Of executing and Pop's pre-game classic

Good game, no?

But how good must it feel to be the Spurs knowing that when crunch time comes, you’re going to execute with purpose and precision and win?

Bet it feels good.

Just like you will after you read all of this.

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THREE POINTERS

Gentle words

Ed Davis absolutely bricks a free throw (I thought he might have been shooting blindfolded) with about three minutes left in the third quarter and for some odd reason the Spurs call a timeout before he shoots his second.

As he’s getting close to the bench, Alex English is on his feet on his way out to greet him, telling him to take his time, follow through, calm down and go through his routine.

And Ed goes out and misses the second.

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Good execution

Not too many little things about the Raptors often work out so why not look at one that did.

With about 31 seconds left in the third quarter, they’ve got the ball out of bounds and a perfect chance to go two-for-one on final possessions. Now, sometimes they inbound the ball, there’s some confusion and too much dribbling and the opportunity is lost.

Not this time.

Jay draws up a play where DeRozan inbounds to Johnson (Amir, not Trey) takes an immediate hand-off and goes right to the rim and scores.

Raps get a steal on the next possession, DeRozan again goes to the bucket and is fouled, makes one of two and they end the quarter up three and feeling good about themselves.

Not big, but something.

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Tough way to get hurt

I love the way Amir Johnson plays and his double-double last night was impressive, given the opposition.

And given the fact he hurt his ankle early in the game.

But to hurt it after trying to reach up through the net and knock away a ball that was already in the basket?

Silly.

Good guy, sometimes he just does, you know, things.

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And on we go …

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Just wondering.

How good would it have been if Barbosa has missed that second free throw with 21.2 seconds left, the Spurs had won by – yep – 12 and fans would have been denied cheap food after an entertaining game?

Just about perfect, I say.

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We all know Matt Bonner is going to go on and do great things when his playing career is over.

He’s just got that kind of personality.

Maybe politician?

Well, he hopes to start that in the next couple of weeks because he told us before the game that he plans to run for a vacant vice-president’s job with the NBA Players Association during elections at the all-star break.

He says he doesn’t have to have do a lot of campaigning because it’s one of those “nominate yourself, show-of-hands” kind of election.

Too bad; bet his “chicken in every pot” stump speech would be a good one.so

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What’s up in San Antonio?

This is up in San Antonio.

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Ah, Pop.

No one quite like him; not sure I’d want to cover him every day but every now and then …

He’s a verbatim transcript of most of his pre-game media scrum, which was the best of the season in this arena so far this season.

Me: We have the obligatory Matt Bonner is back question? How’s he been playing since his knee injury and have you been seeing improvement/

Him: Last night was his first night back and he did fine.

Me: There was some suggestion he might be interested in being in the three-point contest all-star weekend. As a franchise … would you like to see him there or did you lobby to get him there?

Him: We don’t do much lobbying but if he went to it, that’d be fine, I don’t really care one way or the other.

Me: Neither do I, I’m just trying to elicit a quote.

Him: Yeah. I know, I’m not that helpful, I realize.

Me: That’s quite all right.

Him: But I just don’t care.

(Me, to myself: okay, let’s try another angle)

This rodeo trip, do you get used it as the years go by? Is it easier to manage players?

Him: I don’t think about it. I’m a real simple guy.

Me (to myself) Arrgh!

You’re killing me here.

Him: I’ll make up some stuff so you’ll have something good. I’ll get funny.

Time to let someone else have a shot:

Guy: Gary Neal’s had a sore knee. How is it?

Pop: Why don’t you ask Gary, I really don’t know how his knee feels, I really don’t know. He plays.

Guy: How’s he been playing for you?

Pop: Pretty good, pretty good.

Guy: Seems his defence is good …

Pop: His defence stinks. His defence stinks.

Guy: Is that because he’s a rookie

Pop: No, he’s just bad at it, he’s just bad at it. We’re on him, trying to get it better – that’s a decent quote, isn’t it? – … we’re rolling now.

Guy: What’s he do well

Pop: He shoot very well.

Guy: He seems to shoot a lot of threes, is that the main part of his game?

Pop: You’re right on it. That’s what he does.

Now I’m rolling my eyes, laughing a bit, Pop’s chuckling and the whole thing is spiraling out of control.

It ends like this:

Fellow: Seems to be your style, but you seem to fly under the radar despite having the best record in the NBA, does it bother you hearing all talk about the Heat and Lakers and those other teams?

Pop: We’ve only been together here for about a four-minute period but what do you think? Do you really think I give a damn about what anybody says about anything?

And off we go, shaking out heads, to see Jay.

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Did you notice that the Spurs are likely to have as many, if not more, wins by the all-star break than a Toronto team has ever won in an entire season?

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Not sure than any of you can possibly have any questions left after yesterday afternoon’s session (and you were a cranky lot, I must say) but, if you do, click here and send ‘em because I cannot wait to hear what’s on your mind.

Really.

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So Ray Allen’s probably going to pass Reggie Miller as the all-time leader in three-point field goals tonight (I know, I screwed up yesterday, hope not too many of you were clicking around dial looking for the game) and there’s been a lot written about him in the past few days.

Nothing will beat this and you’d better read it.

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Comments

[sam]

Good three quarters last night - totally entertaining which is all you can ask for really. The Raptors deer in the headlight fourth quarter showed the difference in experience and talent between the Spurs and the HOTC - As Doug has mentioned many times - The Spurs are the Gold Standard.

I love Amir's enthusiasm and toughness. It's been a pleasure watching him grow into his talent this season. I hope it continues and rubs off on some of the other young players - Davis, DeMar, Weems and even Andrea should take a page from this guys book. DeMar and Andrea flexed thier scoring muscles last night and Barbosa was great energy off the bench.

[Lorie]

Morning Doug,
Thanks for the link to Jackie MacMullan's story. And after reading it, you think you may just have to suspend disbelief on the symmetry of the timing here: that Allen will very likely surpass Miller's mark on this particular night, playing this particular team, with the current record holder in attendance. A marvellous happenstance? A random alignment of stars? In Ray's world, perhaps not. (And doesn't he have a much-to-be-admired role model in a Mom who just recently completed the Boston Marathon?)

[AT]

Doug, one of the best blogs of the year! And great article about Ray Allen. Great quote about how it pisses him off when people talk about his "God Given" talent but he its mainly because of the work that he puts in everyday that makes him such a great shooter.

Can you name any Raptor past or present that had the same type of work ethic?

Blogger's note: No

[Damian]

Hey Doug,

So how does Pop compare to Sam in terms of interview?
Pop = Apathetic
Sam = Confrontational, yet amicable?

Blogger's note: I don't see Pop often enough, really; at first blush I'd say Sam was more engaging

[Derek S]

Morning Doug,
Thanks for the link to the ESPN article on Ray Allen - what a great read. Nice to see them knock the "myth" that players like Allen are just "born with a talent" and that they don't have to work at their craft.
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That article should be required reading for all the Raptor players (if not every player in the league). Who knows how much better many of these players could be if they shared a fraction of Ray Allen's obsessive dedication to his craft. I think in many cases, the difference between good players and great players has far less to do with "natural ability" and far more to do with their desire, intensity and work ethic. You don't want players who "want to win", you want players who "hate to lose".

[LeeZ]

O.K., you just earned your entire year's salary (and quite possibly a bonus) by sharing the transcript of Pops' media scrum. That was hysterical! Hey, how bout we trade Bargs for Pops straight up? btw, with the Raps up late in the second half, do you know of any reason why Jay didn't replace Weems (who was playing uninspired ball at both ends, including one play RIGHT IN FRONT OF JAY where he was picked but instead of switching onto Blair (who had set the pick), he simply turned around and...watched as Blair rolled and laid it in. I mean, how can a coach not sit a player's ass down when he pulls a stunt like that, RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE COACH, no less???...anyway, why wouldn't Jay put in his best defensive player on the team into a tight game where we had the lead? Has Wright fallen out of favour? Can you offer any explanation at all?

Blogger's note: No, I can't

[Jacques]

Doug, do you see BC using any of th TE at the trade deadline or will he use it to pick up FA in the summer?

Blogger's note: Has to be used by July 8

[James]

Great article about Allen. But how strange it is that the year he is shooting the best ever (regular FG% and 3pt%), he is having his second-worst FT shooting year.

[kelsey]

Great article...Ray is a true professional

I like DeRozan as he always talks about going into the gym at night, you tell him jump shot is getting way better.

Pop must have been a real joy wow!! But he holds his players accountable for there play and usually they respond. Different strokes for different folks, but we have a coach the protects his...

I hate to harp on similar items but this team needs a regime, Calderon, Bargnani, Jay , Alex English and even Colangelo...Its just time for a New Regime

How can we continue with basically 2 of our top players get attacked everynight.. Its obvious game plan. (Calderon and Bargnani) they need to be moved and Im sure they will be good in another system.

Bargnani 2 rbs last night, Blair 11 rbs....Do you think Bargnani would log minutes on a Popvitch team really!!!!

WE NEED PLAYERS WHO HATE TO LOOSE!!!!

[JHK]

Great game I caught after the Raps game yesterday - Nets vs Hornets
Hump with a key rainbow jumper in OT, as well as the rebound to seal the game....... almost. He missed the two free throws and that led to CP3 three that went half way in the basket for the win.
What a night - Nets win, we lose :)

[Casey]

Your bit on Pop was the reason I keep reading you daily. Thanks for the insight you don't find anywhere else.

[Wallace]

Hi Doug,

I don't know what it was like in the arena, but on television it seemed that the biggest cheer of the night was once again for a free slice of crappy pizza. It's often embarrassing to be a basketball fan in this city.

[kelsey]

To be fair I have to throw Weems under the bus, I know he is off injury but his shot selection is horrid and his once defensive abilites have left the building.

Keliza, Weems both bad decision jump shooters..Another year where Raptors have no useful person at the 3 position.

I know Wright has limited scoring ability but he gives it his all on the defensive side and usually doesnt hoist up shots unless shot clock going down. We need these glue defensive guys to play ball!!

[Michael]

Why is cheering for pizza embarrassing? Regular people go the game to have fun, not to show how knowledgeable and dedicated to the team they are.

[DMcCalgary]

As with many, I'm thankful for the great read on the Pops scrum as well as the link to the Ray Allen article. Should be required daily reading by many NBA players.

IGBT technical question: Does anyone have any idea how I can recover the ability to load an avatar? I was able to before, and the old one was retained until a new one uploaded. Now, the old is gone, I try uploading one with the "browse" link, the system shows that it does, but when I sign in, nothing. Ideas anyone?

[David]

I'm going to enjoy my two slices of pizza, Doug. I disagree with your fetish about this. Call it delicious irony in a season of agony that the fans cheered for the 100th point.

It's time you stop being the fun police here. Let the fans who pay to go to the ACC get whatever enjoyment and entertainment and yes, small perks, they can.

The day you stop partaking of the free food in the media room is the day I'll start listening to your argument about free pizza

Blogger's note: The food isn't free in the media room; but thanks for jumping to a wrong conclusion. Oh, and I can be the fun police if I want

[Kent]

Solution to the pizza problem: Fans get free pizza if Toronto scores 100 points before the other team.

[bob]

Here are the 3 pointers that you should've posted:

Disgusting
Despicable
Vomit-inducing

Question you need to ask Andrea (if you can't ask him, then get feschuk to):

Would you be able to box out a female mannequin if your life depended on it? If not, how about a pylon?

If those are toooooooo scathing, then press Jay on why this team absolutely stink (worse than the tar ponds in NS) on defence. Juan Blair had a monster night thanks to the EUro ball, no defence scheme and lack of effort from the Raptors.

I have officially given up on this team and hope they move to Kansas, Omaha, etc... anywhere but Canada, please!!

Anyways, you keep believing that they're trying to win; I'll believe they're trying to get a high pick. We then agree to disagree.

Blogger's note: So I can put the IP address on permanent block then? Thanks

[Thane]

Red Rocket for mayor!

Of the wall question for you in that vein, actually... Which imported Canadian will make (eventually) the bigger impact on Toronto. Pinball or Red Rocket?

Blogger's note: Interesting debating point

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Wow. Doug, would you have any late-breaking info on Sloan and the Jazz??
Truly a great piece on Ray Allen. What a ball player. What a HOFer. I just hope he'll have a chance to learn to relax into whatever the next phase of his life might turn out to be. Lord knows he's earned whatever relaxation and enjoyment he might find.
One last question. Do you think BCo owes it to his starting five to finagle at least one more 'contibuting' bench player to help relieve the load on these guys for the l-o-n-g second half of this already l-o-n-g season?
Cheers. Go Raps!

Blogger's note: What if it's Reggie and he doesn't have to go elsewhere? That count?

[Rob.V]

Great stuff!!! That's exactly why I love Pops, and our little corner of the World Wide Web... excellent work dude. You and Pops should do a half hour special, now that would be entertaining.
.

LeeZ - I'm not a Triano basher however what you wrote about the Weems incident does draw attention to different coaching philosophies. About 3 or 4 minutes into the first quarter Pops calls an otherwise inexplicable timeout simply so he could blast his players effort on D (they were up on the scoresheet).

During another stoppage of play he's just giving it to Blair, I mean BLASTING him. I was embarrassed for Blair because it was a rant of mamoth proportions (maybe that's why he put up career numbers last night).
.

Then again, just shortly after the 3rd quarter had started, another time out to let his players know they were not performing (again the Spurs were leading by 8 or 10).

He doesn't pick his spots. If they are up by 25 and someone misses a defensive assignment he makes no bones about making that particular player aware.

Wallace, I agree. Last nights game had the intesity of 2 guys fishing on one of those Saturday morning shows! I mean, we're talking the Spurs... we should have come stronger than that!

Listen, no one will admit it however the players may "think" they are playing hard... but they really aren't. I'll channel Sheed here: Heaving breathing and persperation - don't lie!!

[Peter]

@DMcCalgary, my guess is that you have a picture file which is too large. I could be completely wrong, but I read somewhere that it only allows files up to a certain size. Try shrinking the quality of your picture until it's the lowest quality possible. In a picture that small, the extra pixels won't show anyways.

[Lorie]

Ha! Your "jumping to conclusions" response reminded me of something I heard: The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, sidestepping responsibility and pushing their luck. :)
Now, on to the news. Do you know if it's true that Jerry Sloan has tendered his resignation with the Jazz?

Blogger's note: Very true

[sam]

Kelsey - Did you not take anything positive from last nights game?

[Dancing june]

Jerry Sloan resigns and Mubarak. Which one is th bigger suprise?