A rather impressive performance all around

Well, don’t imagine that could have gone any better.

New guy plays great.

Fans in full throat all night.

Dominating victory over what has to be considered a quality opponent.

And even in the third quarter when they were up 20 or so and I turned to someone and said “this is going to make the inevitable collapse even harder to take than normal” I didn’t really mean it.

Just one of those nights and I’m sure it made everyone happy.

-

THREE POINTERS

A first

Don’t know if any of you even heard about it but both teams were in trouble even before the game began.

In a first for Toronto at least, both teams were given delay of game warnings because they weren’t ready for the opening tip. I’m all for cracking down on the hugs, high-fives and choreographed greetings that precede every game.

Teams have 90 seconds from the end of introductions to get ready, that’s plenty of time for the June Taylor Dancers to gyrate and perform and plenty of time for all the stuff they need to do to get ready.

The Raptors have been pretty good about it all season, I wasn’t paying too much attention to what they did last night but since a second warning results in a technical foul and this team plays its share of super-close games, wasting one such a silly thing is tempting fate.

-

Got the message

Can’t remember what game it was the end of but it was one they let slip away and Dwane was miffed – just a bit – when Terrence Ross took a three when he had at least a chance to drive the ball.

The kid learns.

It was late in the third quarter – the game was pretty much in hand – when he had what looked like a wide open look in the far corner from where we sit.

His mind must have been working because he hesitated a second, saw what was in front of him, drove the ball and made a nice runner in the lane.

The kid is without question going to be an above-average shooter, I believe, but the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim is going to enhance his game greatly.

And it seems like that’s hitting home with him.

-

Sometimes, gambling works

Second quarter, Clippers have the ball and dump it into the post.

Because Aaron Gray had been doing such a good job on Blake Griffin, the Raptors hadn’t been sending a second defender, which made it tougher on the perimeter for L.A.

Well, this time Kyle Lowry decides to dig a little and take a chance; he darts across the lane, swipes at the ball on a dribble, gets a steal that leads to a break that ends with a Gay to DeRozan shovel pass and a DeRozan bucket and free throw.

Dwane’s not been a fan of such gambles, and isn’t a big fan of Kyle hanging around after a Raptors miss instead of getting back in transition, but on cases like last night’s he’ll live with it.

And since it’s a big part of Lowry’s game, if you want him to be himself, you’re going to have to put up with the odd gamble, even if you get burned a few times.

-

More?

Of course there’s a little more.

-

I see my good friends The Tall Foreheads have added an easy way to send a question to the mailbag. Check over to the right under the big picture.

Got a bunch already, there’s always room for more.

And having to wait through a Raptors practice and then possibly a Heat practice (unless they get the day off), there’ll be time to get some questions answered.

-

Hey, did you know today is National Ukulele Day?

And you know what that means, right?

TINY TIM!

-

Yes, we all know I’m a bit of a hard-ass when it comes to Halls of Fame. Too easy for too many to get into them and it takes away from the whole aura of being a Hall of Famer.

And because I may need a note later on this fall about the latest batch of quasi-deserving inductees into one, all you knowledgeable hoopheads should know that Canada Basketball has started the nomination process for this year.

Go here and help them out if you feel like it.

-

Right, the Super Bowl.

Yes, the hype is over the top, the wait for the game in interminable and the actual game is rarely worth all the time and energy wasted in talking about it incessantly for a fortnight.

Oh, and you’d think with all the silly and inappropriate things that get said and done by players that the league would probably like one day between conference championship.

Anyway …

I’m all over the San Franciscos in this one. Go Niners!

Why?

Kezar Stadium!

Those Of A Certain Vintage will undoubtedly remember the olden days of the NFL (and AFL) on TV, right?

Well, in southern Ontario at least, we’d rarely get a double-header (yeah, there were times when there was only ONE GAME ON TV EVERY SUNDAY, kids) and when we did, the nightcap was invariably the 49ers vs. someone at home from venerable Kezar Stadium.

The wind would be howling, it might be foggy, the grass was real and the Niners were the second favourite team (the favourite was the Cleveland Browns because we saw pretty much every game they played at 1 p.m. on Sundays) and for that, and that alone, I shall root for them tomorrow, if I find a stool on which to sit and watch the contest.

You’re welcome, Raven fans.

-

 

 

 

Comments

[Heath]

Any thoughts/comments about what happened at the end of the game regarding Butler's "steal"? I hate the pizza crap, but after that display I wished we had a shot at hitting 100.

Blogger's note: Damn. Forgot to send myself a note to myself to mention it. Totally bush league. Note sent to do it Monday as part of something bigger, I guess.

[Peter]

I'm a little surprised that you didn't make mention of the shenanigans that went on in the dying seconds of the game. Both your IGBT, and your blog seems to have missed it. Perhaps you were writing the gamer?

Given how you really feel the respect for the game is so important, and when the Raptors took a shot in the dying seconds of a game earlier this year, and Dwayne apologized, and you wrote extensively on that situation, I expected you to at least mention the disrespect that the Clippers pulled in the final seconds, when Jonas was doing the respectful thing. Especially given the score, and the looming pizza ridiculousness.

Blogger's note: Just added this to another comment: Damn. Forgot to send myself a note to myself to mention it. Totally bush league. Note sent to do it Monday as part of something bigger, I guess.

[Mike kovacs]

Watching the game last night and my impression is that if AB stays around he may actually do a lot better because RG will take much of the attention away from him. Also the Raps are rather thinner now at the 3 pt line.

[Matt M]

It took me ten minutes into Gay's debut to become sold on the trade. I'm still not sure that Ross or JV should be getting less than 20 to 25 minutes but we will see how the rotation develops and if Colangelo can find a nice home for Anderson or Fields. And maybe Bargnani if Casey wants Gray for more than a fourth/fifth (depending on how much Casey wants to use Gay at PF) big role. It will be interesting to see how it plays out in the next few games.

[jon]

If the Raps make the playoffs, what are Colangelo's chances of sticking around?

[Lorie]

Encouraging start for the New Edition (thanks, D-Mac!) but frequently found myself scanning the floor for Jose and almost asked this question during the IGBT more than once last night: "Don't you think we need Jose in there sometime soon?" It's sure going to take some time this time. So, National Ukulele Day? Well, I'll see (just don't make me listen to him!!!) your Tiny Tim and raise you to the lovely levels of Amanda Palmer and her delightful Ukulele Anthem.
http://youtu.be/LX07zUo2kSQ

[sam]

The pieces all seem to fit together, but one game is a rather small sample size to make a judgement. A big game from Amir last night - Aaron Gray played well too...and nice to see JV on the court, although at times his expression was like a deer in the headlights...
With Rudy now in the fold, it will be interesting to see Dwayne rotations, and if the Team can maintain the defensive intensity they played......

[DaveB]

"Don't get too high on wins or too low on losses."

Everything seemed to work last night against a disinterested opponent. Everybody played well and the basket was bigger than usual. Let's see what happens over the next ten games before we plan the parade.

Caron Butlers end of game stupidity was the worst I have ever seen. If Doug Collins was pissed with Calderon and Fields, his head would have exploded with that juvenile play. I was disappointed that Casey laughed it off during the post game instead of calling out Caron for disrespecting the game and, most of all, his opponent.

I didn't know about the delay of game call before the start of the game. Later, Amir got called for another delay of game. I don't remember the clippers shooting a free throw. Did they?

Blogger's note: I don't recall Amir getting one

[larry lukeeborg]

i thought that butler's steal was hilarious....and even moreso when jv started running after him.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Because Caron's little trick was so meaningless in the scope of the evening, I thought it was entirely hilarious. Blatantly, classlessly hilarious.
Thanks, @Lorie, but I think I'm going with Next Edition. BCo is kind of like the Simon Cowell of NBA Idol. "Okay, thanks very much, Jose and (what's his name again? oh yeah, Ed) Ed, you beautiful people... Next!" It's an ambitious hobby, though, and very entertaining.
Cheers. Go Raps!

[Nathan]

Thrilled with the Raptor's win and the energy in the building last night. What was Caron Butler's deal at the end of the game? Sore loser? Complete d?$khead move that I have never seen before. The end of game dribble out/hand shake decorum has been played thousands of times before with respect and without a jack ass move like that. Congrats Caron, you're now that guy. Too bad JV or someone else didn't lay him out into the second row or so. If there was ever a time for a cheap shot foul (and there rarely is) that was the time to take one. I guess that's the only way Caron is getting on ESPN these days.

[Johnn19]

So who were all the people who felt that DeRozan and Gay would not fit playing together?

Blogger's note: I would think even you would have to admit that 30 minutes or so is very small sample size

[David in Oakville]

Good Morning Doug,

Okay enough silliness, you cannot think of the Ukulele without thinking of Brother IZ and this magical recording
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I
+
I agree with D-MAC what happened at the end was hilarious. Maybe what Butler did was bush league, but the replay seemed to show that he talked Valanciunas into giving him the ball. When has that ever happened? What did he say? Is there some magical phrase that causes an opponent to give up the ball upon demand? Can we use it when our defense fails?

[DaveB]

Good Point Nathan. I totally agree. a flagrant 2 would have been worth the money. Total disrespect of your opponent who was trying to not embarrass you and you embarrassed yourself. This is as bad as Westbrooke blocking the Mascot's shot.

[Lorie]

@David in Oakville: For years it was Judy Garland's, and then it was Eva Cassady's but immediately upon hearing Israel's version a few years ago, it became my favourite 'New Edition' of that classic song. Thanks for sharing it! Magical, indeed.

[Wilber]

Well, that was fun.

If we're throwing out ukelele suggestions, might I suggest this talented British lass and dedicate it to Jose. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txfbaj3gwnw&feature=share&list=PLA669B162D0DAFE9C

[Arlene]

Great game last night, Raps played stellar defense, but it's only one game. Heat will be a better test on Sunday. Concerned about PG situation although Lowry and Lucas both played well. If BC is hoping to work a trade with Bargs, hope he has some aspirations for a backup PG, or a view to someone in the D-league.
Really missed Jose on the floor...:(

[AT]

It is amazing how the addition of one player makes other players more effective and I think Demar made that realization as well based on the smile on his face after the game. And as someone commented, AB may actually be a better fit here with less pressure to be "the man". Not since VC have we had someone with that personality.. For someone that has had a busy 48 hours, he put up 20 points and made it look effortlessly. I didn't understand this trade but seeing it on the court it makes sense (much more than Steve Nash). Now with the excess wing players, hopefully BC can get another PG. Derek Fisher would be a nice addition. Doug, when will you let us know your thoughts on what BC should do before the deadline?

Blogger's note: Sometime in the next three weeks

[john]

Where are all the BC has ruined this franchise and has to go and I will never watch another game people now? I'm thinking they are in the same place as the ones ripping on the contract given Amir Johnson a couple years ago. They won't win every game but this is the best TEAM the Raps have had since Vince left.
Jose and Ed are awesome guys but winning is nice too. If everyone remembers how LeBron shut down Demar at end of Miami game. He can't guard both DD and RG. DW and RA can't guard either one.
-
I don't understand what all the talk about financial flexibility is. The Raps are going to have a very nice team when JV gets more experience. What exactly do you want flexibility to do exactly? There is an awesome young core tied up for at least the next two years. Is it better to just keep options open forever 'just in case' something happens? Where is the next upgrade sorely needed? Please lay off JL3. He is head and shoulders the best 3rd string pg in the league and Boston would love to have him right about now. Flexibility shmexibiliy, every contract is tradable as has been proven in the past. Spend the money and let er' ride for once. If this team gets good there will be buckets of money to spend from all the advertising revenue generated from a whole country which is much more lucrative than seat sales.
GO RAPS!!!
-
my wish list... BC trade AB for a rebounding big who has some post scoring and come into next year without 50% turnover in the starting line up and let the team play for a while.

[Ken B]

@John: My sentiments exactly! Well said. How about Andrea for Pau Gasol?

[D-Mac Ottawa]

@Lorie, and I hope this isn't too late: The absolute 100% PERFECT movie to replace your Super Bowl viewing, and you can take this to the bank: Silver Linings Playbook. Just saw it.
Cheers. Go Raps, Next Edition!

[B]

Is there any chance they will try to make Alan Anderson a pg for the rest of the season?

Blogger's note: No; emergency guy at best

[GM]

I never understand the outrage when a winning team takes one extra shot near the end of a decided game, so you won't be surprised that I wasn't the least bit outraged over Butler's crafty little steal. I thought it was funny. As someone else said, the game was decided and it meant nothing. Now, if the Clips had the game wrapped up and the Raptors were just holding onto the ball because it wouldn't make a difference if they scored, and then Butler pulled that, it would be entirely different. But really, you always hear players and coaches talking about playing the full 48 minutes, so just play. I think there's a lot more disrespect of an opponent in a game like Houston thrashing the Jazz by 45 points. That's piling on. An extra 2 points in a decided game is meaningless.

Hey, you want fantastic ukulele music? Here's a local group from Langley, BC, made up of kids from 12 to 19. I saw them at this show and was blown away. And all three songs they perform are different styles. It's the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, which has been a group for 31 years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTBhmIYb4Do

[GM]

That uke link started at the beginning of a half-hour show. Here's the link starting at the time of the ukelele band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTBhmIYb4Do&t=14m32s