Of the game and Gil and goodbye O-Rena

Pretty fun game, wasn’t it?

Lads looked good, played hard, defended, hung on.

All in all, I’m sure they’re quite proud of themselves. And going through Boston-San Antonio-Orlando 2-1 is entirely unexpected, isn’t it?

Of course, its meaning will be diminished if they spit one up in Philly tomorrow but that’s for another day.

For today, it’s this:

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Three Things I Learned

(I’m wondering if Three Things I Learned is still appropriate and or entertaining or if we need to change the format up a bit just to jazz this joint up as the second half of the season approaches? Suggestions welcome.”

Anyway …

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Who is this guy?

It really is quite something, what we’re seeing with Andrea Bargnani in the last little while.

It’s not just the strong individual defence he’s playing on other big men (there are those among us who never thought his one-on-one play was nearly as bad as many contended) and it’s not just the big shots he’s hitting (and those two threes off the Jose drive-and-kicks were huge last night.)

It’s the way he’s “engaged” in the game, emotional, talkative, demonstrative.

If there was one infuriating thing about him, it was his tendency to be laconic, to kind of loaf through stretches of games looking like he’d rather be in a dentist’s chair than on a basketball court.

I noticed it as long ago as the Milwaukee game in early December, a more vocal Bargnani.

And now we’re seeing it nightly.

I know the kid has taken his shots over the years for a variety of issues real and perceived but it’s kind of interesting that he’s come through it and out the other side a more confident, capable and involved teammate.

Maybe there is a level of mental toughness that’s been long dormant.

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It’s a small world

Irregulars will know that I’m not a big fan of the Jose-Jarrett backcourt, at least not for long stretches of games. I understand the reasoning – it gets another ball-handler on the court – but there are issues of size and quickness that are troubling.

And in light of what happened last night, I will say this:

If they use it – and they are going to because, believe it or not, the coaches don’t take advice from us – the primary ball-handling duties have to be Calderon’s.

He’s got better skills in that department than Jack and he makes better decisions.

So any time Hedo isn’t initiating the offence, it has to Jose.

Oh, and would the dozens and dozens and dozens of you who swore up and down that that’s a better team with Jack and Marcus Banks as the point guards than it is with Calderon and Jack please explain your thinking to us again.

Two of the biggest baskets of the night came when Calderon drove right, got right to the rim and kicked the ball out to a wide open Bargnani, who made three-pointers.

No one else on the roster makes those plays.

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Foul follies

Yes, they committed 10 fouls in the fourth quarter before the referees deemed to call one on the Orlandos and yes, there were some dubious blows of the whistle, particularly on Andrea Bargnani, who cannot get a break it seems.

But, truth be told, the majority of those fouls were legitimate and the Raptors will continue to play with fire unless they start playing smarter.

Jay brought it up in Boston on Saturday and he reiterated it again last night.

“We have to find a way to play defence without fouling.”

How? Well, by moving feet instead of slapping with hands might be a good start. Getting into position as play develops instead of waiting to react a second too late might be another good idea.

I don’t know how many fouls this team commits simply out of laziness but it’s going to bite them in the bum repeatedly unless they clean it up.

Like now.

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And now, as another great man once said, here’s the rest of the story.

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You do not – I repeat DO NOT – piss off David Stern.

And you absolutely do not make fun of him while local and federal police forces are investigating you for bringing guns in an NBA locker room.

It came as absolutely no surprise to me yesterday when Stern sat down Arenas indefinitely – and my best guess now is we might see him back on the court at the start of next season – after Gil’s antics of the last couple days.

Holding court and joking about the issue? Asserting at one time it was a “joke” to put three guns on the locker room chair of a teammate?

Idiocy.

Pure, unadulterated idiocy.

And entirely deserving of an indefinite suspension because the commissioner deemed Arenas “unfit” to play in the NBA.

Good for Stern.

There is a larger issue that will be fascinating to me to watch play out.

We have no idea how law enforcement officials will ultimately deal with the gun-toting dope. But let’s say for the sake of argument that Arenas is not charged and convicted of a felony, that he gets some relative slap on the wrist. It’s inconceivable to me, given the gun issue and the blight it is on Washington, D.C., but maybe it happens.

What then? I’m told the morals clause in the standard NBA players contract is relatively vague absent a felony conviction and the question will be whether, or if, the Wizards can void Arenas’s contract.

History might suggest not. After all, Ron Artest attacked fans, Latrell Sprewell choked his coach and neither had their deals torn up.

I know it’s a bit apples and oranges but I imagine there would be a protracted fight should the Wizards try to get out from under an odious deal worth about $80 million after this season.

It would be a fight worth taking up for the Washington franchise, though.

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Back to the local heroes and here’s how B. Schmitz summed up last night’s game in Orlando and I must say, I’m quite disappointed that Mount Van Gundy didn’t erupt.

A kinder, gentler Stan, indeed.

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Oh yeah, I hope you TV viewers – and a couple of area locals I heard were at the game – took notice of anything to do with the Orlando arena.

Barring a playoff series between the Raptors and Magic (wouldn’t that be juicy) it’s the last time we’ll see that old dump. Orlando’s due to a move into a brand spanking new joint next year and it can’t happen soon enough.

The old arena is small and dingy, the working facilities for us are cramped and uncomfortable (it is, after all, all about us) and I cannot imagine fans enjoying the experience, having trudged the concourses myself during the playoffs a couple of years ago searching out sustenance.

Now if we could get them to blow up Arco in Sacramento at the same time, the league would be a much nicer place to work.

Like you care.

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Speaking of kindler, gentler, how about Jay giving the lads today off?

Normally, they’d get a workout in today in Orlando before flying up to Philly but the Benevolent Dictator cancelled practice right after the game.

Sounds fine to me, though, when you realize Bosh and Bargnani have logged some heavy minutes of late, 38, 39 and 40 for Bosh over the last three, 31, 42 and 40 for Bargnani, each well over his usual workload.

Not to worry, the guys who need work will get it, some guys will get up shots, some will do some weightlifting work, some will get treatment but not having a full practice is no big deal, I guess.

And it’s not like they’ll all be hanging at the beach getting sunburns or finding some golf course to lollygag on; it’s still unseasonably cold in Orlando.

Tee-hee.

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Comments

[christine]

Did you expect Jose to play 25 mins? From what I saw from GIAH, he did pretty well. Your thoughts?

Blogger's note: It was a little bit longer than I'd thought but it looked to me like he'd never been away.

[MC_Brad]

Doug....just wondering if any of the statisticians keep track of the opening tip...ie which team/player won? not that there is any relevance other than to satisfy my boredom at work, but any idea what the raps record is when they win/lose opening tip? any guesses as to where i could find that info other than going back and watching the games again?

Blogger's note: I'm sure it's out there somewhere, let me search it out.

[Matt Kovacs - Age 12]

I am not sure this Arenas situation could be negative for Washington. If you look in the past, the Wizards record is better without Arenas. Probably because they are able to share the ball more.

[kathyt]

Hi Doug, well we finally have a 500-ball club…yay. It took some doing, but this team is starting to show some chutzpa, albeit, still some work to be done. That’s two in a row against above 500 teams.

I thought Jose had a good solid outing off the bench; I think there has been too much angst and second-guessing anticipating his turn, and I for one am very tried of it. From what I saw, I thought it was very evident how much this team really needs him, but then I thought that when he was out….

As for Andrea Bargnani, he keeps improving each game, and last night was no exception.

Can't wait to read other comments today!

[Lawrence]

I think the thinking with Some People is not that a Banks and Jack backcourt is better than a Jose and Jack backcourt but rather that the team can be improved by moving one of the point guards for (and here Some People's opinions differ) somebody else.

Given that three servicable point guards is an unnecessary NBA luxury, that the Raptors' three each have somewhat substantial contracts that can net a player with a substantial contract in return (the main idea here is that, for the most part, the better players have the more substantial contracts; for the most part), and that there is a glut of ball handlers at other positions on the Raptors, Some People's thinking doesn't seem so crazy.

As to why Some People think Jose is the odd man out, I offer that his contract is the biggest and longest, that the team played well in his absence, that he seems the least strong and durable, and he can probably bring back the most in return.

Reasonable thinking? Sure.

When discussing rosters and trading this guy or that guy, the guy's return value (5cents for a can; 10 cents for a bottle) needs to be considered.

In any event, Washington needs a point guard or they're going to be running Mike James and Javaris Crittenton out there and, I imagine, they wouldn't mind cutting ties with the latter also.

Some People, Some People's Kids.

[brennan]

suggestions for "3 things i learned" replacement:
-how about a section called "the little things"?
you always seem to point out little plays that occur throughout the game
-or how about a game rating? such as school grades for particular players, offence, defence, coaching, etc.

[Jeff]

Hey Doug, with the Raptors winning 7 of the past 8 has there been a great change in attitudes during practice time? Have they developed a more loose type feel, or is Jay making sure that doesn't happen?

Blogger's note: They feel good but they haven't really accomplished much; back to .500 is hardly a sign of greatness

[Nick]

They weren't kidding about the frigid weather in Orlando. Check this out Doug, it may bring a smile to your face. http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/weather/01/07/winter.weather/index.html

Tee-hee indeed.

[Andre]

Good work by david stern to suspend Areas.. he is a disgrace to basketball players, and just feeds the stereotypes. I hardly ever watch hockey, but I hear how they talk about basketball, and i dont know if they will let this one slide...

Good Game by the raptors.. Question doug, orlando scored 35 points in the fourth, also spurs poured it on in the 4 as well, and raps barely got away with those wins.. ( a win is a win) but closing out games, will that come with more practice? or are they lacking something? It almost seems like, they arent aggressive in the fourth when the have the lead.. a lot of jump shots.. what do you think?

Blogger's note: I think a lot of it has to do with the fact they played good teams; and they are still learning how to close out games against them. That they did speaks volumes, I think

[CC]

hi doug, is it too early to start Jose next game? he seem's to be alright out there.
i was watching the game on TV, have you seen the new Hedo commercial? Does he really like those cardboard with ketsup thingy?

thanks

[Mike]

One thing that I would like to see is a sort of quick description of how each players game was, something similar to:

http://raptorsrepublic.com/2010/01/06/raptors-roll-call-jan-6-vs-magic/

[Matty-Pix]

I think the "3 things ... " is good as it is. A good approach to break news into concise parts.
But if you're getting bored with it, something like a "hot/cold" meter for specific raps/areas of the team ... Or drag out one specific user comment from the day before, and how wrong/right they were on their views/predictions of what would transpire.

[Jeff]

Why not a three keys to the game (like a certain network does) but looking at it from the hindsight view. You could also take the view from the opposition as to what went right/wrong.

I believe that Andrea Bargnani's defence, animation and becoming more "vocal" are simply signs of maturity. I have been keying on him when watching and the development on the defensive end has been eye-opening. The fact that he has been doing so against top players/teams makes it more credible.

[erc]

Was going to post about how I appreciated DF's article yesterday on the point guard 'controversy'. Thought it was well-balanced.
Then his game story today kind of darns with faint praise the Raps win over Orlando last night. A few contributors to in in-game blog seemed to share his angst over the way an 18-point lead evaporated.
You were right. This is the NBA. Runs happen.
Let's just step back for a minute. Toronto has six of their last seven games. They just completed back-to-back wins over the Spurs and Magic. If that doesn't make you happy, you'd best switch your support to the Lakers, Cavs or maybe the Orlando Magic.
This is a good as it gets in TO. They are competing. They're closing out wins against weaker teams. They're even sneaking in a few wins against top-echelon teams.
They have made it worthwhile for someone who likes basketball to watch most of their games.
Coughing up an18-point lead to Milwaukee is one thing. Coughing it up to the defending NBA-finalists is quite another.
They are doing the best they are capable of. Let's enjoy it.

[Fred]

to take a page from Eric Smith and Paul Jones, instead of "three things I learned", you should label your game thoughts with "thumbs up" and "thumbs down."

[John]

Coach Triano’s comment “we have to learn to play defense without getting fouls called” was dripping of sarcasm. It was a great way of saying “We got no calls and they got all the calls” Without getting a fine from the league. It happened again last night. Those last three fouls on AB were all very questionable.
I think that they are getting these fouls called more because of their reputation of being a lazy, poor defending team than what we have seen on the court over the last few games.
At what point does the league get a tape with these fouls, or is Coach drawing his attention to these through the media instead?

[smd]

Good to see Jose back - and play a strong game. The half time shots of him in the locker room dolling out refreshments showed he is able to juggle 3 or 4 bottles of gatorade with ease - but seeing him take the ball up the court, handle the ball, make a pass and direct traffic should show his true value to the Raptors and Toronto Basketball fans.

Entertaining game last night. Good Win.
CheerS

[Peter]

Hey Doug, great blog as always.

Yesterday when I was wathcing the game, I was pretty upset with the officiating, and it almost felt like the refs were trying to let Orlando back in the game in the 4th quarter.

But today, with a clearer head, I realized that the Raptors offence was struggling in the 4th quarter (mostly because Bosh was double teamed every time he touched the ball and shooters weren't making shots after he kicked the ball out), and the struggling offence led to frustration on defence and, voila, fouls occurred. You gotta hand it to the raps though, they held on, and made free throws down the stretch to secure a victory.

[Tudor]

Funny thing about the 3 PG system and how Marcus handles it. Just before half time, last possesion, 8.2 secs, Jameer blew past Jose , scores the layup with 0.4 to go... They show players going towards the dressing room and here is Marcus next to Jose explaining (I guess, based on his body movment) how to defend the penetration and Jose was listening... Now think about how other player (TJ for example) would've deal with that... trying to help the player that just took your spot... For me seeing that, Marcus is a keeper unless he wants a trade and BC finds a good one for him

[Mike Z]

I still say go after Jamison. What a line up that would be Bosh(4), Bargnani(5), Jamison(3), Turkoglu(2) and a guard...

[Tinman]

Lawrence,
Jose is our best PG.
A five game winning streak against subpar competition distorts your "reasonable thinking"

As Doug stated a few days ago. Jose is our best ball handler, best passer, possible our best shooter, and definately one of the better teammates that the Raptors have ever had.
This myth that Jack is a defensive stopper(name me one PG who consistantly shuts doown the opponents PG).
Don't get me wrong, I like Jack, but it doesn't look to me that the Jose/Jack finishing the game experiment works. Through Turk out there and we have too many ball handlers.
Triano has to hurt someone's feelings. One of them should be on the bench at the end of close games.

[Johnn19]

A good team win, picking up a disjointed franchise Bosh, who even with a poor game still had 18pts, 12rbs.

An amazing game by Calderon in his 1st time on rhe court after a month out, with a game and team high 8 assists off the bench in 25 mins, keying the Raptors 2nd qtr surge after a lacklustre 1st qtr.

Bargnani continuing to grow his game on defence was the player of the game without doubt, in his 4th year beginning to demonstrate his unlimited potential.

[Peter]

I kind of like the idea of a rating system. I know it's totally subjective, and maybe you don't use it every game, but I wouldn't mind if every now and then you rated some aspect of the game, or the game itself, or something. It could be good and bad, as it could allow a debate point. Maybe it's not a good idea after all.

[Jim]

It is not that the people think the team is better with Banks and Jack then Jose and Jack...they think the team is better with Jack and Banks and the other 8 million dollar player (that plays defense/rebounds as much as they play offensiv)e that you trade Jose for - that is three players producing then two. the team would be better. We dont need Jose and Jack and Banks, we need a starter (Jack because his offensive is just as good or better then Jose's and he has defense). We need a cheaper then 8 million a year back that "PLAYS "D" (which is Banks) plus the potential at recieving a better 8 million a year player then Jose - there are so many of them in the NBA right now. This is what they mean Doug - too much for you to understand. I noticed you pointed out the few offensive good things Jose did last night making a point that his defense is not to be an issue, becuase he made two good passes (nobody's arguing he can play Offense) - you didn't however point out the how stagment the offensive was in the 4th quarter with Jose running the point (which is waaay bigger issue then two good passes). Yeah he made a key pass when they needed it late - point is Jose's lack of creating and defensive miss q's is why he needed to have that play by him. If he is running the point efficiently like you said, then the team would have not lost that huge lead Jose had when he entered the game. Is it a coinsodence that the team was up 18 points before Jose enter the game, while Jose was playing they blew 15 of those points???? You should tell the story about last night on one play near the when the Raps gave up a second shot rebound (only leading by 4), Orlando missed again, the ball bounce right beside Jose, to only have Nelson hostle for it, run by Jose (while Jose stood there) and grabbed the rebound for a third Orlando opportunity...fine he made a nice pass he needs too, he needs to make up for the points he gives away. Doug - did you take a look a Jose's plus/minus stat - he was a minus last night (8 million should never buy a minus or a wash)...Also take a look at high Orlando's shooting percentage was with Jose on the floor compared to when he was not. The difference is huge. That stat is key because it shows how many points that the players are allowing just as much as they are scoring. So if you think for a second, that those two plays by Jose are great, then you need to stop ignoring what HE DOESN"T DO. And what he does do, doesn't make up for his defensive whoa's. This is what the people mean, so please stop reminding us he makes a play or two - he messes up more then he does good.

Blogger's note: I understand completely, I disagree entirely.

[Juan]

Doug
Brilliant headline today! Kudos to you.
It struck me also that Jose looked surprisngly quick and relatively rust-free.
I've always thought Andrea has been under-appreciated defensively but he is much more consistent now. Re his emotion, I'm not sure what game it was from but I saw a clip last night that showed him in a full Bosh-like roar after scoring a bucket, and I don't ever recall him being that demonstrative about anything. It was cool to see and I think is a good sign.