These are heady times indeed

Join Doug Smith at noon Thursday for a live basketball Q&A, as the Raptors get ready to take on the New York Knicks.

Another home win, another pretty solid outing, and a season-high two games over .500?

Man, things are going pretty good, aren’t they?

How many of you are waiting for the other shoe to drop?

Thought so.

But for now, rejoice!

And read this.

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THREE POINTERS

The right moment

Oh, those are a crafty group of coaches on that Raptors staff.

For most of the first three quarters, I’m wondering when they’ll send a second defender at Dwyane Wade or try to trap him coming off screens because they’d just been forcing him one way with only one defender.

Well, here comes the fourth quarter and here comes an entirely different look and it was all planned, as it turns out, according to Jay after the game:

“Throughout the game, we tried to show him different guys ad then we were sitting on trapping him. We waited and waited and waited and finally, in the fourth quarter, we thought it was time to hit him and make somebody else to have to make shots because the way he had it going for a while there, it was one of those games where you didn’t want to give him the opportunity to take over.

“We didn’t want to wait too long but he gave it up and other guys missed shots so the strategy worked.”

So there is method to the apparent madness.

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As good as it gets

I’m not sure Antoine Wright’s played a better game this season that he did against Miami and he was a huge part of the result.

Two plays back-to-back stood out.

Near the end of the third quarter, he wheels and deals in the lane (not a warp speed but with some determination) and misses a Marco-esque layup. But to his credit, he stays with it, grabs the rebound, gets up another shot the refs say was goal-tended, gets fouled and makes the free throw.

The next Miami possession – and this was a good play I bet few noticed – the Heat miss a shot. There are four or five guys battling pretty hard for the miss but Wright sneaks past them and steals the miss along the baseline. Heady play.

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Body control

Not sure exactly when it was, all I know was that it came in the second half because my notes are indecipherable, but there was an Andrea Bargnani move that perfectly sums up his development.

He got the ball at the perimeter on the left side and took off towards the basket; we had a perfect view of it on the angle he took.

He beat his man rather easily – and that’s not out of the ordinary – but when the second defender slid over to help, I think everyone in the gym expected a charge because, well, because that’s what he does.

But instead of barreling full tilt into whoever was there, he made a subtle move to his left, got his hip around the defender and finished with a finger-roll-like layup without the slightest bit of contact.

Pretty solid move from a guy who’s showing more solid moves every single game

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In other, you know, stuff …

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How screwed up are the Washington Wizards now?

They can’t trade Gilbert, not sure than can trade either of Butler or Jamison because they don’t know what the final resolution of the Arenas situation will be and who knows if GM Ernie Grunfeld will survive this awful mess.

But I give David Stern credit because the penalties he doled out yesterday made by far the most sense to me. Yes, it was beyond stupid what Arenas and Crittenton did but to do more than a rest-of-the-season-timeout would have, in my opinion been entirely piling on.

It’s a strong message but not too strong; stupidity will be penalized but there is a measure of compassion.

And I’m not entirely sure the Wizards, who are at least a bit complicit in this whole mess because of the way the coddled and cow-towed to Arenas over the years, are going to be successful if they try to void Gilbert’s contract.

Oh, I’m sure they’ll try and, yes, he’ll have that criminal record; and, yes, what he did was unconscionable but we live in a society where second chances abound and I don’t think they’ll end up winning what’s going to be a court-arbitrated decision.

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In Miami, Ira said this about that and the sneaking suspicion we both had is that it’s going to be a 35-game race between Toronto, Miami and Charlotte to see who finishes five, six and seven in the East.

Personally, I think the Raptors are heavy favourites to win and I think you can throw a blanket over the other two.

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He was Disappointed DeMar at news he didn’t have to subject himself to the Rookie-Sophomore Silliness on all-star weekend (and I really think it’s the weakest part of the entire affair) but at least the kid could crack wise a little bit:

“I might have more legs for the dunk contest.”

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Want to talk today?

How’s noon fit everyone’s schedule? Imagine it’ll work a wee bit better than yesterday when things slowed a Hakeem Olajuwon crawl thanks to the I-Thing launch and about a zillion live chats at 1 p.m.

Anyway, I’ll be here. Will you?

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Today’s the day, folks

All-star Subs Day.

A week or so ago I gave you what I thought the rosters would look like after the coaches voted with the provision that I could change my mind.

Well, I did a bit.

So, without further ado, I think this might be the way the coaches filled out their ballots, at least if they were, you know, as smart as I am.

Remember, coaches had to pick two guards, two forwards, a centre and two others and had some leeway on deciding who was, say, a centre or a forward and a guard or a forward.

East

Chris Bosh, Gerald Wallace, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Andrew Bogut.

West

Brandon Roy, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Deron Williams and Zach Randolph.

You’re welcome, maybe this’ll save you some time tonight.

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Black Stars update!

I know it’s been a while (I think the last I mentioned it was when the tournament began, which seems like July) but the big semifinals of the African Cup of Nations goes today.

Black Stars vs. Nigeria at 11 a.m. Eastern time and Algeria-Egypt at 2:30 p.m.

Just so you can tune in the TV to catch it.

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Speaking of tonight, let's see what the Post has to say for comic relief.

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Oh, and speaking of tonight, I won’t be in the Garden, this was a long-scheduled Dave trip, we were supposed to split the trips to New York but I had to bail at the last minute a couple of weeks ago.

The plan, after a nice day of laundry, house-cleaning and, if there’s a Supreme Being some quiet time somewhere, is for a usual in-game thing for the 7:30 start.

See some of you then, barring any unforeseen developments.

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Comments

[kelsey]

Greetings Doug,

I agree with Allstar except hard to leave out Billups, however D.Will hasnt been a allstar and deserves to be.

Next I wanted to deal with comments by Marc in Panama and John.
Arena's is not a thug, just a black man with guns and made a stupid decision. Please dont merge them together. Stephen Jackson on the other used to call himself a "thug" and his situation was totally different, John I suggest you read into the whole story why shots were fired in the air. Im not justifying Jackson's actions, but his situation was not at the place of work, The CBA states you cant bring guns to a NBA facility.

Finally great win by the raptors, love the defense Bosh and Bargnani finally becoming killer B's. Hedo just dont screw things up 26% in last 10+ games..terrible, winning heals all!!!!

[Anthony]

The East has really improved and outside a few teams, almost every night there are surprises and tough competitive games. To see the Raps winning with minimal contribution from Hedo bodes well. Also you have to realize that wining on the road is tough (see Lakers). The Raptors are doing their job at home and have had limited success on the road. There is no sleeping vs. The Knicks or Indiana on the road...... Tonight will be tough..... The Raptors have played well, but lost recent road games to Milwaukee, Indiana..... Don't fret it..... Though would be nice to get the next two on the road....

[Joe]

Shaq over Bogut? Andre are you kidding me? Shaq is good for about 5 min. of work and then he is winded. Have you seen Bogut's numbers this year, not just the games against the Raps. He has been solid, probably helps that he has a pg who gets him the ball and no SG who sucks the life out of the team by chucking long shots.

[Lawrence]

From Zero to Hero...back to Zero. Instead of guns, Arena's should go back to settling things with teammates with one armed 3 point contests during practise. Talk about letting a team and fans down Look at the bright side...He has more time now to write more entries in his blogs.

[Pipit]

Best player of the game was neither Chris or Andrea. Antoine played great 4th quarter defense on Wade not including the game winner 3 which he done twice now. Doug, Antoine's contract will only be up to this year, right? What are the chances that the Raptors will keep him? The team definitely need this guy.

[Delk]

Hi Doug,

How likely is it that BC decides to bring back both Wright and Johnson next year?

Blogger's note: Tough to say, lot of it will be predicated on what else happens

[greg]

if this team stays together, top 3 in the east season after season. There i said it.

[elwyn jennings]

I listened to the bellyaching on the fan, too; the host went over the top with the one caller. The caller had suggested that Bargnani was playing better than any other centre in the league RIGHT NOW; the host seemed to think the caller meant that AB was the best centre in the league. Perhaps I'm wrong???

[Tiger]

For once TSN got it good, they caught Bargnani's drive coming at their handheld behind the baseline. It really looked like Bargnani and about 3 Heat were going to bury the poor cameraguy, but suddenly the Heat were wondering where the heck the ball went.
Glad you mentioned that the Wiz are somewhat complicit in the gun fiasco, blowups between coworkers don't just come out of the blue, or if they do, then they are doubly at fault for fostering the culture that spawned the conflict and then not having the safeguards to even be aware of it. If not prior to the feud becoming public, then certainly after. Wiz management didn't do enough (if anything) to impress the seriousness of the situation on Arenas, else the gun finger shootout (including a laughing team captain) would never have happened. (Of course, there's a suspicion here that the Wiz wanted to let Arenas hang himself so that they could get out of his contract, and so did nothing except wear halos.)

[Grammer Police]

It's spelled "KOWTOWED" Doug.

[James Online]

Once again Marco comes off the bench with the Raptors struggling and helps turn things around. Four points in just over four minutes, then a total of nine in just the second quarter. Great floor play, assists, and general mayhem for the opponent. His +/- again led the team at +12. Wise decision to bring Wright in for defense on Wade for the last few minutes. Raptors are really fun to watch now!

So DeRozan wants "better legs" for the dunk contest? Not for the Raptors? I don't think he intended that to be a joke.

Blogger's note: My Lord, that's as big a stretch and an incorrect assessment as may be possible. Unreal. He meant it as a joke.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

It's spelled "Grammar", Grammer Police.

Blogger's note: Ding! Ding! Ding!

[SkyJ]

' It's spelled "Grammar", Grammer Police. '
D-Mac Ottawa for the win!

[kathyt]

What's up with this headline --> "Danton proves a big hit in debut with Huskies"

Funny, I don't recall seeing his name in the line up last night. :-))))

I also happen to hear the post game show on the FAN last night (something I don't normally do), and I have to take exception to a caller's remark who was at game, and thought that Calderon had a poor game (Yes, you driving to back to Newmarket)

Really? What game were you watching? If anything I thought he came off the bench with lots of energy, and gave the offence a nice spark. Don't agree, watch the broadcast and hear Jack say the same, read the papers today and see it print. Sheez, really cut the guy some slack, and start watching the games without blinkers.

Bottom line for me is, I could care less which one starts -- Jack over Jose or Jose over Jack, I just know that they are a great PG combo.

[Peter]

In the pre-game blog this was said:
[Comment From Mike ]
Why would they looking to trade Wright for defensive help at the 2/3 position? Isn't that what Wright is?
12:29
Doug: It is, but if they could get someone quicker, maybe younger and a bit bigger they'd like that. Not sure they can but that's what they're looking for
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How do you pull off a trade like that? To the best of your knowledge would BC be willing to part with Antoine and another asset?

Blogger's note: Depending on what the asset is, yes

[Archie gillespie]

Hi Doug, great job as always. Noticed a couple, times last night where Jack yelled quite audibly "got it" referring to rebounds. Considering the angst some people have over rebound stats, does it make sense from a tempo and flow perspective for the bigs to give way to a PG so he can move the ball "quicker"?

Blogger's note: For this team? Absolutely

[GM]

"I think everyone in the gym expected a charge because, well, because that’s what he does."

I seem to recall you saying words to this effect a few times this season. I think it's time to retire them. It's not what Bargnani "does". It's what he did. And no doubt, he'll get called for a few more charges, just like every player, but it's time to let go of the past and not act like every time he doesn't, it's the first time.

And just as Bargnani on the court helped others get rebounds by blocking out, I think people should lay off Turkoglu. The guy is playing significant minutes and the team is winning. Just by being on the floor, the other team has to guard him, which opens the floor for others. And he's a heady passer, even if his passes don't lead directly to a basket.

[Culver]

Would there be any point to trading Wright at the deadline if he's being more than competent as a defensive presence against the others teams best. His salary isn't large. As far as I'm concerned for a bench player he's decent quality and greatly improved from the start of the season.

[toni]

Good afternon DOUG .I think barney played solid game for the raps.And ESPN reporting raptors are showing interest for marcus camby ,any truth in that story.have yourself very nice day. GO RAPS GO

[DirtNasty]

Doug, not sure this belongs in the comments, but its obvious you are very sick (as am I) about the Bosh-leaving-for-town-anywhere talk.

Could you pretty please turn this around on the next big free agent who comes to T.O.? I'd love to hear Lebron/D-Wade responding to rumours about them coming to Toronto! ...I can see it on youtube now

[KD]

Doug:
Spurs by 12 tonight?

Blogger's note: Why not? Sure

[thedudeabides]

doug- would you say colangelo has a good chance of winning executive of the year again? i know there's a lot of ball left to be played, but getting sonny and amir, wright, and bellinelli in what appear to be blatantly lop-sided trades (and i mean blantantly), signing jack and luring the prize free agent even if he isn't playing like it has to put him ahead in the running. who else would be in the conversation?

ps. for years i defended bargnani on this blog, as did a handful of others- ladies and gentlemen, it feels good to be right.

[manap3000]

doug what do you think of FORMER espn analyst paul shirleys comments regarding haiti. I know you can be a bit of an a--hole sometimes but this guy has got to take the cake right?

Blogger's note: Haven't had a chance to read them yet

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug

"Next I wanted to deal with comments by Marc in Panama..."

Kelsey, thanks for dealing with me. I stated my opinion on a guy who brings several guns to work you and feel the need to "deal" with me and tell me yours...fair enough.

My point remains...bring a gun to work, brandish it, threaten violence with it...you're a thug. You're a criminal.

You are entitled to your opinion. I think most people having a co-worker bring a gun to work would agree with mine.

Cheers

[James Online]

Doug, really appreciate your blog...on the job every day, wow. What I meant about DeMar's comment is this: yes, he meant it as a joke. Of course he did. But why did he say that? Because it's on his mind. We often say things in one frame of reference that give us insights into what someone is thinking. I'm not saying he doesn't want to heal for the Raptors' sake, certainly he does. But the dunk contest is still a ways off and we've got games to play.

While I think DeMar has a future in the NBA, his game has a long ways to go. Unless he has a fairly unobstructed path to the hoop, DeMar is mightily limited. That's why other teams pay little attention to him defensively.