Reggie's little digs, Turk's numbers and no love for Herb

Business taken care of. A bit angst-filled early but there’s not really anything to squawk about after a 22-point win.

And that means you’ll have to work extra hard coming up with things to squawk about but I have faith in you.

Until then …

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THREE POINTERS

True domination

This really didn’t show up in the boxscore at all but it was shocking and interesting to watch.

What Reggie Evans did to young DeAndre Jordan when they were on the floor bordered on the criminal. I’m talking beat him up, frustrate him, bug him and take him so far out of the game, I wonder if the young Jordan didn’t go home and have nightmares.

In one sequence, Evans kind of roughed the kid up right in front the bench, drew a foul and then sort of bumped Jordan as he walked by as if to say, “hey, kid, I’m not going anywhere.’

Then they go down the other end and Reggie again gets in the kid’s head, another foul is called and quicker than you can say “mismatch of epic proportions” Drew Gooden’s at the table, Jordan’s on the bench and his night is effectively over.

Now, it didn’t really have a huge impact on the outcome but it was pretty cool to watch.

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Doesn’t this sum it up quite nicely?

I wasn’t in the Bosh scrum after the game – the story was Sonny and I was back in the room typing to make deadline – but the good folks of the game-night staff did their stellar job grabbing up some quotes.

And this one’s pretty interesting:

“It’s about winning the games we are supposed to. We have to come out with the right attitude and start hard early. Like I said to someone earlier, when teams are playing loose like that, sometimes they are the tougher teams to beat because you have to provide your own energy.

“Against teams like the Celtics and Cavaliers, we know we have to come out hard so those are easier games to provide our own energy. We just have to stay aware and respect every opponent we have left.”

Wise words but the fact they needed to be spoken kind of speaks volumes about this team’s inability to put away games early, doesn’t it?

Now, they did what they were supposed to do Wednesday night, they clobbered a bad team quite handily and no one really had to extend themselves. But with games left against no-hopers like Philly, Golden State, Detroit and New York (and perhaps Chicago depending on how the next 10 days play out) it’s high time they find that inner energy and take things more seriously for longer each night.

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Good night? Bad night?

Hedo Havlicek doesn’t score in the second half, only plays 17 minutes and I’m wondering, is it a good night?

To me, yes. Quite.

In those 17 minutes he also had six assists and three rebounds to go with six points but the biggest thing I saw was a more demonstrative Turkoglu, more excited, more, um, involved.

Now, he wasn’t up on the scorer’s table next to Sonny waving his hands and a towel or anything like that but watching him on the court we saw more talking, more pointing, more moving teammates around – especially on the defensive end – than we’ve seen in quite some time.

I’m pretty sure at some level he’s quite irked about his lot in life and new role coming off the bench but he’s sure not sulking and I wonder if the message didn’t indeed get through.

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And now some tiny items that fill out the word count (and are entirely entertaining on their own).

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This is a travesty.

I didn’t see it (I presume I was typing) but the ever-alert E. Koreen was mentioning after the game that there was a scoreboard Top Five list of the significant Williamses in franchise history. Something to do with 15 years or somesuch.

And they come up with:

Alvin, excellent choice.

Jerome, a natural.

Walt, the Wizard

And, ah, er, um

Aaron and Eric? Just to rub it in, I guess.

But there’s only one thing I have to say: No Herb!!!!!

A travesty, I tell ya; a travesty.

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So Andrea goes for 21 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots and my first thought is:

Not bad for a guy facing Achilles surgery.

Except that he’s not.

There was a report out of Italy, from the highly respected Gazzetto Gazzetta dello Sport, that said Bargnani was possibly going to have surgery when the season ends. Took about six seconds and one e-mail to debunk the story because not only is no surgery planned or expected, he hasn’t had any issues with his Achilles according to the folks I talked to.

And then Andrea himself shot down the story after the game.

File that one under the much-ado-about-nothing category.

It may be that the information about any soreness got over-blown – it wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened – or it may be that Andrea knows he’s going to have to get some rest when the season ends and this might be a way to set up a summer idle from his national team obligations.

Bu whatever it is, they are not sharpening the scalpels.

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I’d love to do the usual and show you what the out-of-town writers had to say about the Clipper game. Trouble is, there were no out of town writers following that sorry team; not an unusual happenstance late in the year.

So, here’s my friend Holly’s take on it.

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Charlotte kills Philly; Miami drills Detroit.

Whaddya gonna do?

I’m telling you right now, the “race” for six, seven and eight (and I use that term loosely because I’m virtually sure Miami’s out of reach) is going to come down to which team loses the game it’s “supposed” to win. You know, the bad loss to a team with a far worse record that speaks far more to the losers than it does the winners.

And I wonder how many of you have faith in Toronto not being that team that loses to the perceived inferior opponent.

If they don’t, and they steal one of the Boston, Cleveland, Atlanta games, they can get to my magic number of 43.

If they get them all, and get to 42, that’s a nine-game improvement over last year, might be enough to get ‘em in a tie with Charlotte and then we’ll see how we feel about how the entire season played out.

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Okay, so it’s not their fault.

I mentioned yesterday that someone dropped the ball by not having last night’s epic struggle one between the Huskies and the Braves, since that’s what the Clippers were in their Buffalo incarnation so many years ago.

Seems the Raptors actually thought it would be a good idea but the league – which tends to micromanage such things – had decided that the Clippers would not wear Braves throwbacks once this year and put the kibosh on the idea.

Bad decision.

Mostly because I would have really like to have seen some of those powder blue Braves jerseys in the crowd.

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Let’s do another mail call because I’m not sure there’s a nice representation over there yet. Remember, I’d appreciate rant-free submissions and nothing that says: “Chris is leaving? We should get Kobe. Your thoughts?” Thank you.

Oh, send ‘em here and we’ll take a look.

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Comments

[Matty-Pix]

Hey Doug,
I haven't listened to all of the Colangelo interview from the Fan590 yesterday, but I read somewhere he stated that the PG situation would "have to be addressed after the season was over" ... is that true? If so, it suprises me to hear it.

[nullo]

the pink bible's called "Gazzetta dello Sport", rather than Gazzetto (sorry if that was just a typo).

website's here: http://www.gazzetta.it/ (but they mostly talk about Italian football).

Their story's here:

http://www.gazzetta.it/Sport_Vari/Basket/Usa/31-03-2010/bargnani-deve-operarsi-603486812857.shtml

Blogger's note: It was a typo and has been fixed. Thanks

[William]

We got the win we were supposed to, but what I like most is that the rotation is starting to look good. Weems has been the biggest surprise of the season for me and DeRozan seems to relish his new role. Andrea has shown some ability to rebound in the last few games, if he can continue to do that come playoff time we will be a tough out for Cleveland and will give Orlando a run for the upset. Yes I may be a homer in those thoughts, but I really think we can know off the Magic if we get to 7th.
Some extra thoughts...
Talk had been that Bosh was mailing in the rest of the season, I think that the 34 and 11 performance with 13 free throw attempts and 3 blocks puts that notion to rest.
Wright is showing his value after a long season of getting bashed by the fans for poor shooting and shot selection. He is a verbal leader who leaves it all on the floor.

[kelsey]

Nice Win for Raptors. Its been a nice positive change Turk of the Bench. Reggie needs to continue to get minutes down these stretch games. Raptors need his toughness and intimidation factor.

Lets face it, Raptors dont have enough intimidating players. Weems has been a steal. Raptors must move Calderon or Bargnani in the off season to get a 2 guard for this team. Jose is the more realistic to go (just my opionion)

Ill say it again, rather loose in 1st round to Lebron than Vince and Orlando. It would be nice if Raptors could get 2 post season wins at least.

[Mr. X]

I must say I honestly think that WHEN Toronto makes the playoffs were gonna be very competitive mainly because of the way the linup is formatted now. Our starting 5, although not flashy is much more gritty and I don't foresee many of the early big leads from opposing teams. Once we get Jose fully back and with Bosh coming back around it's gonna be good. Also I think Weems has one of the best mid range jumpers on the team. He has really worked hard and honestly I see him as our future 2 than I do Derozen.

[DJD]

Hey Doug,
What do you think of the league's decision to let the common mouth breather help decide the league MVP? I can understand fans voting for all star games (although I don't like that much either), and I realize it wouldn't have as much impact as that system, but wouldn't this diminish the relevance and honour of the award?

Blogger's note: I don't think much of it, actually

[Peter]

Do you really have a set word count for this blog? I always assumed that you just wrote what you felt was appropriate.

Blogger's note: No, I don't; I like to get within a range; somewhere between 900 and 1,150 a day but nothing is set in stone.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Morning, Doug,
Pre-season toteboard review? Well, got the 10 and the 6 part right for March, but guys, it was supposed to be the other way around! Got 'em going 5-3 for April and kudos to you, Doug, on your pre-season call for 43 W's. (Hey, I thought for sure this roster had a good 15 more wins in them after last year's ragtag outfit squandered 49, 18 to 20 of which were certainly winnable, even for them! This year? Has absolutely nothing to do with 'incapable'. I like your assessment, Doug: 'weird', just plain weird...)
Some game by Sonny last night! Just wanted to point out there's another perfect shooter in the crowd. Amir has gone 5-5 twice (Memphis and Miami), and does going 2-2 in another four games count too? Both Sonny and Amir are shooting 60% on the season, and I'd really like to see Amir getting continued minutes in the rotation, to stay involved and confident going into the playoffs. Like Antoine said, they need EVERYbody playing right now. The more, the merrier.
Cheers. Go Raps!

[Pipit]

In those 17 minutes he also had six assists and three rebounds to go with six points but the biggest thing I saw was a more demonstrative Turkoglu, more excited, more, um, involved.

Time to clean-up eh. Folks from higher-ups already send a memo to start cleaning up the image of Hedo. Doug, how about him being 1st in line to go out the court eventhough there still about 30 seconds left in the game. Definitely, more demonstrative Doug. Is that him being excited, more involved?

[John]

Hedo was actually sweating last night!!! No complaints there, I would prefer he plays like last night over any other game I've seen this season. I just hope he keeps this pace up until the playoffs where it should be easier to find some motivation.

Doug do you think what Reggie did to Jordan could be accomplished against better players on better teams, or the main reason it was effective was because Jordan is young and easily influenced?

Blogger's note: I don't think Jordan knew what hit him

[richard f]

"involved"? Not sure about that one... makes it sound like Hedo couldn't answer the telephone because he was busy eating a pizza slice. I wonder if there's a better, um, word?

[Hope Caper]

Hey Doug, Good one on the Achilles. I watched Andrea squat by the time keepers' waiting to get in and I knew there was no truth to the rumour. Anybody ever had problems with the A-tendon (and I have) knows you don't squat, you sit.
JJ had a good game last nite and played like a PG instead of a SG. However he is not the passer Jose is and certainly not the ball handler Jose is. There was a lot of time that Jay should have had Jose in as his defence was tight last nite. I know he hates to tinker when they are playing well.
I was very happy to see Bosh go back to the rim. I believe it cranks up his defence as well. See ya on the next one.

[jimt]

Im Quite pleased with jays rotation,if he only knew back in october,lol.
after seeing the lakers get pimpslapped by sams homeboys i am seriously considering them to come out the east and will go on a limb and say they face the mavs :)

[Roy]

But how did you miss today's big news.
MLSEL will be purchasing the Tillsonburg Rec Centre and redevloping portions as a new training facility to help grow the southwestern Ontario base and pay tribute to Canadian basketball history.
Players will have retro Livingstons uniforms for use in "home" exhibitions.
The one sticking point may be convincing coach Jay to suit up in a Triano uni to do a couple minutes in the first game - or as long as it takes to long enough to sink one.

[Manale]

Am I crazy to think we actually match up best against the Cavs?
I'd rather take them than the Magic or Hawks, even though Anderson Varajao is so annoying to watch.

[Stinger]

Manale - I too would rather have the Raps face the Cavs than the Magic. so you're not alone in this crazy world. I'd rather be defeated by LBJ than HWSNBN, if that has been decided. On a crazy thought, what if the Raps beat the CAVs..haha..it's the playoffs, if only they believe in themselves, anything is possible...just crazy, crazy thought...

[doug]

the MVP fan voting isn't a big deal...there are 125 votes cast..and the fans vote accounts for one of those votes...so 1/125th of the total (the winner in the fan voting gets that vote).....and last year with LeBron,Wade and Kobe having the years they had....2 of the so-called experts gave Chris Paul 2 first place votes....so yea its not a big deal....