A Saturday decision pays dividends on a Sunday

Remember the rule:

You can’t get too high after a win and can’t get too down after a loss so, congrats, good game Sunday, let’s move on to the next one.

After this, of course.

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THREE POINTERS

Saturday’s call worked out

I’m pretty sure Dwane didn’t want to ride Jose for about 43 minutes – including the entire second half without a break – or to use DeMar for 38 or Andrea for nearly 40, especially on a back-to-back.

But at leas they were fresh because none of them played even 40 after the coach pretty much waved the white towel Saturday afternoon in Boston

Sometimes, he told us after the game, the bigger picture needs to be in focus.

“When I took those guys out (In Boston), it was a two-point game, the game was in the balance but I knew DeMar needed a blow, I knew our guys needed a blow to go back in in the fourth quarter. Hell, before I could get them back in, Terry hits three threes and it was over so I went ahead and left the young guys in.

“For our young players to learn, they have to get minutes on the court but today we needed a win. Nothing against Terrence, I should have probably got him more today but he had his day yesterday. Today was about coming through with a ‘W.’”

That’s playing to your strengths and knowing when to take a shot.

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Amir Johnson’s no Ray Allen … yet

Sure, there was some cringing when Amir hoisted that corner three on a key possession late in a close game and no one was holding his breath more than Dwane Casey.

He had one of those “no, no, no; okay, great shot” when Johnson made just the fifth three-pointer of his career (I’d imagine a lot of the earlier ones were mostly buzzer-beating halfcourt heaves) at a vital point in the fourth quarter.

It was one of those shots that in theory makes some sense, Johnson’s been working on his shooting range for years, he’s got a much smoother delivery and he was wide open.

Still …

“Jose is probably the only one who would pass me the ball at the three-point line. The one thing about the shot is, I didn’t hesitate, I just caught and shot the ball.”

But I’m thinking it’s a cold day in Hade before he jacks up another one.

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The kid’s going to be all right

Andrew Nicholson, that is.

Some guys just have a knack for the ball and for scoring and if there’s one thing to take away from the first time I’ve seen Nicholson play, it’s that he’s always going to be able to get baskets.

He’s still quite slight – and that’s going to work against him until he grows into his body or extends his shooting range to the three-point line – but there’s an awful lot to like about his game.

And on that atrocious Magic roster, he’s going to get some playing time for sure and that’s only going to help hasten his development.

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More?

A little bit.

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Arrrrrrgooooooosssss!!!!

Been saying for a while I hoped that team got some support and what it got paid off with that big win in the Eastern Final yesterday.

It’s sure to make this week a bit better and since The Tall Foreheads asked to me to write some hoopla and scene stuff on Friday and Saturday it’s going to make my life a tad earlier.

We’ll get into more Grey Cup as the week goes on – this will be about the seventh I’ve been involved in at least on the periphery – but I don’t think I’m going to hear this week about how the city isn’t turned on by the event.

Sure, there will be pockets that don’t care a whit about the football game and ancillary party but don’t tell that to people who are right around the game and the scene downtown.

They’ll have fun, it’ll be a gas and it’s going to be a fair bit better because the home team’s involved.

Plus, Beebs is coming!!!

(Yawn).

But this guy is going to perform as well so that’s going to be very cool; it’s too bad I can’t see Gordon Lightfoot at the game, I’ll be scribbling post-basketball and hopefully finding some cool house party to go to.

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I’m sure the hundreds of thousands of people who were on the route loved Sunday’s Santa Claus parade here.

But, really, it’s mid-freaking-November!

Far too early.

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Speaking of over-reaction or doing things that don’t make a lot sense, wasn’t the firing off of confetti after a Sunday afternoon win over the Orlando Magic a bit much.

Yeah, I thought so, too.

If they persist, they should turn the cannons or whatever they are around and shoot it into the crowd. That’s far better than littering the court, I’d suggest.

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Do I do The Palm tonight to run into some old friends across the bar or do I listen to whatever you give me for Philly?

And yes, I’ll search out some joint in the Reading Market for cheesesteaks at some point.

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This is just bad, terrible, sad news.

I don’t think there’s a person connected with the NBA who didn’t hope Brandon Roy would come back and at least be something close to his former self.

He was never going to be the Brandon Roy we came to know in Portland – although he always controlled a game with guile more than athleticism – but his comeback was something we were all watching with great interest and cheering for at some level.

Now? Now he’s going to have another scope on one of his knees and you have to wonder if this is the final cut.

Hope not and it’s too bad the story has to end this way, or at least be derailed for a few weeks.

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Comments

[Dave B]

"But, really, it’s mid-freaking-November! "

couldn't agree more. some local radio are were playing Christmas music all weekend. The twelve days of Christmas run from December 25 to January 6. Many people will be throwing out their Christmas trees on boxing day because it will have been up for two months.

[Alan C.]

Doug, I hate to say this, but you are not going to miss much by not being there when Gordon Lightfoot sings at the Grey Cup. I saw him last summer at the Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia, and his voice is just gone. No volume at all. So unless there is some ingenious way of boosting it, people will just have to go on memories. Sad, really, he was a great talent.

[sam]

It's a tough go when your roster is shorthanded - especially with 2 starters out.
Both games this weekend played out as I suspected. Consistency seems to be the main issue.....
On Saturday - the starters were no match for Boston's starters, and the bench came in with some energy. Yesterday the opposite was true. The Starters has the team up by 10 after the 1st quarter. . . .
Jose has played some pretty inspired ball - Amir has shown some grit, enthusiasm and 3 point range (who saw that coming) off the bench. DD has turned the corner and isa constant threat - Perhaps some of this might rub off on Andrea - One can only hope.

[Rob]

3-7 doesnt sound good, but honestly, i thought they would be at 4-6 after the first 10 games, so they are only 1 off. Throw in the fact that they "should" have won 2 of those (Utah, Indiana) and somehow let slip, and i think the raps are actually doing ok.

Add to that they have been without the services of their best player and 2 main rotation guys for most of the games.......and i think you have to give it to the team they are doing OK!

As the rookies get more experience, as the players return from injury, i think the raps will start turning heads.

[Andrew Gregg]

Hi Doug:

I think your webmaster has given up on the Raps already--the link to your article from yesterday has the local boys falling to the Magic:

http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/article/1289538--nba-toronto-raptors-fall-to-orlando-magic

Maybe it was just habit...

AG, Toronto

[Rob.V]

If Amir Johnson were 3 inches taller and 30lbs heavier his contract would be somewhere north of $60 million dollars. I'm not sure what that has to do with anything this morning however he's a good player who's done really well developing his shot over the years... shoot away!.
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Ebinezer's! - Now, I don't go anywhere near the parade, and yes it's far too early. I mean, if you're going to go this early you may as well just run the bloody thing in July however when you have young toddlers in the house it's kinda cool to ramp up the Christmas festivities for them... and isn't that what it's all about?
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Why not drag things out a little.
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Of all the things we will be forced to endure (Kardashian's - The Decision, Dwightmare anyone?) for an extended period of time. Why not extend something as positive as the Holiday season a few more weeks for the young un's.
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Look, the parade is not testicular cancer my friends, and it's the only time of the year that people "pretend" to be happy... let's take it while we can get it!!.

[Hope Caper]

Couldn't agree more on the Christmas thing. If they want to celebrate something in this time call it something else. If you call it Christmas then I think you have to bow to tradition and sort of follow the tradition. I mean most would find it weird to celebrate Halloween in July right? Retailers are driving this because the economy sucks and if they can shear the public fleece earlier I think the public has a part to play in this. Vote with your dollars. Also agree the team is not too bad so far. Add the 2 games they could have had and they are 5-5. As far as Gordie goes, just lipsinc it. Bigger more famous people have done it and there was nothing wrong with their pipes. The man is a Canadian living legend and one of our best all time composers.

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:

I can't recall from when four of you got together to try to determine which of Toronto's four teams would win a championship first: Did anyone pick the Argos? Maybe you could post a link to that chat so that we can all go back and see who said what about the Argos.

Thanks!

Blogger's note: To our failing, we gave the Argos short shrift that whole chat, I'm afraid

[Lorie]

Doug! I can't believe you forgot to mention the American Music Awards last night. And this unforgettable collaboration that made sticking around for the entire very forgettable show finally worthwhile. Who would've thought it would work so brilliantly? PSY and MC? Together. Dancing. While wearing Harem pants. That are apparently back. (Difficult style to do well in my 20's...can't think it's going to work any better these days...) In case you missed it: http://youtu.be/akDaSZoE5Pw
And the Beebs won stuff again. And since his career seems to have legs, maybe some enterprising writer could help the poor kid with his apparently inevitable future thank you speeches. Poor Justin may have something when he opens his mouth to sing, but when performing unscripted he's certainly no JFK. Or even Louis CK. Cheers!

[JT]

Doug, how much do they "fudge" players' official heights? Ran into Acy and Lucas on separate occasions recently. Lucas is listed at 5'11 but he was clearly shorter than my friend (standing next to Lucas) who is 5'10. I think Lucas may have been 5'8-5'9. Acy was surprisingly a lot short than I thought as well. He looked to be maybe 6'5 at best.

Blogger's note: There's no firm percentage of the fibs they tell

[Colin]

Love Amir as a player; plays hard and is tough. If he continues to stay healthy and motivated, he could be quite the beast. Yesterday's performance against the Magic demonstrates what he is capable of when the stars are properly aligned.

DD is playing exceptionally well. Still some rough spots but this is still a young player learning the pro ropes. If he stays healthy and is used wisely, the Raps could be riding him into the playoffs.

Calderon is so under-rated my some fans. Not flash but steady and smart. For some people he can do nothing right. Yes, his defense is not the best and he is not quick, but he is a mental player and demonstrates skill on the court that one cannot teach. I hope this franchise keeps him around for a while.

Great job with the blog as always, Doug. Thanks for sticking with it.

[Mos High]

Good win for Raptors ...Rob...has made me feel more positive as well. 3-7 not bad could be way worse. Just didnt like the way they got knocked up by Boston on Saturday. But I agree with Casey just letting that game go

Like the Canadian Nicholson, hope he has a nice NBA career.

My wife walked into Shoppers 2 weeks ago and they were playing Christmas music, she usually doesnt get foul but was like "what"...Apparently 2 days later many people must have complained and when she went back later in week they had a written explanation basically saying sorry for having Christmas music on too early.

I dont follow Halloween or Christmas, but people just finished with Halloween, bombarded with Christmas mess.
Yes even though I dont do the Christmas thing the week is nice because generally people are in a good mood. Im in a great mood because Im not fighting at the mall!!!

Lets Go Argos!!!!! All the way even though I cant name more then 4 guys on the team!!!!

[james]

[Technical difficulties prevented the prior posting of this verbose entry.]
Approaching Jasper, Alberta: Traversing 5 provinces to see 2 basketball games did not enhance my reputation as a sensible person among friends and relations. The experience ranged from the brutal (2nd quarter vs. Philadelphia) to the sublime (the first 47 minutes vs. Utah). Any long-distance irregular considering a similar journey might be interested in these observations:
--the staff of the ACC were, without exception, helpful and good humoured, never moreso than when, seeking the subway, I found myself in a rat's maze of "upscale" bar rooms under the stands after triple overtime.
--sitting in Row 1 for the Utah game was a decision I didn't think through. Row 1 was a high traffic thoroughfare with perfect views of the backs of people's heads in the floor seats. On the other hand, before the game I could have reached out and touched Sherman Hamilton.
--speaking of which, the media were everywhere, not least our blogger (for the first game) resplendent in a muted off-yellow (topaz?) chemise, tapping away at the IGBT and game story and oblivious to his narrow escape from a triple overtime deadline disaster just around the corner; some were taller in real life than on TV (Matt), some shorter (Jack); across the way, M. Grange, on the same sartorial journey as S. Nash, picked the brain of W. Embry.
--whatever one's opinion of those we used to quaintly call cheerleaders, the June Taylor Dancers maintain an exhausting pace that could only be achieved with discipline, practice and a formidable level of fitness.
--At one point, the Chicken leaped on to a railing beside me and for a brief moment, I sheepishly admit it took an act of conscious will to not give him/her/it a shove. I am also astonished to report that he/she/it is able to walk almost the length of the court on its, er, forelegs, a feat you would not deduce looking at the fossilized skeletons at the ROM.
--I generally have little patience for anthems at games, but the soaring tenor of a Canadian soldier at the military game raised some goosebumps.

I have little to add to game coverage, other than to say they will not, at any point this season, play more poorly than they did in the 2nd quarter of the Philly game (I felt honoured to witness this nadir). Some players are more impressive in person than on TV (Exhibit A: Amir); the DD contract looked like a bargain against Utah; and not for the first time, it occurred to me that any list of the NBA's most underrated must include Paul Milsap.
I am a sucker for displays of good sportsmanship and there was a lovely moment at the end of triple overtime when Calderon and Mo Williams had the briefest of job-well-done greetings at centre court. Both had played extremely well, mostly against each other, and both knew it.

Now on the 4-day train ride home across this vast slice of winter, I have encountered someone claiming to be Brian Adams' mother (cue "Cuts like a knife") and a Real soccer fan who really is from Madrid. Later I shall engage him in a principled discussion of Jose's defence.

Blogger's note: That anthem guy is the best!

[Cluck Kent]

Very glad the Raps won. Given their schedule, they are where I guessed they's be. It just doesn't feel right with those 2 games they gave back.

[Warren Z.]

If you're in the mood for breakfast, nothing beats the heavenly pancakes at the Dutch Eating Place inside Reading Terminal... just be prepared to stand in line for a bit!

Blogger's note: Thanks, will see what I can do

[doug]

to those saying we handed 2 games back don't forget it evens out as we scored 5 points in the 4th quarter and won....so that was a gift....we take Toronto for granted sometimes or complain needlessly without appreciating certain things...look at the music scene we are presently experiencing, Springsteen was thru town not long ago, Dylan/Knofler last week, Lightfoot is doing his thing, tonight Neil Young and soon Aerosmith (in a week or so i believe) not bad talent in a short time...and @James superb little entry...ok cheers...