A whole lot of good in that one

A wee bit tardy this morning, I know, but getting an extra 90 minutes of shut-eye and a late 7:30 a.m. start to finish this off was quite necessary in the Life Of Doug.

-

THREE THINGS I LEARNED

A heckuva play

End of the first half, 3.2 seconds left, Heat shooting free throws.

Second one’s missed, Bosh grabs the rebound, outlets to Jose close to the hash mark on the far side, Hedo’s streaking up the middle of the court, Jose makes a fine pass through traffic, Turkoglu dribbles about twice, pulls up and hits a three as the place, and the bench, go nuts.

Luck?

Designed luck.

Jay told us after the game they work on that kind of situation in practice for the handful of times it’ll happen over the course of a season.

Maybe not that precise turn of events, if it’s an inbounds play they want someone else to take the ball out and Bosh sets a screen on Turk’s guy, but the improvisation just made it more impressive.

Little things. Big baskets.

-

It worked this time

Regular readers will know I’m not entirely sold on the Jose Calderon-Jarrett Jack backcourt but, everyone has to admit, it sure worked last night.

Why?

Because neither of them were handling the ball.

Odd, but with two point guards on the floor down the stretch, both went to the corners on offence while Hedo ran high screen and roll with one of the bigs.

Worked to near perfection, they kept getting open shots and when Jay drew it up, that’s how he envisioned it.

But, I have to tell you, I was among the more surprised people in the building on the dagger when Andrea passed up a pretty good look to pass off to Jack in the corner.

Told me something about Bargnan’s development, too. Lots of times – like close to 90 per cent, I’d hazard to guess – he shoots that ball. Maybe he makes it, maybe he doesn’t, but his first instinct is not to find a teammate in the corner. That he did is a small step, but an important one.

-

Speaking of …

Turkoglu, that was his most impressive game of the season, no question in my mind, and just want they wanted from him.

Of his eight assists – and that’s a solid total from a small forward who played only 32 minutes – one really sticks out in my mind.

He’s got the ball just off the right elbow after coming off a screen. He’s got one guy in the corner, I think Bosh is about to post up on the block and there are two very clear options for him.

But he waits a split second until Bargnani dives and he flips him a perfect pass. Bargnani doesn’t pull up and shoot the jumper, he goes to the rim and dunks and Raps are up 22 at the time.

It’s the kind of under-stated pass, not the safe play but the right one, that they’ll get more and more from him as he gets more accustomed the guys he’s playing with.

-

And in other news …

-

Seems to be a lot of palaver around these parts over the so-called “honouring” of HWSNBN tomorrow afternoon.

Last I heard, and it was after midnight last night when the final e-mail exchange took place, was that the Raptors hadn’t heard back from the Magic on whether the guy’s okay with any recognition of any kind.

My guess? No way he goes for it.

And why should he? Really.

He knows he’ll get booed – despite the fact he remains the best player in franchise history and the guy who put the Raptors on the map – and what guy in the world would set himself up for that.

And, besides, this whole recognition thing or whatever is they’re calling it is bogus anyway. Fifteen years is hardly a milestone to celebrate, the ones they did for Oak and Alvin seemed more an afterthought than a ceremony and it’s hardly worth thinking about.

-

The folks in Miami awoke to see this in their local newspapers.

-

Oh, back to the “honours” for a second.

They will, in their own inimitable fashion, pay tribute to Brendan Malone Sunday this afternoon, I’m told.

Something went amiss at the first Orlando game when they had planned to do it but everyone’s on-side with it for today.

You know what I think about the whole thing but, if you’re going to do something, retired players and coaches are the guys to do it for.

And no one deserves it like Brendan.

Not sure how many of you were around way back in the day when he was the head coach and they played in The World’s Worst Basketball Venue but if you went to a game in that expansion year, you never got cheated on effort.

Guy coached every game like it was Game 7 of the finals – often to the chagrin of his GM who wanted young kids to play, wins be damned – and for him to coax 21 wins out of that motley group was astounding.

I’ll never forget the day they beat the Bulls and Jordan, end of the game, 36,000 people going nuts, Brendan’s walking off the court, points up to the fans in the 500 level an area code away to say thanks.

No, in the history of this franchise, as sorry as it’s been at times, as short as it’s been, Brendan doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

It’ll be nice for him to get a little bit of it today.

-

Speaking of Orlando, they won last night in Boston and my man B. Schmitz sums it up this way

-

Hey, folks. Mail. Please. Not much in there but rants and opinions and “why did he do this at that point in this game” questions which really don’t fit.

So, if you get a minute, send some so I’ve got something to do while Super Family’s out watching the vampire flick.

And, as some of the irregulars know here, I’m not a huge fan of that whole vampire schtick because I’m one of the few people you know who’s been to Forks, Washington and it's left a scar in my mind.

Directions? Drive to the end of the earth, turn left, go about six kilometers and you’re almost there. Buy T-shirts, take some pictures, go back to Seattle.

-

All right, there are leaves from two 25-year old gigantic maples all over the yard, I’ve got some work to do around here.

See you later.

-

Comments

[coachd]

Doug,
A great NBA win for the Raps last night. First,you build up a big lead then the other team makes the inevitable run (this is the NBA after-all, every team is capable of beating anyone else on any given night), and then when the game is on the line tighten up the D and hit some clutch shots. The Raps did that last night. This bodes well for the rest of the season. Last year, they were losing games like last night's.

As for the VC tribute, I think that they should wait until after he's retired and allow the hurt (on both sides) to fade away.

[Niagarahoops]

Doug,
Re: HWSRN, those types of tributes should be done when he retires and when he comes back for a visit just like they did for Oak a couple weeks ago. Warm and fuzzy all over the place. If they do it Sunday, and he is booed (and he will be), he will probably light it up for 40+
it is just a bad idea and seriously wonder who came up with that one.
Furthermore, I just can't see Bryan C being ok with that.

[HopeCaper]

Hey Doug,
I'm with you on the game (not the leaves as mine are chewed up and gone). Lots of good things more consistently equals competitive game. I guess for me as a coach and fan that is the most important thing. Too many times last year Jack and leo stating that the opposition was getting it too easy. Even when they lose this year in almost all of their games they are right there. Question for you though, road performance versus home performance- are the west teams that good or is it the travel? If the west is that much better what do the raps need to upgrade?
I'm not considering the Nuggets game as typical because I thought the refs played too big a part in that game. Feel free to cut and paste question for the mail bag.

[lukasz]

In regards to that play, Hedo's defender was sure he was going up for the jump shoot he rises and then dishes it off to Bargnani. It was definitely the play of the game.

[Matt M]

Good game by the Raps, especially defensively. They made the Heat work for that 113pts with the 43% FG. They didn't fold in the face of the Heat comeback and I'm pretty sure last year they would have. Turk brings a certain calmness in the face of adversity that the Raps didn't really have last year. 20 turnovers is about 15 too many though. Hopefully Bellinelli's ankle is ok as I'm sure the Magic would love to have Jack playing Carter to end the game tomorrow.

[Nick M]

Honestly, I really hope Reggie Evans returns soon. Not for his basketball skill, but so I don't have to see him in the same blue blazer every game.

Seriously Doug, does he have a closet full of them like inspector gadget?

[NRapz]

doug,
what does HWSNBN stand for? or mean?

Blogger's note: He Who Shall Not Be Named, long-time thing around these parts

[DavideRossi]

Updates on Belinelli?
I presume Jay played the two point guards late in the game because Marco was out after injuring himself running through screens hunting Wade.

Blogger's note: I'm off, no updates from me. Yes, he tweaked a groin, I was told

[Chris]

Did Marco hurt himself last night? It looked like he slipped on some sweat and pulled or twisted something?

Blogger's note: Tweaked a groin

[baya]

Hey Dough,

Was watching the game last night on TV and to me it looked like Jay was ticked off with Amir play late in third quarter and got him out. For me apart of Bosh he is by far the most pleasant surprise so far. Guy is absolutely golden!

Blogger's note: I'd pay far more attention to your opinion if you got my name right

[Striker77]

Hey Doug,

As always, thanks for you blog... Wondering your opinion why Weems was first off the bench last night... I noticed he's been getting some minutes earlier in the week as well... IS this because of Antoine Wright's absence, or is he working into the rotation, or both?
Cheers

Blogger's note: Due to Wright not being available; that's all

[BB]

I know your thoughts on this Doug but I believe the Raptors should consider signing Allen Iverson to be the starting two guard. This is a critical year in convincing Bosh to stay and you can't tell me that Iverson won't bring more to the table than Derozen at this time and I'm sure the kid won't take losing his starting spot to "the Answer" badly. As many negative things to say about Iverson you can say positives. The guy plays as hard as anyone whoever played the game and is on the floor diving for balls and killing himself to win. Career averages of 6.2 ASSISTS and 2.2 Steals a game.(he won the MVP if that means anything?) He can also break guys down of the dribble and create his own shot which we need. I think he will love playing in a big city like Toronto and with unselfish team mates will buy into Jay's system.

Also think about the excitement and fans he will draw to the ACC.

[Rob]

Doug, why did you say "today" when discussing Brendan Malone? The game isn't until tomorrow.

Blogger's note: Because I'm confused

[KX]

They are honouring Brendan this afternoon or Sunday afternoon?

Blogger's note: Sunday. Got my days are mixed up

[drew]

Just read a little article the the BIG BUST would love to play for Canada now. Wow! Aren`t` we special now! Coach Leo loves the Idea...am I missing somthing? Yes he played for us at 18, but after that he made it a point to let the country know that he was too beyond the thought, and it was below him to play for us. What a clown! The guy is done, and I would never support the program if Coach Rautins ever let him come back. There now are pleanty of legit canadians playing around the world that would literaly love to play for the team, but instead we have the has been "loving to play for my country", and dropping lines that Canada basketball had problems with associating with black players in the past? What the heck is going on here!!! Total loser and clown. Please don`t let him have anything to do with our program!

[Ben]

Doug - I thought Bellinelli was killing it last night when the Raps made their 2nd quarter run....really pushed the offence, made some great passes, shot well, etc.

But it seems he tweaked his ankle or something in the second half and didn't play much - any update on him? Is he going to play tomorrow?

Thanks!

Blogger's note: Bothered by a sore groin; I'm off today so I have no idea on Sunday

[Ellie]

Vampire flick? Really? Was there nothing else to do?

For a moment, your cred was shaken and then I re-read and realized you had opted out.

Good man.

Blogger's note: One trip to Forks is enough to put me off that stuff forever :)
Thanks

[CL]

Hey Doug,
It's funny because if Bargs passed to Jack and he missed and Raps lost. You would write something like this....
"Why would Andrea Barganani, who is shooting 42% from the 3, pass it to Jack, who shoots 34% from the three? It does not make sense when Andrea hit a big three right before this as well. He has to be more agressive blah blah"
It's ALL about outcomes and u know it.
You gotta admit, Jack should not have taken that shot but good that he did hit it.

Blogger's note: An incredibly wide-open three in the corner? He has to take that shot

[GM]

What? No mention of Pops?! He clearly was the deciding factor.

[CL]

I was referring more to whether Bargs shoulda passed to Jack. Obviously Jack has to take that shot when he is open.

Blogger's note: I haven't watched the tape all that closely but I seem to remember a defender closing out on Bargnani pretty well so, yeah, if that was the case, the pass was the right play.

[Mike]

He might of spelt your name wrong but at least he didn't call you Chuck

[Rob.V]

Mailbag:

Knowing your thoughts on the developement of the younger Canadian players - If Magloire, Joel Anthony, and Matt Bonner all decide to play for Canada next year should Basketball Canada pursue Steve Nash for one last shot at some glory?

Blogger's note: I have moved it to the mail, thanks

[doug]

whether Jack made or didn't make that shot is irrelevant...he has to take that, plus people that comment on Jack are just going by this years performance they don't have a clue about him or his skills....the guy can play, he has just had the hardest team of all the new guys thus far of adapting to his new team, surroundings, finding his place....and that stat that was posted by the blogger...that Barg's is shooting 42 % from 3 point range an Jack is shooting 34% is a load of crap quite frankly....its what 12,13 games into the season and people are already throwing up useless stats....watch the games, not a boxscore or a spreadsheet...

[doug]

I can never remember a instance of this before...can you, Clippers announcers Michael Smith and Ralph Lawler wee suspended a game for their remarks, banter about a Iranian center Haddadi who plays for the Grizz...although the remarks were rather innocuous i feel the league did the right thing as you have to nip this in the bud...but I never remember announcers being suspened before...what about reporters??, can teams "suspend" a particular reporter or teh league?? ..you can answer this in the mail bag if you are so inclined...

Blogger's note: As I understand it, it was the team that suspended him but, either way, I agree it was the right thing to do

[Aditya]

He’s got the ball just off the right elbow after coming off a screen. He’s got one guy in the corner, I think Bosh is about to post up on the block and there are two very clear options for him.
---

Actually, if I remember right, Hedo was posted up (and Bosh is on the other side of the paint)...Bosh is only only get the ball in that possession from a missed shot (offensive rebound)