Subtle moves and bold statements

Well, that followed a rather typical script, no?

Get up, get caught, win going away. Lather, rinse, repeat.

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THREE POINTERS

The Little Things

Two minutes into the fourth quarter, the Raptors are kind of reeling and all of a sudden, in a span of about 25 seconds, Sonny Weems pretty much changes the game with a couple of big defensive plays.

First, he strips Donte Greene on the post that leads to a turnover and the Raptors finish the possession with a Bosh three-point play.

Next time the Kings have the ball, Sonny’s lurking away from the play and when Andres Nocioni makes a terribly lazy pass, Weems reacts, picks it off, goes in for a dunk and all of a sudden Raps are up one after being down four.

That’s the kind of defensive plays they weren’t getting in the first 20 games of the season, reaction plays that Weems seems to be quite adept at.

I don’t know what’s going to happen when, or if, all five wings are every healthy at the same time because I don’t think there’s room for a good rotation that includes so many guys.

But if Weems keeps making the little plays like that, I wouldn’t want to be Jay and have to decide which four of DeRozan, Turkoglu, Weems, Wright and Belinelli will play.

And he does have to pick four because combined with two point guards and at least three and maybe four bigs, having more than that play regular minutes makes the rotation too choppy.

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Pass Of The Night

I can’t go on enough about the pass Chris Bosh made with just over four minutes to go that Antoine Wright converted into the dagger of a three-pointer from the corner. And it speaks to Bosh’s improved awareness of defences and what they’ll do for him.

We had a perfect angle to see it unfold: He caught the ball on the right block with a guy on his back and the Kings doubled with a guy from the top and a third defender crept on Bosh’s back from the baseline. A fourth guy was sneaking into the passing lane to take away the diagonal pass to a lifted Bargnani and when Bosh split the defence and looked for someone to pass to, there wasn’t anyone. So he waited just a split second, looked to the corner and got the ball to the only guy he really could have.

Unreal.

And Wright, to his credit, made a fine catch – the pass was pretty low, I believe – and when I mentioned to him that the reception and shot was pretty impressive, too, he kind of laughed:

“You can’t complain about how you get the ball as long as you get it. I remember not getting it so I’m not going to complain about the pass … but it was a difficult play, he’s getting a better feel for when he’s crowded and when to move the ball.”

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Those Dancin’ Fools

I’m wondering if the Raptors aren’t going to get a call from the league office sometime about the rather over-the-top pre-game histrionics that are becoming a tradition around these parts.

As the hug-a-thon was going on – with guys at the scorer’s table, in front of the bench and wandering out to midcourt – referee Greg Willard was standing not 10 feet in front of me, entirely unimpressed.

“Come, let’s go,” he said a couple of times.

And then when Sonny Weems climbed up on the table to get the crowd going – a new touch – Willard stood there, rolled his eyes and I imagine he’s thinking, ‘yeah, I need to let the folks back at the office know about this.’

Now, I’m all for the enthusiasm this group of Raptors has, it’s nice to see and is better than the ‘ho hum, let’s get started’ attitude we’ve seen in the past. These guys do like each other, they cheer for each other regardless of their roles and that has to be a good thing.

But maybe toning down the pre-game stuff just a tad would be a good idea.

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More?

If you insist.

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Found a football game on TV last evening (seemed like a big one) and it was fun. But why in the world would they have a gaggle of geriatric screamers at halftime?

Seriously, I’ve got a lot of Who fan in me and they can still play the instruments, but, wow. The vocals? Yikes!

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I keep getting the feeling that you’re going to see Reggie Evans in uniform on Wednesday night against his old team.

Depends on how he comes through practice Monday and Tuesday but barring any setback, getting him out there for five or six minutes to energize not only the crowd but the team, makes entire sense.

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Did you look at Tyreke Evans and see a little bit of Dwyane Wade?

I did.

Kid’s strong, no doubt; but needs to work on his ball-handling and decision-making off a sample size of one viewing.

However, until I see Stephen Curry, Evans gets the rookie of the year vote from this precinct.

I think Evans is eventually a two-guard (and no matter what anyone says, I’m not sure he and Kevin Martin can co-exist) but he looks like he’s going to be a good one.

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For readers of the Sacramento publication, this is how things were described.

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Back to said football game.

One question to three guys:

“Who’s going to win?”

Alvin Williams: “The Eagles.”

All-knowing Beat Grunt: “Saints by 10.”

Jarrett Jack: “The Argonauts.”

Yes, I believe Jarrett will become a local favourite quite quickly.

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Here’s something you don’t see every day. Or any day, now that I think of it.

About 90 minutes to the tip and DeMar DeRozan’s just finished his pre-game work and is leaving the court. Now, there are always fans and corporate invitees and whatnot sitting around to be introduced and have jerseys and the like signed so when DeMar stopped to sign a shirt there was nothing really out of the ordinary about it.

Then I got a look at the shirt and, no, it wasn’t one of the many Raptors jerseys the nice folks at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment will sell you.

It was a Compton High School jersey, with DeRozan on the back and I’m thinking, man, they make replica stuff for high schoolers now?

Wonder what a No. 32 Stamford Hornets jersey would fetch?

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Remember a week ago now when it was suggested somewhere on the interweb that a 2-1 week would probably be what unfolded and that’s what happened? Well, looking at the week coming and I’m thinking 1-0 is probably how it unfolds.

A slow week, isn’t it? Practices today and tomorrow, game Wednesday and then the league circus wends its way to Dallas. That oughtta be fun.

For this space? Usual crapola for the first three days, morning stuff, paper stuff, game-day Question and Answer on Wednesday around noon and then we’ve got to figure out what and when from all-star weekend. That’ll give me something to do when I’m sitting around the office this morning wading through paper work. Stay tuned.

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Comments

[Matt M]

Good game but I kinda had the feeling that if Martin had started jacking those crazy shots in the fourth then Sactown might have shocked the Raps in end. The Kings are a good team offensively but they seem to lack a certain maturity and their team play suffers because of it. I have a feeling that they might wallow on the edges of mediocrity until the Kings get a veteran player (preferably a point guard) who knows how to win, kinda like the Nuggets until they got with Billups. Kudos to the Raps though. They would have ended up quitting once they lost the lead in the third a couple of months ago. It is a credit to their coming together as a team that they ended up gutting out this win.

[kathyt]

By why in world would they have a gaggle of geriatric screamers at halftime?
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Hi Doug,

This may have been pointed out to you already, but I think you've got a slight typo there. I'm thinking you mean - - But why in the world

Blogger's note: Nope, you were the first and I got it changed.

[George]

That's a good question about the Raps depth at the wing position. Which 4 wings would you choose? Is it time to limit DeMar a little and let the more experienced guys get ready and into playoff mode?

Blogger's note: I honestly don't know right now

[JT]

Doug,

Tyreke is pretty good already. I’m especially impressed with all his drive and kicks. I can’t believe how he can make bullet and spot-on passes to people after his many fancy doodle driving moves in traffic. I must’ve seen about 5-6 of them where I said, wow, none of the Raptors PGs could ever pull that off.

[Poppa Vlazo]

Nice job on the Fan 590 at halftime Doug; I agree with you, it does not make sense to trade a 'strength' to marginally upgrade a 'weakness'. If Bosh sticks around, and that's a big if, it will be nice to see Demar grow into the above average two guard that we've been lacking since you know who used to roll around on the floor like he'd been shot. And who knows, Weems could develop into a capable back-up at the 3, but in the short term I see that as being the area to upgrade in the off-season via the mid-level.

[Peter]

Office? They make you go to the office? Surely not 9-5??

[Pablo E]

Greetings from Spain! I'd like to know your opinion about Sergio Rodriguez. He was really too young when he left Spain and it's very difficult to get a neutral opinion because of the "homerism" of spanish media (to them McMillan & Westphal are dopes and haven't seen how good Sergio is). Thankyou so much.

Blogger's note: I really haven't seen that much of him but from what I've seen he's got a chance to be good; a little inexperienced and on a team with young guys at his same spot so it's going to be tough. But I noticed he played like 20 minutes on Friday and zero on Sunday; I don't think his coach is doing much to develop him

[Michael]

Re: Geriatric screamers.
A friend pointed out that it was cross promotion by CBS as the Who songs are used as the themes for the various CSI shows.

[Joey H]

Just a follow up to your point on Sonny Weems and those reactionary steals... when is it good to 'lurk' away from your man to make a steal like that, and when is it selfish and detrimental to the team? Because I have heard to speak to both points, and obviously there is a time and a place for it. Happy Monday, Doug!

[Andre]

@Matt M - Every team that plays the Raptors, seem to look like a "Good" offensive team. LOL not hating, just saying..

Raptors are putting on a show, the are gelling quickly, and Bosh is putting them on his shoulders. I just hope turk starts to play more consistant, they get better defensively... I'm excited to see evans play. Can't wait..

Hey Doug, If Gibson can't play in the Rookie/Sophmore game do you think Derozen will get the node?

Blogger's note: I wouldn't be surprised, since he's going to be there anyway

[Paul]

you're nuts, the Who sounded awesome, voice included.

[Zack]

Smith,

I completely disagree with you on toning down the pre-game rituals. The chemistry is looking great on this team and I wouldn't change a thing. Take a look at the antics of the Cavaliers/Celtics when they are going well..developing these rituals is part of the formula for success.

Zack

[pn]

Football game? Do you mean the Arsenal-Chelsea tilt?

[Weems]

Doug...understand the sentiment to a degree, but I couldn't disagree more on the Sonny Weems pre-game calisthenics routine. Not sure if you caught it, but he was going from section to section of the Platinum seats and "waking up" the usual staid-and-in-suits crowd down there by getting them to clap with him. The upper bowl loved and appreciated it, and it helped get some energy in the building!

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Morning Doug,
Good call on the Who Dats. Even better call on The Who vocals! Just a bit beyond prime time there, weren't they?
Top to bottom, how would you say this Raptors squad measures up this year versus the past 15 seasons as far as being "athletic"? Seems to me they're a lot richer in that department than the Division champs team, which makes them scarier to match up against come playoff time.
Go Raps! Cheers.

[KX]

Question, what was the question that generated Jay's "Ball" response at the end of the post-game conference yesterday? Couldn't hear it on TV clearly

Blogger's note: E Koreen asked him what he thought of Turk's mask. Classic response.

[Alan Squires]

Hey Doug,

Just watched the post gamer with Jay, on the very last question he channeled his inner Turk with his one word response - "Ball" - leading to a couple of laughs. The question could not be heard on the video I watched, do you happen to know what question was asked to prompt such a response? Thanks, your hard work is much appreciated.

Blogger's note: E Koreen asked him what he thought of Turk's mask. Classic response.

[greg]

i for one am finding the commentary on Bosh coming from the majority of stateside NBA analysts to be quite annoying. Halftime of Celts, Magic game they go to highlights of the Raptor game and made a comment 'Oh he is definately leaving'. Unless he is going to an actual contender, like the lakers i think this is the best team for Bosh. With this team, the raptors can be serious contenders by next year on par with a team like the Mavs (contender but not quite the Lakers). If winning is his motive, there is no point going to the knicks, chicago, or any .500 or less team.

[Ryan M. in Ottawa]

@Paul - are you sure you weren't listening to a CD? The Who sounded like they did suicide sprints for an hour before jumping on stage, very out of breath.

Doug - I'll probably mailbag this, but did Colangelo forsee they type of contribution the Raps are getting this season from Weems? At the time he seemed like kind of a throw in player and he's turned into a solid energy guy off the bench. Also, what do you think the celiing is for Weems in the future?

[Isaac]

Doug,

a) Evans said on twitter last night that he should play vs. Philly Wednesday...

b) I disagree with you about the intros. Its hard for players to get up for 82 straight games, especially dreary Sunday morning games the say of the super bowl vs. a sub .500 team. If thats what they need to pump themselves up and get the crowd going, to give themselves any type of advantage, so be it. There are countless curious things NBA players do - this is barely on the radar. Let them have their fun (I'm sure you and Stumpy do the same before you write your stories lol)

[Johnny's]

Doug,

I've always wondered if Jay or the players can hear the TV or radio guys as they broadcast.

Also, what's the atmosphere like during the game at media row?

Blogger's note: No. Loud, cynical, comical

[TC]

Doug stop being a hater, the team finally gets some swagger, and you tell them to tone it down. You 'old people' might not understand but some of us like the pre-game hype so tell your buddies stop being party poopers.

[Doug]

Doug, I disagree with your comment on the Raptors toning down the pre-game routine...it generates excitement and gets the fans going. Remember when JYD used to do this? The fans loved it. I say keep it going....

[Geoff Read]

Hey Doug,

Good blog as per usual.

I saw some of the game yesterday and some of the "football game" you mentioned. I'd heard Roger Daltry's voice had deteriorated: I heard right. Also, whether it's fair or not I just can't look at Pete Townsend the same way anymore. Finally, I'm a fan of good classic rock, including the Who - they recorded some fantastic songs - but I find it a little hard to take bands seriously that haven't put out any new material in decades. Springsteen/the Stones/Neil Young... not everyone will like the new stuff, but at least they're still trying to be relevant.

Interesting point about the five wings. If it were based strictly on on-court performance I would sit Derozan, but given he's young and they're trying to bring him along he's probably the safest of the five. Well, Turk's probably safe too. If they sit someone else and the pervasive feeling on the team is that it's Derozan who should come out, do you see it affecting the team's chemistry at all? Are any of Wright/Belinelli/Weems the type to grouse if benched? If memory serves, Weems was riding a lot of pine at the beginning of the year and seemed to take it in stride.

[Marlon]

I have to agree with you on The Whos performance. I though Roger Daltrey would collapse when he belted the chorus for "Baba O'Riley" and Pete Townsend was too busy keeping his jacket out of his guitar.
Good game though... the Raptors, I mean.