About Turk and time and hobnobbing with famous families

Everyone feeling a bit better today? Breathing a bit easier?

Now, I know the Raptors got back on the ground in Toronto about 12:30 Tuesday morning. Please, for the love of all that’s good in the world, if anyone saw any of them out getting a bite to eat and perhaps a drink, I do not want to know about it.

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THREE POINTERS

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The new Manu?

Not quite. But we were goofing with Hedo after the game that Sixth Man of Year might be something he’d like to consider.

“It’s too late for that, huh? Not enough games for that.”

But he, and you, should get used to it because I can’t see them going away from Weems for the rest of this season. And it seems everyone’s quite okay with that.

Turk, a pre-game media session, said he’s got no problem with the decision, Jay likes the athleticism the new lineup brings and there’s no way they should change it in the next nine games.

Actually, no one should be at all surprised at Hedo’s reaction.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over this season is that his default position is to laugh and joke and smile. It’s not that he isn’t upset or angry or disappointed in his effort but his immediate reaction to anything is to smile and laugh. It’s his character and it’s not going to change at this point in his life.

It may not fit the prototypical personality we like in our athletes, he doesn’t slam the ball to the floor or act disgusted or give the greatest angst-filled quotes. But it’s who he is and that’s got to be accepted.

Now, as a backup? Well, it’s not like he’s going to come into games and energize them or up the tempo or get the crowd roiling but he looked last night like a pretty solid second-unit guy.

And Jay made an interesting point before the game: When things were going well, Hedo, Jarrett and DeRozan were the starting backcourt. Now, they play together as a second unit and that can’t be all that bad.

If you look at the minutes distribution last night - Hedo at 28, Jarrett at 23 and DeMar at 20 – that’s not bad and I imagine that’s what we’ll see the rest of the way.

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Time(out) management

I know there had to be more than a few of you who were quite surprised, and likely upset, when 68.5 per cent free throw shooter Sonny Weems not only found himself on the court but at the line with the Raptors clinging to a two-point lead and 13.3 seconds left in the game.

The fact that he bricked the two foul shots must have led to more angst and visions of a total collapse. Well, here’s why he was there.

When Tyson Chandler dunked to make it 103-101 with 19.2 seconds left, the Raptors had one timeout to go. If they call it then, you know the Bobcats are going to foul on the inbounds pass and no matter what the Raptors do, Charlotte’s going to get the ball back.

And then, if they score with, say, 3.1 seconds left, the Raptors are not going to have a timeout to set something up to get a good shot, just like they ran out of timeouts the night before in Miami, when they sure could have used one down three with 1.9 seconds left.

And if the Bobcats don’t score, at least Jay’s got one left in his pocket to make offence-defence subs and move the ball about 60 feet up the court, which not only leaves them more space to in-bound it but makes it more difficult for Charlotte to go the length of the court and score off a steal.

That’s okay management, even if it meant Sonny had to be in an extremely difficult position.

The other thing to think about in that sequence is why, after the Chandler basket, did the Raptors inbound the ball to Bosh? Maybe he should have been the one taking it out, looking for one of the guards on the court instead of being the recipient of the pass.

Anyway, it worked out in the long run and I guess that’s all that really counts.

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Our go-to guy

Antoine Wright’s becoming a huge fave among the grunts. Good quote, accessible, good guy who’s playing well. What more can we want?

Last night, before the game and after we’ve grilled Turk, Antoine shows up at his locker right next to Turk, bugging us to get out of his way.

During the course of the conversation, he tells us they’re winning the game, no doubt about it, and warns us that if they lose, to not come around his little piece of turf after the game.

After the game and after they win, we get into the room and there’s Wright with ice on his knees, his feet in ice buckets and he’s feeling pretty good about things.

And, of course, we need quotes.

Except for one thing: He’s going to shower, politely excuses himself and if the game hadn’t dragged for 2:26, we would have gladly waited for him to give us some pearls of wisdom. Except we can’t wait, deadline’s coming and as he’s wandering to the shower, we make mention that we could sure use a quote:

“I told you.”

And then he’s off.

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A wee bit more? Just a wee bit because this is long enough.

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You know what would have made the Turk Goes To The Club story even better?

If he’d gone from the game to a Nelly concert and danced on the stage.

That would have been cool.

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You know how I’m always one to point out that you’re never “supposed” to win a game and that anything can happen and usually does?

Well, that generally holds true but I probably should note that the Los Angeles Clippers, they of the 27-46 record, play at Milwaukee on Tuesday night and probably won’t get to their Toronto hotel until after 2 a.m. Wednesday to face the Raptors to finish a back-to-back.

Does that mean Toronto’s “supposed to win?”

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Here’s what Rick had to say in the cyber pages of the Observer this morning.

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Right, the MJ story. Thanks for reminding me.

I’m sure I’ve told it before so you Irregulars who’ve heard it can scroll down.

It’s Portland, Tournament of the Americas, the Dream Team debut in 1992 and Michael’s playing, of course, and Jay’s an assistant coach with Ken Shields on the Canadian staff.

Jay and I are standing in a hallway of the old arena, just chewing the fat when who come walking down the hall all by himself but Michael.

I’m a bit in awe, I’m not sure how Jay feels and for sure neither of us are doing anything other than nodding, I imagine.

Well, doesn’t Michael see Jay and come to a dead stop, give him a big handshake, and tell him that there’s no way Jay should be coaching, he should still be playing and he’s way too young not to still be on the court.

Me? I’m dumb-founded and I think Jay’s a bit taken aback, too.

After a couple of minutes, Michael wanders off down the hall and Jay and I look at each other and, I swear, neither of us could say a word.

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So the other night in Miami, before the game starts, I notice Jose waving to some folks in the stands and after the game, I see him stop for a real quick hello with someone on his way to the locker room.

Figure it’s family or close friends and when I asked him about it, he kind of shrugged it off by telling me it’s just some people from Spain he knows. No big deal.

Well, my new friends and Raptor stalkers (Hello, London!) tell me in Charlotte on Monday that, no, it wasn’t just “some people” from Spain, it was in fact Rafael Nadal's Nadel’s family that Jose was hanging out with.

Seems they were in Miami for some big tennis tournament, they got together for breakfast and Jose runs in pretty good company.

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All right, ladies and germs. Got a good afternoon flight which gives me time to write an off-day yarn before flying on what could be quite a relaxing day.

Wish me luck.

And be back here Wednesday at noon to ask questions.

Comments

[Peter]

WHAT!?!?! Jose was out for breakfast with Nadal's family instead of practicing his free throws??? That's why his percentages are down!!! Bench the bum... fine him too!!

[Jim]

Baron Davis wont be playing too.

[Juan]

Hi Doug
Great blog this morning. There was definitely more determination in the eyes of the team last night and it was good to see. I'm appreciating more what Antoine has brought lately. You probably didn't see it but seconds after the Miami game ended it looked like a cameraman got up in his face for a reaction shot. He was PO'd and "moved" it out of his way. I like the attitude, he cares.

Agree with you on Weems being in the game at the end but, knowing a foul was going to come, rather than look to pass the ball he put his head down and drove the middle of the court! He's got to make better decisions and that was an easy one in my book.

Have a great day.

[Jeff]

OK, I couldn't resist pointing that out. Does the fact that you say Hedo looks like a solid second unit guy mean that he's overpaid? Didn't want to say a bust but I don't hink anyone will like having him on the books come 2014...

[Ben]

Hard play, good execution, big win.

I have two questions for you Doug.

I noticed during the game, I think it was 3rd quarter somewheres, after Amir had a good stretch of minutes, playing real hard with lots of effort grabbing balls, good defence etc that Jay calls a timeout. Now during the timeout the camera shows the players and I don't see anyone giving much praise to Amir, or to anyone that was on the floor. Yes they did high five etc but it didn't seem like there was much over the top enthusiasm. Is there a reason for this? Or is this just pro players being professional? Me, I would be offering much encouragement, "good job boys good job keep it going" etc etc.

Next thing is I am wondering why Jay tends to take people off when they are just starting to get a sweat on. 4th quarter about 8 mins left Jay pulls out Bosh to extend his rest mins before the TV timeout, understandable somewhat but why not just play him out through the whole 4th. Doesn't it take time for these guys to warm up? Why let them cool off and have to take a few shots before warming up again. Even Jack Armstrong made a comment comparing how Wade played the entire 4th the other night.

Anyways good game. Hope to read your feedback.

Cheers.

Blogger's note: There support for each other is fine, in my estimation; and it's one thing to play Dwyane Wade the whole way because of the drop off after him, the Raps need to keep guys fresh

[Ray Ray]

"You know what would have made the Turk Goes To The Club story even better?

If he’d gone from the game to a Nelly concert and danced on the stage.

That would have been cool."

One of your best Doug - thanks for the laugh!

[John]

As one of the very few that was actually in support of Hedo yesterday, I say HAH!

This season is not lost. They have played 3 spirited games and I think they win 2 of those three if Hedo is playing. They even showed backbone last night when things got a bit chippy.

Does nobody remember how proud we were when Hedo chose Toronto over Portland because he liked the city more? Now he goes out at night and we are upset?

The other STAR reported has absolutley zero credibillity regarding basketball. His opinion is based simply on whatever he can find negative on whatever subject he is covering.

Unlike most of the bloggers here, I like the RAPS cause this is the team we have in TO and I want to see them do well. Maybe they win 3-4 in a row? They only have to tie Charlotte now to avoid Cleveland in first round.

GO RAPS!!!

[Jeff]

Is it me or was this post Antoinesque. An excellent post (one of the best in awhile) and a little more upbeat. Easier to write after a win?????

[Mike Kovacs]

For the first time in a long time the basketball gods have smiled on the Raps.

[Aditya]

its Nadal doug, not Nadel

Blogger's note: It's "it's" not "its" but thanks for the tip.
Sometimes this gig is just too easy.

[William]

We are keeping our heads above water and may even be able to get out of the ocean! Chicago plays the Suns tonight and a win by Nash and company will go a long way towards helping us lock up a playoff spot. We are two games back of Charlotte with a realistic chance of regaining 7th spot. Orlando is a lock for the #2, I think we can beat them in a first round series if we have everyone clicking!

[Aditya]

"And the Raptors also defended the final possession well, forcing Charlotte's Raymond Felton into making a terrible pass Tyson Chandler couldn't handle and iced it with a pair of Jack free throws."
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Grammar Doug!....Mother Star employs a top-of-the-line spell checker right? Or else I could find you a spell-checker who can do the job

[Peter]

Just a thought. The post game interviews had a lot of talk about succeeding because of good execution at the end of the game. I'm just wondering if they would have felt that way had the Bobcats not lost the ball in their final possession. Weems missing key free throws was not good execution. I'm as optimistic as they come with this team, but I got the sense that the effort was certainly there, but the execution was still somewhat lacking.

[Pipit]

It's nice to see our players playing their hearts out last night as well as the Bobcats too. Pretty much, the game has a playoff atmosphere. Best game I've watched this season in terms of competitiveness. Substitution pattern was good last night. Players who are supposed to be in the game at a specific time are there. Defense has improved in the last quarter and there were not a lot of blow bys. They also did catch a break finally because of the number of turnovers by the Bobcats especially the last one involving Chandler. Just imagine if they did catch that break against Denver and Miami? I want to commend DeMar for playing really well the past games that he came off the bench. You can see the intensity in his eyes and the way he consistently drives hard to the rim. Once he has a respectable mid range jumper, he will be one of the feared wing players in the league. Doug, I got a question for you. Why is it, it take that long for Jay to use players who deserved to play? The line-up changes and the substitution pattern has been good which shows how hard the team is playing the last 3 games. Is it because Bryan is not meddling anymore?

[David]

Bargnani has been making several nice high low feeds the past few games. Is that because he's more focussed/engaged or has the coaching staff encouraged this to pry open defensive coverages?

Blogger's note: Focused and engaged. They've been encouraging that stuff all season

[jlongs]

It seems, with the lineup change, that Jay has finally figured out which guys go together with each other. I was a big supporter of the Jarret at starting because he played better with Hedo. Now that Jose is starting it's best to complement him with athletic wings who can help on the defensive, just like how the 2nd unit has worked well before. Except now, Jay goes for defense first to set the tone for the game. And I like it.

[Paul B]

Saw Turk last night about 1 a.m. He and Bosh just coming out of Midnight mass (Avenue and St. Clair). They jogged to the ACC like old pals, where I overhead Turk say something about hitting the weights and the stationary bike.

Pass it on.

[jimt]

Doug i smell a raps orlando matchup.how great would that be :)

[Hao]

Jose with Rafael Nadal's family. I don't know how close they are. but Do you think Jose will move to Miami along with Bosh? They are probably sick of the cold.

[greg]

re: the comment by Juan

"Weems being in the game at the end but, knowing a foul was going to come, rather than look to pass the ball he put his head down and drove the middle of the court! He's got to make better decisions and that was an easy one in my book.
"

I think he rushed to move half court because the ball has to clear the half court in ten seconds. That is why Charlotte did not foul until the Raptors took it up the court and why they were trying to trap them in their own half. To my count, they were at about 5 or 6 seconds when Weems had the ball so he had no choice on that one.

[KD]

We are keeping our heads above water and may even be able to get out of the ocean! Chicago plays the Suns tonight and a win by Nash and company will go a long way towards helping us lock up a playoff spot. We are two games back of Charlotte with a realistic chance of regaining 7th spot. Orlando is a lock for the #2, I think we can beat them in a first round series if we have everyone clicking!

Are you kidding me? The Raptors are horrible. The only reason the won is because Thomas didn't play. Cleveland or Orlando will sweep Toronto, if they even make the playoffs. If everyone is "clicking" the Nets can beat Orlando. Too bad no one on the Raptors is clicking. They are ready for rebuilding.

[Suzie]

Hey Doug,

Who would you rather have taking the last shot today (Mar 30 2010), Sonny Weems or Michael Jordan?

Blogger's note: I have no idea how old Jordan is but I want him today, tomorrow and March 30, 2020

[Tudor]

Greg was 100% right.
Bosh hold the ball for 3-4 good seconds waiting to get fouled. Then he realized that it is not happening and the only option was Sonny and , good thing Sonny realized that and sprinted to the other half.
Question is where was the PG, JJ? Isn't part of his gig sticking around to get the ball over mid-court (given the fact he is also a good FT shooter)

[Andrew]

Not sure it matters at this point, but in your game story feature, you put that Hedo scored 11pts and dished out 11 assists. He actually had three assists. He had a solid game, just not as solid as readers might believe.

[knickz]

thats was a gutsy win lastnight from our boy's...if we would have gotten denver and miami we would have been closing on the 5th seed with the easy schedule this week...i'll rather get the 7th seed and play orlando