Yes, I sure do know how to take the right games off

Wow.

Yeah, I can sure pick nights to take off, can’t I?

And, no, didn’t get to see it at all, the downtown Marriott in Indy, normally one of the top locals on the road, couldn’t find the game, despite the best efforts of Autumn and her boss.

It left us to follow it on an iPhone and the twitter and, no, at no time did we giggle at the fate of our confreres.

(Well, maybe a smirk but certainly not an out-loud giggle).

So with that in mind, we can’t get too specific but having spoken to a few people through the night and after the game, we’ll still do this.

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THREE POINTERS

Wear ‘em out because you have to

Except for the predictable last-second offence-defence move, or a move necessitated by someone fouling out, no coach in the NBA likes to make substitutions once overtime starts and for as long as it lasts.

Yes, it adds up the minutes in those marathons – DeRozan played an astonishing 60 of 63, Calderon played 50, Bargnani was at 49 – but that can’t be a factor in any decision a coach makes.

The players are going on adrenaline, mostly, and don’t feel the predictable fatigue while in the flow of the game.

But …

Tonight is going to be a different story and with a depleted roster anyway, it’s going to be interesting to see how Dwane manages some worn out players.

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Stroll down memory lane

While that was all unfolding, was trying to figure out the other epic three OT contests in history and, yes, two came to mind.

First was way back in February, 2001. Remember? I bet some writer friends of mine do.

First game ever for Jerome Williams after he’d been acquired from Detroit and had driven up to Toronto to make the game. It was against Sacramento, JYD got caught by a great back screen and Peja Stojakovic drilled the game-winning three right in front of the Raptors bench.

Epic game and I was writing the trade story and didn’t have to worry about filing on deadline.

The last one?

Wasn’t that long ago.

London, O2 Arena, Nets and Raptors and another marathon that Toronto lost.

Don’t remember a lot of specifics except Andrea took a series of potential game-winning shots, I believe.

But it was with a five-hour time zone head start so deadline wasn’t an issue then, either.

Yes, I do know how to live through triple overtime games, it would appear.

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What they need?

Well, a win would be nice, that’s for sure.

But I think the most welcome thing this week will be Wednesday off and two days of practice before they head to Boston.

(Cathal’s going on that one, prepare for quadruple overtime).

Games and travel have been coming fast and furious so far and starting Sunday they have another stretch of four-game weeks (Sunday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday both weeks).

A break for three days after tonight’s game will be the most important thing they can get right now.

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More?

As usual.

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A little John Cougar Mellencamp because of where we are and it fits perfectly in this Indy story.

We’re here for the Final Four a few years ago and it’s a big event, of course. Can’t remember what night it was exactly, might have been the Sunday between the games, but a huge storm comes tumbling in.

It actually turns into a tornado at some point, Mellencamp’s putting on an outdoor concert in the middle of the city and as the storm churns, they stop it mid-show and people are fleeing all over the middle of the city.

Me and Quag (an old grunt who’s now a big shot) are not at the concert, we’re safely inside the sports bar we frequent. Trouble is, it’s got huge glass windows at the front and management – worried about the whole liability thing – decides we better get the heck out of there.

So, yes, I have been evacuated from an indoor bar, we were sent up to the second floor of the hotel for safety reasons. And we went carrying our full glasses, obviously.

-

Yes, the shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo’s is still as hot and great as ever and with a lunch plan for Steak ‘N Shake, the trip to Indy will be a culinary success.

If only there was a Five Guys for dinner.

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I need to become a fan of NASCAR because those guys are crazy and entertaining.

We’ve seen dudes intentionally – gently, but intentionally -- crash into each other during contentious point of a race, I’ve seen drivers standing on the track screaming at some guy driving by, I’ve seen drivers throw their helmets at passing cars because they’re so ticked off.

And now?

Now they’re getting into full-on brawls after races?

There’s nothing like a nice post-race donnybrook, is there?

Please, tell me this happens a lot and I’m all over the sport.

That’s classic, those guys are berserk.

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The joint we were in last night at the Marriott is a regular haunt of NBA officials; we run into them often nights before games and nights after.

They’re familiar to the staff, too, because the aforementioned Autumn The Bartender was talking about them.

So, which one’s your favourite?

“The one who orders the chicken sandwich.”

Guess they’re memorable only to a point.

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Phil Jackson and his agent didn’t go quietly into that good night, did he?

Take a read of this story from the LA Times and this one from ESPN.com and you’ll see just how ticked off both Phil and his agent are over the decision to bypass him and hire Mike D’Antoni.

Now, I suspect there are, like always, three sides to this story – his, theirs and the truth – but it’s a rather distasteful end to this saga, no?

And Jackson comes off a bit petulant, the Lakers come off looking like they snubbed a legend disrespectfully and I will say this:

If Buss family – Jeannie and her boyfriend Phil, Jerry and his son Jim – have a big Thanksgiving dinner planned for next week, I hope someone takes video of it.

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Comments

[Fred]

Doug, question...what is the raptors record in a second game of a back to back after losing the first one in overtime. I'm sure it's happened before. I can't seem to google the answer.

Thanks
Fred

Blogger's note: No clue and am not going to waste time going through 18 seasons of results to find out

[Cam Levack]

An epic battle of match-ups. Amir Johnson handled Al Jefferson well, but fouled out. Jefferson seemed to have free reign after that.
Similarly, Andrea Bargnani was all over Paul Millsap (big height difference) early in the game. After the Jazz moved Millsap to small forward and brought Derrick Favors in, Bargnani got nothing. That also allowed Milsap more freedom, and he ended up scoring from outside.
Another factor: Linus Kleiza fouled out.
Both teams played well, but Utah had more depth. And a little more luck - how many times did Jefferson's 3-pointer bounce around before it went in?
Great game!

[Arlene]

Would it be advisable to start Amir for awhile instead of Jonas? Know Calderon and Amir work well together, but seems a lot of pressure is being put on the rookie. He didn't get many minutes in the second half, partly foul trouble. Amir brings experience and energy to a starting line-up.
What's the word on Fields and his injury? And Lowry's ankle?

Blogger's note: No word other than neither will play tonight

[Lorie]

Good Morning Doug,
I read this essay this morning and thought you and other Irregulars might be as moved by it as I was. It's about basketball. And sports. And more. Much more.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/sports/after-tsunami-grief-and-the-joy-of-basketball.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&smid=tw-share
I thought we saw bravura performances by several Raptors last night, but for me the most notable one was delivered by DeMar DeRozan. I saw a grittiness coupled with maturity in the face of questionable officiating. (And I don't usually question officiating, but last night...!) Can't imagine what the Raps'll have left for tonight's game in Indy, but hopefully we can all cut them some slack in the Department Of Hyper Criticism and think back to the hugely entertaining triple OT game last night. And apropos of nothing - really - did you hear the one and only Oxford Dictionary people in Britain have chose the word 'omnishambles' as its word of the year? Sort of an updated 'SNAFU' with less capitalization, I guess. Cheers! The Unpredictably Shambolic Sort!

[S.R.]

Was there any doubt that three, (by AL JEFFERSON of all people) at the end of regulation would go in?.... Oh to be a Raptors fan. :(

[jc]

If I may suggest, please don't skip any more games. For those of us who did see an entertaining evening by our Raps get torpedoed by a Jefferson 3...any thoughts on how to recover? Is this where Stella comes in? It seems a bit early in the morning :)

[sam]

Despite the loss, it was a great game. Sorry you missed it, but hoped you enjoyed your night off.
Jose, DD, Amir and Kleiza were the bright lights for the HOTH.

[Liam]

That was sickening. Raps are failing.

[Brent Pulford]

Is this what they do with writers who become more interested in the bars and the food on the road than the game they're meant to cover? Give him a blog?
What a load of childish, irrelevant drivel.
If I wanted to know what you did on your summer vacation or your latest road trip this might satisfy but this self centered stream of consciousness reads like something from an elementary school composition class - "Tell us what you did on your last trip away from home".
Clearly booze and food, with a side of NASCAR fisticuffs, figure high on Smith's list but this is supposed to be a sports blog not a travel guide.

Blogger's note: It's actually supposed to be what I want it to be; feel free to search elsewhere, my life won't be much different. But thanks for reading, it means the world to me

[Steve]

While it was good to see Demar and others sticking it out last night I can't help but feel it never should have gotten to that point in the first place. Yet another ten point lead blown by the late fourth quarter jitters unfortunately.

[Rob.V]

Man, if the Raptors ever needed a game that was the one, no?
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You're right S.R. You just knew somehow, someway... they were going to lose that game. Big Al??? Geez!
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They deserved a better fate, they battled all night. As I was watching the only thing that kept coming to mind was this:
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With the 1st pick in the 2013 NBA draft... The Oklahoma City Thunder Select... the "next" Michael Jordan.
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Aaaaaaaah!!!
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The Bosh fiasco, 2-3 years regressing, rebuilding... injuries last year... zero luck with last years draft lottery postion... more injuries this year!!.
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It's a curse, yes?... the Clippers (north) curse??? Colangelo co. just cannot seem to catch a break.
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Omnishambles?

Blogger's note: Again, you missed it by that much. Can't give away No. 1 pick, it's protected. Solid try. Again. Some day maybe you'll get it all right

[stretch]

Was hoping for some analysis on how we kept on giving up open 3's to Milsap late. Watched the replay of the game and realized if the opposition is running pick and roll and Andrea and Jose are the defenders, you pretty much get what you want.

Might be early in the season but isn't it becoming obvious that changes need to be made?

Andrea doesn't fit and the so called 'depth' that BC has assembled is marginal at best. When you have to trot out a line-up of Andrea, Calderon and Gray late in OT, you are not that deep.

This is Colangelo's mess and I hope the fanbase and the media start to voice their displeasure with this. He's had too many opportunities and excuses to put together a team like this. A bunch of parts thrown together hoping they will "jell" at some point. There should be some accountability as BC is the one on the job making personnel decisions.

[Chris]

Is Andrea supposed to be our franchise player? he looked like a freshman in high school on a few possessions in OT. He caught the ball outside the arc once and tried to find anyone to give it too so he didnt have to do anything. He almost threw it out of bounds on another one. When is he going to step up? Great players want the ball in those situations, and deliver. I have held off on the trade him chants, but seriously, wake up and play like we all know you can, or take your primo and slurp away to some where else.

[David in Oakville]

Good Morning Doug,

I think Not Grace Kelly got it right - God (and NBA referees) offer no quarter for these RAPS!

I can't imagine what is going to happen tonight or who Dwane is going to play.. but 1 and 7 is looking like a reality now.

PS: Thank god you have interests outside of basketball and sports, otherwise this blog would be pretty grim some days. Keep up the good work.

[lee in ottawa]

I am not a Jose hater, but, that loss last night has to be put on him. Too many turnovers in key situations. Although it did not help to have Andrea take a nap in the second half.

[Moshigh]

@ Stretch well said..It is Colangelo's mess. Im not drinking that bad tasting koolaid he is serving any longer.

Its obvious the real raptor fans who watch every game know Bargnani is the biggest brick holding the team back. His lack of defense cause's other teamates always wanting to help causing another big defensive problem.
Its way to far gone, 3 coaches have tried it will never work. Bargnani got Sam fired, Ill say and keep saying it. Sam thought Bargnani was (in my words) a lazy no hussle guy!!!! And fast forward to now, look, just look!! I dont care if he scores 20 he allows 30.

This is a big mess!!!

Colangelo and his flippng Bargnani, just makes me sick. I like this team too much to give up, but is wearing on me!!

[Moshigh]

One more quick thought, this Gray stuff has to be really limited, yes IM a arm chair coach and GM, but I think Ed Davis should of got those minutes down the last couple of mins in final overtime. At least he could rebound and have enough of a offensive touch for a basket, Gray, Gray oh my goodness. Half of this team is basically D League, no lie.

[grits]

I'm surprised you don't have an NBA League Pass subscription so you can watch games when you are in situations like last night, won't Mother Star spring for that? Only $99 for the season.

Anyway, it was interesting watching via League Pass last night and listening to the Utah announcers. As soon as Kleiza entered the game they started talking about how he is a Utah killer, had his career game against the Jazz while with Denver, always plays well against them, blah blah, they just wouldn't stop. I'm wondering whether Dwayne knew this info prior to the game.

Blogger's note: Yes, he would

[Tim H.]

Hey Doug:
I cannot for the life of me understand comments like Brent Pulford's! If people don't like what they read here, they should just go away! There is no need for them to comment on how much they hate your blog - it just clutters up the comments for the Irregulars who like to hear insight from other Irregulars!

Based on previous cases, what are the odds that Mr. Pulford will be back?

[Peter]

The story of the night was Demar's maturation, and effort. The side story was some pretty poor officiating. (and I'm with Lorie, I don't usually complain about officiating) It will be interesting to see if Demar is showing fatigue, or if he can keep the same mindset tonight, and attack, attack, attack. He put on a show last night, and it was great to see!

[joeu]

I liked the game. If they play like that, especially with full health, they're going to win their fair share of games.

[Damian]

RE: Phil Jackson.

I don't know why we always have to be neutral, or looking to assign blame to both sides. Phil Jackson simply asked for too much (player veto????) and he got burned. I can't fault the Lakers at all for going in a different direction.

Blogger's note: Or he didn't ask. Neither you nor I know that for sure

[kal]

Can somebody tell me why Valanciunas is only playing first halves?

[D-Mac Ottawa]

I'm seeing a step up from DeRoz that I can't honestly say I would have expected to see. He is at that really, really good stage that is now verging on, yes, I'll say it, great. I don't believe anyone needs to question his early contract renewal. He's showing he's about improving his game and his team, not just his pay cheque.
I'm also pretty darn happy they decided to hang onto Amir...
Tonight will be tough. A couple of W's could on the near horizon, though, and then we'll see where heads and ankles are. Cheers. Go Raps!

[Rob.V]

Blogger's note: Again, you missed it by that much. Can't give away No. 1 pick, it's protected. Solid try. Again. Some day maybe you'll get it all right.
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Yes, but like our Raptors last night the effort was there... just need a bounce to go my way the last couple of days (memory is fading).