Same mistakes are a troubling sign

Seriously, I’m getting this whole Groundhog Day thing going on here without Andie McDowell and it’s really starting to tick me off.

And, as we know by now …

Anyway.

(Gottta love the chance to put in a picture of Andie McDowell regardless)

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THREE POINTERS

Some prolific scoring

Not sure if you’ve noticed but young DeMar’s been on a bit of a scoring roll, including his 23-point night against the Magic.

That’s now 20 or more nine of his last 14 games and what I’m more impressed with is the way he’s scoring. He’s not entirely settling for jump shots – he still shies away from contact a bit more than I’d like – but for the most part he’s been quite aggressive.

Of course, blowing the late layup last night leaves a bit of a question about his finishing capabilities but that’s another story for another day.

The big thing, however, is how he’s going to react when Andrea comes back (and before you ask, it’s looking increasingly like that’s going to be Saturday). Will he still drive the ball? Will he still assert himself? Will he defer?

As we’ve seen, these guys are not good enough to win regularly with just him going well and dare I say they’re not good enough to win regularly with just Bargnani going well.

How they interact is going to be a very important thing to watch and you can be sure that Bryan’s going to keeping a very close eye on how his two best offensive players get along on the court for an extended period of time.

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A couple of tough nights

Linas Kleiza’s got a lot of gamer in him, he’s a tough kid who can play through pain and discomfort, as we saw for a large chunk of last season.

And we might have seen it the last couple of nights, too.

Even Dwane noted after the game that something seemed “off” with Linas, who was 1-for-6 with one rebound against Orlando after being 2-for-9 with three boards against Houston.

We’ve seen how valuable he can be when he’s fully healthy, a tough-minded smart player who can be a stretch four or a big three depending on the matchup.

No one’s saying he’s hurt and Casey said after the game it might be fatigue and they need to watch his minutes but there just seemed to be something “off” with him the last two nights.

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Same old, same old

We all know the problems this team has with making big – or even small – plays at crucial times (it’s mentioned somewhere in the game story) but it’s not only that.

It’s the egregious nature of the momentum-killing turnovers that have to be driving Dwane Casey batty.

It’s Jerryd Bayless throwing a cross-court pass into the seats; it’s James Johnson trying some wraparound pass that ends up in a photographer’s lap; it’s DeMar hoisting a three-pointer when it’s time to drive the ball.

Those are, frankly, stupid plays, not the kind of physical miscue most coaches can live with and until the collective Basketball IQ goes up, there are going to be far more nights like last night.

When Dwane or anyone talks about “winning plays” it’s as much about the mental aspect of the game as the physical and these guys, collectively, don’t have that nearly down pat enough.

Can they get it?

You can only hope so but 37 games into the season, they’ve shown no proclivity for doing it on a regular basis. And that’s the scary part.

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A wee bit more?

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Hmm.

A cyborg, eh?

Well, guess the secret’s out, keep me oiled up and I’m all set to go.

Thanks, Cathal.

Oh, and since now we might have to split some of the more wacky things going on in the world, I get all things Grace Kelly, okay?

And when it comes to busting on the pucks, that’s mine, too.

Carry on.

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Hey, look!

Another photo album, this one from Mr. Madonik, who was the shutterbug on duty last night.

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Get used to hearing the name Andrew Nicholson; he might be the next Canadian kid picked in the first round of the NBA draft.

The Mississauga native just finished a stellar year at St. Bonaventure by being named the Atlantic 10 player of the year – this after being named conference player of the week for a month – and last scout I talked to thought the 6-9 forward, who might have to survive as an under-sized four in the NBA, could be a strong workout season from creeping into the bottom of the first round.

More people I’ve talked to think he’s a second-rounder, and some wonder if he’ll get picked at all, but there’s no question he’s had a great year.

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Well, this is a birthday worth celebrating.

Oreos are 100.

I’d have to put them right at the top of the list of cookies, at least of the store-bought kind, just edging out chocolate chip ones for first with digestives coming a distant third.

Agree?

But Grandma’s white icing cookies – a basic cookie with a white sugar-based icing – will never, ever be duplicated.

Man, I miss those.

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My man B. Schmitz was in town and he chronicled that one like this.

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So they are getting down to the conference tournament time in the NCAA – a couple of automatic bids have already been handed out – and the troubling note arrived from one of the Tall Foreheads last week.

It asked whether Mr. Kelly and I would like to do a couple of brackets for all to see – and I’m sure mock – and, like a fool, I agreed.

Better actually watch some college ball this weekend, I guess.

Have to take Carleton, right?

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Comments

[Tim H.]

"Get used to hearing the name Andrew Nicholson; he might be the next Canadian kid picked in the first round of the NBA draft." What are the chances that the Raps draft him? (I figured I'd get that one started right away!)

Quick question: When I went to the Star online this morning, the 'gamer' was a Canadian Press article. A little while ago, it was switched over to the Doug Smith version. Is there a reason? (I had to go to the IGBT to see if you had another 'day off.')

Thanks!

Blogger's note: I'm not exactly sure how and when they put my gamer up; I noticed the same thing this morning when I went to link it in the blog

[Andrew]

As far as a Canadian going in the first round of the NBA Draft, don't you think that Kris Joseph stands a better chance than Nicholson? Big East 1st Team is pretty good after all and the kid is a great athlete....

Blogger's note: Yeah, he does have as good, if not better a chance; we'll see how the next three months play out

[LeeZ]

The refereeing late in the game last night was SO one-sided that I almost (almost being the operative word) felt some kinship with the conspiracy theorists out there (and as you know, Doug, they are legion) who feel the league has it in for the Raptors. The two calls against José were laugh-out-loud horrible, as was the offensive (pun intended) call against Demar. But it almost backfired on the refs, because the big lug missed all the free throws, so the fouls turned out to be blessings in disguise, in that they stopped the clock and gave the ball back to the Raptors with no harm done. Still, that was EMBARASSING, and uncharacteristic of a Dick Bevetta-reffed gamed. Doug, do you think Dick is on the take?

Blogger's note: If he is, wish he'd share the windfall with me (I keed, I keed)

[LeeZ]

Despite José's commendable play this year, one thing I've noticed really bothers me: we used to be able to count on him to get three or four baskets a game by turning the corner with a sudden burst of speed and laying it up before the opposing big had a chance to block it. This season, when he turns the corner (and he rarely does anymore), that burst of speed is nowhere to be seen and he RARELY takes it to the hoop. I have three theories:
a) he's lost a step
b) DC's offence is such that the coach is discouraging him from doing that
c) in years past, every single time he hurt the hammie was on drives to the hoop, with that quick burst of his, so he's gun shy (either consciously or subconsciously). I believe it's (c). Doug, if you were a betting man (which we all know you're not, nudge nudge, wink wink), which would you put your money on? (and feel free to substitute your own theory).

Blogger's note: B, mostly

[Peter]

I've noticed a few times that the first "gamer" up online is listed as a "Canadian Press" article. I was wondering about that as well. Wasn't sure if that was yours or not. I haven't noticed that to be the case when I read the Gamer the next morning, but it seems to happen often at night, after the game.

[David in Oakville]

Okay, no excuses for the late game mistakes.. but MAN!, put me in the camp with LeeZ.

I would love to know what the Raps record is when there is a Dick Bavetta crew working the game. Has there ever been more of NBA star's ref in the history of the game?

That Dwane Casey is one cool cucumber... if those calls had gone the other way we would have seen Van Gundy tears and SVG would be on the phone to hair club for men this morning..

[Binder]

Doug, I really don't care to know when Andrea returns.

[Nick M]

Doug,

Thanks for the mention of Andrew Nicholson. Can't say I have followed his career but it seems as though he is not only a good ball player but also a respectable student and embassador for the Country, at least according to the guys at the Ellicottville, NY Ski and Snowboard shop.
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Apparently, they are school mates of his and in figuring out we were from Ontario, couldn't say enough about Nicholson, there visits with him to Mississauga, his 'nice guy' demeanor off the court vs. his domination on the court and if thats not enough, he is majoring in/graduating in Chemistry or Chemical Eng.!

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

Similar to a couple of other posters here, I made mention on the IGB that late in the fourth quarter in a very competitive game, calls started to go decidedly in favor of the Magic. The offensive foul called against DeRo was blatantly awful, and came at a time in the game that only adds fuel to the fire for the anti-Raptors conspiracy theorists (there are meetings, we have a secret handshake, and a decoder ring, I could show you, but then....)

You have mentioned previously, that the Raptors have to suck it up, and play hard and through these kinds games without moaning bitching and whining, and not show up the officiating crew before this will ever change. I look at Casey's demeanor neat the end of the game, when he's talking to Olandis Poole about the atrocious calls against Jose, with what can only be described as hate in his eyes yet is cool calm and collected, and wonder when? How long will it take before the Raptors will get a call on their home court at a critical time? Will they have to be a .500 team? Do they have to win a playoff series? Will someone have to walk on water again? How much longer will Raptors fans have to endure what appears to be biased reffing?

To be clear, I'm not frustrated about the lack of wins right now. I like that this team competes hard most nights, and I think Coach Casey has done a fantastic job with the pieces he's got. I'd just like to feel that going into the game, the team I root for has a chance. And mi amigo, I just don't.

marc in panama

[Susan]

"Of course, blowing the late layup last night leaves a bit of a question about his finishing capabilities but that’s another story for another day"....will you be mentioning Calderon's many late game misses too - like the missed open look 3 pointer (he missed) against the Rockets!?! Probably not - but just wondering. Side note: Jose committed 2 t/o's to Casey's shagrin last night too.
How about the play of Aaron Gray again lastnight and of late, not a peep on him yet....or JJ's 7 dimes, 7 Rebounds and double digits points (I think he got block or steal in there too), the kid is a keeper - even as a bench player he makes this team stronger.
@LeeZ - good point. It is not that the league has it in for the Raptors as much as they have it in for bad teams and players that haven't "proven" themselves. That is where the contraversy lies - when you here it said that a player or team has to "earn the reputation" as a driving team or driving player or a savy vet in order to get the calls, that is where its is fishy. It either is or it isn't a foul regardless of the stature or rep of the team or player. No other sports refs that way. If its a strike its called, the ump doesn't say 'he is a rookie that needs to earn that call, so ball 1" lol. Jack Armstrong is always talking down the refs when colour commentates and he revises that theory and it is annoying to hear 'cause it is so wrong. Especially in a professional league, it ruins the crediablity of the league.

Blogger's note: You want a player-by-player play-by-play breakdown, seek other avenues; ain't happening here.

[Susan]

This Raptors team is righ there - I know that sounds silly, but fans who watch often will agree. The Raps compete hard everynight, the team barely loses by more then 4-6 pts, agianst play-off teams or teams like Orlando who arguabley on the cusp of being a finalist team. Imagine if we could add an all-star calibre player to this team (say at PF), plus a rookie who looks solid at Center, plus another chance at a great young kid in ahigh pick through the draft, cap space and the potenial of a free agent....where would this team be if we could add those solid pieces!?!! This team will be a play-off team nect year hands down.
I sincerley love the way coach Casey gets these kids to play and believe they can win. The Raptors will be up there with the Pacers and Sixers next year - they are a team in waiting to break out, they just need a few extra quailty pieces and they have most of that coming. Im excited for this team

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Note to Bayless: Slow down; breathe. Talk to JJ; he's learned that trick.
Note to zebras: Respect for the game is a two-way street.
Note to Doug: Yowser wowser on Andie McDowell. And yes, Gracie, representing the towhead contingency. So, now, for the trifecta, as in gingies:
Nicole Kidman? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y6DskdC2Bw
or Bernadette Peters? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gl40NIfA_I&feature=BFa&list=AVGxdCwVVULXd2FtikX6u4naG565A1vtHc&lf=list_related
Cheers. Go Raps!

[Ren]

This Cathal - Doug combo is going to be great!

[john]

Hey @LeeZ, I am not a conspiracy theorist at all. The bottom line is that the best players get most of the calls at pretty much every level the game is played at. I was at the game last night and missed the foul on DD so can’t comment. The fouls on Jose were right in front of me. The first one Jose sort of locked up his arm with Howard and got tossed like a rag doll. He did a good job of flopping but to begin with he had no position to make a play on Howard that low in the post. It probably should have just been a non-call but when someone is sent flying across the floor the ref has to call something.

The second foul was possibly the worst call I have ever seen in the NBA. There is absolutely no possible way that official could have misinterpreted that play. There was no frantic action or two bodies moving or people obstructing his view or a split second decision at full speed. Jose didn’t move and Howard just ran right over him. The look on Howard face was he was expecting Jose to slide out of his way and couldn’t believe it when Jose didn’t move. The official had a completely clear view of the play and directly watched while Howard ran over a completely stiff Jose and blew the whistle immediately. It was brutal. I would love to hear how that official could defend making that call. Or maybe there is new rule about standing still I am not aware of. That official should be fired. Brutal....

[Rob.V]

Good teams play "above" the refs.

[Rob.V]

Great point on DD and Andrea dude. The next (2) months (with these 2 players on the court together) will arguably decide which way the franchise is going to go... and shape the team for the next 3 years.
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Also, good point Susan.
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Unlike other Sports one to two pieces in the NBA can dramatically alter a team.
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We, (I) of course have ZERO patience however Colangelo is setting the franchise up to be a perennial playoff contender. The Raptors tried a few short cuts when CB4 was here however as painful as it is to watch night in night out, it probably is the best approach.
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The fans were okay last night in the 4th quarter hwowever does anyone else notice that the overall tone at the games has been one of apathy?
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It's almost like, please get the season over with already so we can get to our top 5 pick!

[Pipit]

Blocking calls of Jose against Howard. Very easy to explain. Howard, superstar. Calderon, an average ball player. Raptors organization don't have the respect of the league. These same calls can happen on any other big teams but without any consequences or media scrutiny.

One thing that made me cringe last night was the many blown pick and roll coverages in the 1st half. This is where Anderson made most of his points. I know Casey's rule was to always "show" hard on every pick and rolls but they should communicate more on their defensive rotations especially on the paint. Always a step late.

[Lorie]

Note to Doug and D-Mac:
I know you're of my vintage and I am shocked - in fact I would go so far as to say aghast - that it wasn't Miss Rita Hayworth you named as your first choice of Gorgeous Gingers. Don't you remember "The Dance Of The Seven Veils"??? Let me refresh your memory! :)http://youtu.be/VJi8xd38zwE
So, Grace? Of course. Andie? Yes. (mainly for "Green Card"). But for redheaded lovelies? It can only, only be Rita! Cheers! And Go Raps! With Consistency, Please!

[Steve]

I understand as much as the next guy that in the NBA if it's a 50/50 it's going to go the way of the superstar. But the last blocking call on Calderon was not a 50/50, it wasn't even close. It was one of the most clear cut examples of an offensive foul you will ever see.

Predictably Dwight missed the free throws so the impact on the outcome was minimal (though I would argue that drawing a big charge in that kind of situation can really swing momentum) but it was a mind bogglingly bad call regardless.

[Boko]

March Madness Rule #1 (eliminating allot of other research ...) If there's a Canadian on the team anywhere, they project to win, based on excellent judgement by the powers that be.

Rule #2: The past history of that program usually translates to a similar continuation (eliminating most of the other research ...)

Rule #3: Need to actually watch the teams that are left to determine their March Madness success ...

Hey, can't any of the other grunts do the last two brackets? You do other sports, when called upon!

[Boko]

By the way, Susan, if there's one starter we need to add this summer. it's at swing. I don't care whether it a SF or a SG (DeMar can be whichever is left), but he has to scare the opposition. Leandro & James just don't.

AND, if there's another player that must be added, I think that it's another PG, especially one that passes first. Then Jerryd can play some SG, when necessary.

[jc]

i was at the game last night and have no complaints about our team. A few bonehead plays but they played hard and never gave up. A few questions though. Magloire and Gray did an admirable job on dwight (36 points aside) but Gray seemed to be a bit more admirable...why wasn't he on the floor for the last few minutes? On the last inbound play where Redick caught the ball and was fouled...would it have been possible to leave Dwight completely uncovered to make sure he was the only one who could receive the pass (probably too simple to work). Lastly..why wasn't Ryan Andersen extended?! Oh right....Otis!!!!!

Blogger's note: Gray-Magloire? Six of one, half dozen of the other. Too simple, yes; take too long to get to him to foul, no suggestion they'd go to the guy you double

[Mike kovacs]

@D-Mac: Nicole Kidman looked great in 2001. Unfortunately she has not allowed herself to age GRACEfully with all of her surgery and looks like a different person!

[doug]

it was another good effort, especially how they came back to close the gap in the late stages of the 4th, those were some bad calls, but really they should have been fouling Howard intentionally to begin with....even Jack mentioned last night during the gamer that something is "off" with Kleiza as to me his legs are dead or something is up with that knee....for me in the NCAA tourney I look at teams that are 3 point shooting teams, such as Notre Dame and Duke, if they go up against a defensive team or methodical team, I pick them not to cover as tourney games are pressure packed and 3 point shooting teams are vulnerable, then Big 12 teams can defend, that conference plays tough b-ball, so I also pick them to cover if their dogs, Big East teams are over-rated as last year proved, Kentucky is good, but are young and they will have a couple close games be interesting to see how they react...so this is interesting news i hope it is true..

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/219457/Triano_Widely_Expected_To_Become_Next_Head_Coach_Of_Canada

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Our man Sonny is living it up in Lithuania. Winning refrigerators and everything! http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/video-ex-nba-er-sonny-weems-comes-best-194224928.html
Sorry, @lorie, as a young twerp, Rita and her veils were just SO in the way of the chariot races and gladiatorial shenanigans and general gore that she was downright irksome, plopped like that smack in the middle of an otherwise gloriously bad 'adventure' flick. It would've been like, you know, having Busby Berkeley's synchronized June Taylor swimmers suddenly plugging their noses and doing daisy formations right when you're waiting for Godzilla to throw that boulder at King Kong and then go in for the half nelson judo flip. It just doesn't cut it for the under 10 set.
Cheers. Go Raps! Can't believe AC is going, just as a favour... but we have seen that sort of good will from BCo before. (Maybe a favour now for another later?)