Tim W.]

I recall being told by quite a few fans that Pops would have a breakout season in Houston to prove the Raptors made a mistake letting him go. That didn't seem to happen, did it?

I was a huge, huge Michael Jordan fan, and a case can definitely be made for him being the best player of all time, but it will never, ever be definitive. At this point, there are five other guys in the argument: Oscar, Russell, Wilt, Magic and Bird, and unless the NBA retires their numbers, too, than it's most definitely an insult to them.

"Oddest sight.

After the game, walking back along the court to get to the locker room, there’s Clippers owner Donald Sterling standing at midcourt surrounded by a group of fans.

One lady: “I just want to thank you for all you’ve done.”"

It wasn't odd at all. She's a Memphis Grizzlies fan. As long as Sterling is still owner of the Clippers, they are still the worst franchise in sports.

[CARLoS M.]

sorry about point this out... them instead of then

And them, of course, Jay went on to laud the kid for working hard and getting better and yadda, yadda, yadda.

[Alex]

Doug, is Baron Davis....to put it nicely....junk?

Blogger's note: He's definitely "detached" some nights

[doug]

sorry for the typos...never proof-read it....to many things going on...meant Hedo has "highest b-ball I.Q"...as a "opposing coach it would be tough to put together a game plan against this team".......also i think that what Jay has been doing the last couple games at halftime has not only worked but the players are listening,,,,that's a key point....also Ivaroni's impact at the half can't be over-looked, this team has a lot of up-side...

[ANM]

Anyone know who the guy in the old, all grey outback looking outfit with matching hat was? He was standing near the Raps bench at the end of the game.
What about that elbow or forearm to the head of Jose? At first I thought it came from the release of the shot, but after the replay you can see the back swing of his arm toward Jose's head...looked intentional to me. Oh well, part of the game. Last thing, anyone one else notice how bad the "guys in the van" are doing so far this year? 3yrs ago they were great, last year not as bad, but this year??? Wow! Anyways, I couldn't do it, so I can't really talk, but still!
Thanks as always Doug.
ANM

[tea time]

well tim w. i also recall doug calling out antoine wright after speculation of the dallas toronto trade rumor involing andrea but look how that turned out. (sorry doug). oh and what about other players,mmm, maybe such as james singleton. love the guy when he was on the clips but then they waived him and was a free agent until now, he's playing excellent in dallas.

you just gotta understand that it doesnt always work out for a player. fortunately pops did do well in tornto and was bound to be a rap again until the trade for hedo changed it all. also maybe the team he's on has enough role players who play the same position, which houston does and dont really need him. pops still got game and im sure if he comes back he'd fit well with our team.

Blogger's note: Get the facts remotely right, Antoine Wright was never in that blatantly made up Bargnani to Dallas rumour (sorry Tea Time)

[doug]

this is a excellent piece of journalism....its on Dock Ellis...

www.dallasobserver.com/2005-06-16/news/balls-out/

reminds me of awhile ago when someone on this blog was compalining of a raptor smoking...give me a break i thought you should be happy thats all they are doing...this article not only defines that but gives a glimpse into the players lives...I have a guess who that reliever the ranger onwer is talking about...

[Kevin A.]

"i believe and im sure others could see pops beating out amir and possibly reggie"

You had to know exactly what you were doing and bringing on yoruself throwing that Pops news out there, right? It's like putting raw meat in fron of a starving dog... :)

Blogger's note: Of course I did; but it's impossible to ignore a pack of starving dogs when you're inundated by questions on it.

[Jani]

Hey Doug, I assume your going to watch the Pac-Man fight? Who do you got, you think Manny can get this one so we could have a Manny-Floyd super fight?

Blogger's note: I sure hope there's an establishment close to my hotel in Phoenix that'll have the fight on. I seem to recall a great sports bar right out the back door of the Courtyard where I'll have to start.
And, yes, I'm all in favour of Manny

[Steve]

I am a fan of Lebron as a player, but as a person I am not. He comes off as far too cocky and conceited for my liking for a playing who hasn't done anything yet.

I personally don't think he EVER should have wore 23 in the NBA, get your own number. I know that it is a pretty trivial thing to worry about, but why is it now that he is realizing this?

I think Lebron is doing this for reasons other then just changing it for MJ.

[Phil A]

I'm really starting to feel confident about Calderon's game. It seems like he's back to his usual self. His jumper is falling and he's making good decisions with the ball. Chris Bosh also had a good game. I'm really liking the energy he's bringing and that he's also not settling for jumpers.

What's up with Baron Davis? He looks very disinterested at times. I guess that's what happens when you commit yourself to a team like the Clippers haha

[Vincent Lam]

Great post Doug, informative and entertaining as always.

I hope Douby used that extra time to learn the finer points about living in Turkey. He can bring back stories about playing with the Michael Jordan of Turkey.

Is there a reason the Raptors don't seem to play the Lakers and Clippers in the same road trip? I'm only working from memory, so I might be wrong. It would seem like an automatic as they play at the same arena. They always seem to play Miami and Orlando when they do their trip to Florida. Same with Texas, they usually play two of the three teams there.

Blogger's note: You'd think it would be an automatic but I don't recall it ever happening with the Raptors. It's probably got to do with the fact they go to the coast at least twice a year and there's no concern about having to jam in the L.A. games.

[Tiger]

Pops looked on the verge of a monster MVP season when he visited in the pre-season. Now he's in the unemployment line right behind George Dubbya.

Maybe that's all that needs to be said of pre-season games and Pops.

And I say that as someone who admires the lunch pail attitude that guys like him bring to the table.