Of the game and being part of a science experiment. For real!

Be warned: Sap time.

Look, I only know a few of you very well, and some of you not at all, and Lord knows we all don’t get along every day in this little piece of cyber real estate.

It’s like a bar, in some ways, or a crazy big house party. Lots of people here and there, conversations going on in every nook and cranny and if you want to avoid someone, you can.

But we do all kind of live here, or at least make it part of our daily destination and, for the most part, we’re all civil.

So believe me when I say, at this time of hopes for peace and friendship and fun and gentle times, that I hope every single one of you and your families has the bestest of Christmases.

I hope Santa’s good to all of you, I hope all of your families enjoy nothing but prosperity and that none of you burn the turkey or something silly like that.

Give someone around your house a hug or a smile and tell ‘em Merry Christmas.

And give yourselves a hug or a smile (I’ll let you decide which) and tell yourself Merry Christmas from me.

Have a great couple of days, peoples.

Now, let’s get back to writing things that drive you mad.

-

THREE THINGS I LEARNED

Get the slings and arrows ready

Yes, the Pistons were short-handed; yes, it was a game they “should” have won easily. I know all that. So do you. But, still, they did what they had to do. As they have more than a few times of late.

So I will say this and take the heat because, well, because it’s what I do.

Perhaps now we can all agree that maybe suggesting things like this team was destined for 20-something wins and was among the worst ever and that the only thing to do was blow it all up and fire everyone after, oh, let’s say 20 games, was somewhat silly.

If we’ve learned anything so far, it’s that maybe the season is indeed a marathon rather than a sprint and just because things look bleak in November, it’s not necessarily going to be that way in January or March or even December.

Now, they will lose games badly sometime in the next 60 or so and there will be losing streaks. But I also think we’ve seen enough to think there’ll be some good wins in the next 60 or so and there will be some winning streaks.

All the sackcloth and ashes of the first five weeks seems, at the moment, a bit unnecessary, doesn’t it?

I said and I know many didn’t believe me. This isn’t an awful team. It’s not championship calibre at the moment but it’s not nearly as bad as some of you painted it early.

I’ll let Chris Bosh make my point:

“You can’t over-react early. It’s a long season That’s what people have to understand. It’s a very long season, mistakes are going to happen. You can’t write teams off because they’re struggling at a certain point. We were put together and sometimes it takes teams longer to gel than others. We’re going to be fine.”

Well said.

-

Turk as Nash or Stockton

It’s the second quarter, Turk can’t make a shot to save his soul and it looks like it might be a long night for him.

But something seems to twig about three minutes into the quarter and Toronto up two.

He passes up a pretty good look on the far side, drives, draws a defender and hits an open Jack in the corner; Jack makes a three.

He gets the ball again on the next possession, again doesn’t shoot, draws a guy and hits Belinelli with a pass; Belinelli makes a three.

Turk goes on to pile up three more assists in the quarter, ends with five in the 12 minutes he played in the second and the game is, in effect, over.

I’ve mentioned that it’s not always about points with him and that he needs to have games where he truly steps up and dominates.

That’s exactly what he did in that second quarter.

-

They were quick like bunnies

Usually, there’s a bit of a wait after a game before we grunts can get our work all done.

Some players (cough, Chris Bosh, cough) have a tendency to dawdle and there’s always some chatting and goofing around and, you know, generally making life miserable for deadline-avoiding writers.

Last night?

Not so much.

It wasn’t more than 12 minutes after the final buzzer that Jay was out doing his stuff; it wasn’t three minutes into locker room time before Hedo was talking to us and even Mr. Bosh, historically the last Raptor to do media, was ready inside of about 20 minutes.

They should have Christmas breaks and awaiting limos and airplanes every single game.

-

And in other pressing matters (or something like that):

-

Sonny Weems has really gone up in the estimation of lots of fans and rightfully so given the way he’s played since ascending to a regular spot in the rotation.

I’m think a few more might like him a bit if they’d seen him wander out of the Raptors locker room after the game on Wednesday.

There he went sporting a nice new replica Montreal Expos hat.

Very cool.

-

This is what the Detroit readers saw this morning.

-

From the department of statistical anomalies, you all know that Hedo Turkoglu had one more assist on his own Wednesday than the entire Pistons team had.

I cannot for the life of me ever remembering that happening in a Raptors game – it might have, but I don’t remember it – and no one connected with the team could think of another time.

So, I mentioned it to one of Hedo’s teammates and, protecting his identity because I’m sure he didn’t want me to use it for attribution, he said of the Pistons:

“That team doesn’t like each other.”

And I don’t know that many people would argue with him.

-

Weird, weird things happen on the road. This is among the weirdest ever.

I’m walking back into the hotel after a quick fresh air break yesterday afternoon and there’s a young lady and a young man, carrying video camera and a shopping bag, sitting on one of the couches.

“Excuse me, sir,” he says, “are you going to be using the elevator?”

Since I don’t walk 12 storeys ever, I answer in the affirmative and she says, “well, would you mind taking part in a science experiment?”

Hmm, thinks I. Kids, camera, shopping bag, science experiment. Hell yeah, I said, quite intrigued.

Well, turns out they were two quite nice Troy High School students and they tell me that, as part of a science experiment, they have to prove or disprove Newton’s Second Law.

Now I have no idea what Newton’s Second Law is at the time and figure, hey, Newton was a pretty bright fellow, whatever the law is, it’s probably right. But I want to find out for myself.

Well, without getting too technical – because I’m a dolt when it comes to such things – Newton’s Second Law says something like as you accelerate, your weight goes up, as you decelerate, your weight goes down.

There’s lots of formulaic gobbledy-gook that goes with it, but that’s the gist of it.

So I get in the elevator and they produce some scales out of the shopping bag.

I’m X pounds to start (and that’s a number that’s between me and the kids, thank you very much), I’m X plus 10 when we start to move and I’m about X minus 10 when we slow down. And, presto! change-o! I’m back to X when the elevator comes to rest.

Told you that Newton guy knew what he was talking about, didn’t I?

All this is on video. Me, the kids, the scales the ride.

Anyway, if they don’t get an A for that project, I’m questioning the credibility of the Troy High School science department.

Now, lots of strange things happen on the road but that takes the cake.

-

Here’s the schedule for the next little while, if you care.

Lots of driving and shopping and doing last-minute stuff for me today and a GruntTV episode this afternoon I hope.

But then it’s time to shut it down for a little while; not sure if I’ll be back Saturday morning or Sunday with the mailbag; it may depend entirely on how much, um, celebrating I do.

Whenever it is, I’ll see you then.

Comments

[Jon]

Doug, long time reader, very sporadic commentor. Just wanted to send out a merry christmas and thanks for being an entertaining part of my routine every morning.

[Jarrod]

Great to see your positive comments about not abandoning the ship after 20 games. It's true that, at this rate, we might squeak into the playoffs and probably be bounced in the first round (or maybe not!), but the way media and fans were ranting a month ago, you'd swear the team was moving to Vegas.

I say this because I was disheartened by an article a few days ago by one of your colleagues at The Star who, after I think the second of these wins, proceeded to go on about how terrible this team is and how hopelessly lost this season is. I suppose my biggest concern when I read that is that the only guys not locked in for the next 3-5 years are Bosh, Weems, Wright and Johnson and, if we can't compete with the team we have, looking forward is no fun.

I don't need a cheerleader for my team, but I don't want anyone carrying a placard saying, "The End Is Nigh" either. Since I've used the "abandon ship" metaphor already, I'll stick with the theme and say thanks for keeping the ship on an even keel.

[Joe T.]

Thanks for all the words, Doug -- the kind AND the snarky. Keep 'em coming. And I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!...

[Striker77]

Hey Doug,

I am sure this is going to be the first of many Christmas wishes today, but here goes.

I only started following the raptors about 3 years ago, and mostly because a couple of friends I work with are fans. Hearing them talk every day about basketball got me intrigued. I was always a huge soccer fan, and continue to be, and an ex hockey fan (tired of the game the way it is), and I have now become a fanatic of b-ball.
I am a busy father of 2 young boys, a teacher, a musician, a husband... pretty busy guy, but no matter how busy I am, I always find time to read your blogs and articles. Your work gives me so much more to this game, and I do not think I would be as much a fan, or as knowledgable about it, if it were not for your work.

So, to be sappy, thanks for all you do, Doug. You give all us basketball starved guys an escape. An escape from the grind in which we can always sit down at a computer and enjoy words about our favorite game.
I wish you all the best over Christmas, and New years, and look forward to reading more of your great work in the future.

Cheers,

[Stephen B]

Thank you for your amazing work, Doug. Wishing you, Super Wife, Super Son and Super Dog the merriest of Christmasses. Enjoy your well-deserved break of a couple of days!

[Matthieu]

Joyeux Noël Doug!

[Matt M]

Another game to send to the league so that they eliminate back-to-backs, especially with one team rested and the other not. Even if they could make it so the teams both come off back-to-backs or something. Oh well, whatever.
Good game by the Raps and they are playing well right now. Turk is comfortable with the offense and I can't wait to see what he can do with Calderon as his shooter in the corner. I like the second unit with Johnson, Weems, and Derozan. Belinelli last night seemed to be getting over his slump too. They provide a similar gear shift that used to be such a big weapon with Ford and Calderon, only now it's everyone on the floor, not just one position.

[kathyt]

Good morning Doug, that was a nice little win last night, and in Detriot no less, yay Raptors. Great game from Hedo and AB7.

Anyhow, wishing you and your family a very merry christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Cheers.

[Scott]

Doug,
We have all been waiting for some athletic, creative wingers who can defend. When DD, Sonny and even to some extent, Bellinelli are on the floor, it looks like the Raps have found those players. The other off season goal was to get some toughness and rebounding, Amir has been a nice surprise. (Still waiting for Reggie) Not a contender yet but even though they have been playing lesser opponents, they have been playing better....more intensity.
Have a great Christmas from your friends back in Oxford County!

[Peter]

That science experiment had better make it onto an episode of GruntTV! :) No excuses, you know which school to call to get it!

[Terence]

Let me get into Dave Feschuk mode for just a moment and say that the over-arching theme for the Raps has more or less been winning against bad teams, and losing against good teams. A win is a win is a win, as the cliché goes, but I'd like to see them string together consecutive solid efforts against GOOD teams before I start planning that parade down Yonge street.

[Tom from Waterloo]

Doug, I've been reading your work since 1995, and while I hardly ever comment, I want to thank you for everything you do to bring the game to us. Have a wonderful Christmas with the Super Family, a safe drive back to Toronto, and a relaxing rest until we hear from you again.

[scottptbo]

merry christmas doug and have a safe drive!

[Terence]

OH... and I hope that science experiment video gets posted on youtube - undoubtedly it wouldn't take long before going viral.

Doug, I hope you and Super-family have a Merry Christmas!

[WSG]

Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year, to you and yours, Doug. Your blog has been a part of every single day for me for … years now, and I appreciate it all the more as time goes by. Cheers!

[doug]

season grettings to you an your's as well.....now to the b-ball, Hedo needs to not only have the ball more but the team is listening to him, since the beginning he has always stated tp paraphrase...if we share the ball were a tough team to beat when we don't we aren't...the raps the last few games have begun to listen and have been impressive.....Sonny Weems is my new hero, i was the biggest Expo fan ever, I lament there loss an have never followed baseball the same way, just be cause "my team" is gone I lived and died thru their wins an losses...and never,ever in such a short time has a team produced as much talent as that farm system...from the Randy johnson's, Martinez,Walker,Carter, Dawson (my fav),Parrish,Valentine,Raines...the list is endless.....the Expos what a team and tlakin about a passionate fan base that big Owe was rockin in the heyday.....so Weems has good taste...

[erc]

Merry Christmas, you old humbug.
Good point on the long season. Hope the Raps take note and put a real effort into games that are winnable, like they did last night. With this team, there will be games that aren't, but as long as they try, no one's expecting them to be the Lakers.

[Simon S-G]

Hey Douglas, a merry christmas to you, Super Wife, Super Son and Super Dog! And don't forget Cousin Sekou!
Last night I commented that Jack mentioned how the Pistons fans were still cheering and supporting the team even during a blowout. I really think, nay know, that was directed at a certain fanbase who attends games at a certain downtown Toronto arena. You think if he repeats that during road blowouts the fans might start turning positive? I can't see it not having an effect.
Thanks for the blog, I'm in journalism school and I take a lot of influence from your work for when I (hopefully) end up with a baseball beat of my own. Keep it up! :)

[Sean C.]

Doug,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, thank you for always working hard and providing lots of reading material for all of us obsessive Raptors fans.

Here's me bringing you the heat that you anticipated, please print this note and place it next to your computer:
1. Remember that Raptors fans are indeed fans, not objective observers; they want the team to win. Therefore...
2. Don't lecture us. It doesn't take any particular insight or skill to write "they'll win some, they'll lose some". In fact, with respect, I can't believe your employer pays you for such commentary.
3. Regarding this season, most would agree that this team has underachieved, the last 3 games notwithstanding. While the schedule has been difficult, it has been the way they have lost, showing a complete lack of effort. No one expects this team to escape the first round of the playoffs and that is clearly a disappointment. Therefore, frustration amongst fans is justified and understandable.

Anyway, safe and happy holidays to you and yours.

[Andre]

Merry Christmas Doug... You and your family have a great holiday. Blessings

[dallas]

Thanks Doug, Merry Christmas to you and yours, too.

[Peter]

Hey Doug,

I hope you and your family have a great holiday! Thanks again for the blog. Your work is something that is very much appreciated, even out here on the prairies!

Peter

[niagarahoops]

Doug,
Merry Christmas to you and Super Family.
So did you tell the kids you a big time sports writer up in Canada?
If that didn't give them an A , I am not sure what would.

Just curious though, why did they need you for the experiment? Couldn't they have used just themselves?

Anyways Doug, Merry Christmas to you and Super Family.

[Landon]

Doug thanks for keeping us up to date on all things Raptors!! All the best to you and your family this Christmas. Hopefully those kids can create some sort of perpetual motion deceleration machine so I can tell my wife I lost 10 pounds!

[Mr. Cook]

Merry Christmas Doug and best holiday wishes for Super Family. You thoroughly deserve a restful Christmas and I think all readers can agree that a bountiful visit from Stella...errr...Santa is in order.