A throwback night to the good old days and an important story

Man, this whole idea of getting five hours sleep on nights after games plays havoc with getting this done by 7 a.m. or so but it does feel good. So I’m not real sorry for being tardy.

Anyway …

Well, that was some night. It really reminded me of the olden days: Big crowd, big game, close game, dramatic finish and everyone went home happy.

Might have been, all things considered, the best game in building this season.

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THREE POINTERS

An impressive quarter

Remember when it was terrifying for fans to think of the start of the second half with these guys?

They’d come out the locker room a tad sleepy, either fall so far behind a comeback wasn’t possible or they’d give up a comfortable lead and have to scratch and claw rather than coast.

Not so much last night.

They blitzed the Knicks in the third – Rudy Gay had seven field goals in the quarter and the Knicks had four – and it all started with them getting stops.

After letting the Knicks shoot 50 per cent from the floor in the first half, New York shot 4-for-13 (30.8 per cent) in the third quarter and Toronto got a boatload of transition baskets. And against a team that can lock in defensively when it wants to, that’s huge.

Dwane knew it:

“Against this team, they’re so smart with defensive savvy, if you get in the halfcourt and have to grind it out game, you’ve got Tyson (Chandler) back there looking at you, you’ve got (Jason) Kidd,, who has great defensive hands and Carmelo who can get up into you. It helped fuel our running game and our flow game.”

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Making them pay

They might not have done it enough to satisfy some – including me – but the Raptors did take advantage of New York switching most screen and rolls on enough occasions.

In the second quarter they ran a side screen-roll with Lucas and Gay, got a switch that put Prigioni on Gay and when Lucas got him the ball JR Smith immediately went to double him, Gay kicked the ball back out and a wide open Lucas hit a three-pointer.

Just like you’d draw it up.

Of course, a couple of times they got the switch and Luke couldn’t get the ball to Gay – going into one timeout, Rudy let him know about it – but taking advantages of mismatches and forcing the defence to double is going to make the offence run even more effectively if they keep doing it.

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Got to finish

I don’t know how many times I saw the Raptors get out in transition, have numbers to start the break and end up pulling the ball out and trying to run some set.

I’d suggest that the wings – and Gay and DeRozan are the primary targets – need to run to the rim more often; it seems to me they get to about three point line and either slow down or flare out to the sidelines, they need to keep going all the way to get even more easy looks.

That probably comes with familiarity, they have to know the guard will be looking for them but they have to do it.

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More?

Sure.

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Three-legged dog walks into the saloon and hops up on a stool.

“What can I do for you,” bartender asks.

“I’m looking for the man who done shot my pa.”

(Admit it, you giggled a bit)

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In case you’re in some Oscar pool – for recreational and entertainment reasons only because gambling is bad for you – it is my considered opinion (reached after speaking to the First Lady Of The Beat) that Django Unchained upsets Lincoln in the best picture race at the Oscars tomorrow night.

But the question is: Where do the Oscars rank in the awards show race?

I’ve got them behind the SAG awards because the Oscars have always struck me as stuffy and a bit full of themselves. The SAG show seems more real and relaxed and I’m all about real and relaxed.

I’d put the Emmys next because I watch an awful lot of TV and the Grammys a distant fourth because I haven’t heard of most of the acts.

If you’re in Canada, it’s the Junos way over the Geminis, right?

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Speaking of …

I have no clue about the music category and what’s good but if this ditty doesn’t win, I’m sad.

I hear Les Miserable turned from a great stage production in a good movie and the song’s pretty dang good.

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Got an awful lot of the mail already done but there’s room for more and I’ll have a few hours this afternoon to work on it.

Help a fella out?

It’s askdoug@thestar.ca.

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So, I’m trolling the tweeter and I see someone’s linked up this story and, as I mentioned yesterday afternoon, you’ve got to read it.

This young dude is a cousin of mine, it’s a helluva tale about a young man not giving in to a disability and it’s actually kind of inspirational in some way. Parents need to read it, kids need to read it; I’m glad it got written.

Way to go, Matt.

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What about those Knicks?

Well, they are definitely on the geriatric side but they do play smart and sneaky, if slow.

But can they beat Miami and win the East?

I don’t think so.

Their offence is far too dominated by one guy, even if Carmelo Anthony is prolific scorer, and defensively they’re great when Tyson Chandler gets to alter every shot but the backcourt’s really inadequate and the bench is terribly thin.

I was talking to Marcus Camby before the game and he said he’d be back in about a week and Rasheed Wallace will help but I just don’t see them being good enough to survive through a playoff grind.

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Comments

[coachd]

Hi Doug,
What do you make of the abuse that is being heaped on Bargnani by Raptor fans? Why have they turned on him? Is the organization to blame? The media? Or, has he brought it on to himself?

Blogger's note: I think it's ridiculous to boo an individual player who missed two months and came back to a brand new team; and the blame needs to be shared by him and some of my colleagues. But whaddya gonna do?

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

Said to me last night in a place with stools: "Toronto, really? Booing Bargnani! Who do you think you are? Philadelphia?"

Way to keep it classy T-dot.

ciao,

marc in panama
marc in panama

[Rob.V]

Absolutely agree on the Knicks. Kidd has been a HOF player over the past 15 seasons however as they say - no one escapes father time.

It was mentioned yesterday here that Gay's contract was already an albatross however last nights game was a good indication of the direction the Raptors are going.

They are 7-3 post trade, and a team on the rise in the East.

Knicks - Grunwald was looking to compete for a championship this year. Not going to happen. Sure, they're good (not great), but when I look at their roster, they're a team on the decline.

Boston - See the Knicks. They'll have to get assests back for KG and Pierce if possible however when those 2 leave?... it's all over for the C's as well.

Nets - It wont be long before this aging team is wondering what the heck they are going to do with the contracts of Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace. That's $25-$27 million in cap space to players on the wroooong side of 30!

Raptors - With some internal growth from JV,Ross, and Derozan still on the horizon, a chip to play this summer, the Raptors are in a good position moving forward as these other 3 teams continue their downward decline.

There is nothing sexy about 23-33, but the Raptors have taken a big step forward post the Rudy Gay trade... and I'm starting to believe that a 16-10 or 18-8 record is not entirely out of the question down the stretch here which may get them close.

[Matt M]

Dear Rudy,
Great game last night. You were clutch down the stretch and I can only imagine how much DeRozan loves having you around because you open things up for him. One small point. When you dribble into a triple team at the end of games it is because you have become too predictable and teams do not fear leaving their guy open to stop you. I know you are the man, and as such you get more kudos if you hit a shot while triple teamed, but really the best play is to pass to one of the two open players. Yeah Lebron gets criticized for this by Kobe etc. but really it would open things up for you and allow you to be more clutch. If the defense has to respect the pass then they can't triple team you. Just a thought. I'm a huge fan right now.
Thanks.

[Rob.V]

Booing Andrea? Come on guys, quit it!!

This makes NO sense. He starts for 6 seasons and no one boos. The guy get's injured, comes off the bench (like most of you wanted)... and you boo because the coach simply inserts him into the game????

Aside from being entirely classless, it's foolish!!... because we're trying to WIN GAMES!!!

Look,

- we want him to shoot with confidence.
- we want him to play better right?
- we want to make the playoffs, yes?
- we want more value in a potential trade that may present itself this summer, correct?

Then take your heads out of your behinds and think about it for a moment?.

STOP the booing and let's help him get his confidence back because he can flat out STICK SHOTS off the bench for this team.

You lazy asses rarely boo opponents, booing Andrea is ridiculous at this point.

GROW UP!. If you want the Raptors to win, then do what's in the best interest of helping the team.

Booing a home team player struggling does nothing to help the Raptors win!.

I'm trying to understand the thought process here: Hey, why don't we spend our hard earned money to go to a Raptors game tonight. They're playing better, we want them to win, and possibly make the playoffs.... but when I'm there, I'm going to boo a player that MIGHT ACTUALLY HELP US ACHIEVE THIS GOAL.

Please, retarted people. Stay home... the rest of us want to make the playoffs!! (sorry for the name calling Boss/guy in Oakville - had to vent).

[J]

What Matt M said.

Also, now that you no longer have Gasol and Randolph clogging up the lane, do notice you have the green light to drive more. =P

[AT]

Yes, Booing Bargnani is totally counterproductive if you want the guy to get back on track. Question for you Doug in that respect. It seems that nothing is being run for him, and his team mates are looking past him as an option. Doesn't Casey have to take some responsibility for his lack of offensive production by not geting him involved in the play? Guys like Landry Fields are excellent without the ball;active on the boards, cutting to the hoop, creating shots for himself but that is abviously not Bargnani's game. Will they figure out a way to use him in a way to maximize his abilities (stretch the floor in hit 3's)?

Blogger's note: Yes, I think they should run more stuff for him; even get him in the post right off the bat.

[AT]

one more comment .. I totally agree with @Rob V
Whether you like it or not, Bargnani is here to stay for the rest of the season. Help the guy out, it's not like he is saying stupid things about the city or is demanding trades. Pretty certain all he wants to do is get thing back on track and help contribute. He has shown his ability to put up points when they need them. Give they guy a break!!

[Lorie]

Good Morning, Doug
Nice song, but my money, I mean my "heart" :), is firmly behind the song composed by Burlington, Ontario's own Mychael Danna for Life of Pi. Mychael's been scoring music for films for years, but this is one of his loveliest compositions. But a wee disclaimer. A personal connection - I worked with his dad, a lovely man who had an operatic voice and sang Ave Maria at my wedding many years ago when Mychael was but a young musician with a band in his parents' basement.
http://youtu.be/6fr1trE54oU
And good joke. Tickled my funny bone. But then I'm still chuckling at the one about the horse with the long face. Nice win last night by the HOTH. Now, on to the TOD. And this season, the name feels right.

[DaveB]

I fully agree with Rob V's second posting. He states, "I'm trying to understand the thought process here:". Rob V, assume there isn't any thought process, there probably aren't even any neurons firing. It is getting to the point where Casey will only be able to play Andrea on the road to get his confidence back. I never thought he would lose his confidence, but I guess being bullied by the Toronto media (foremost) and the fans will destroy any person. It is sad and embarrassing.

[J]

From an alternate point of view, I wonder if booing Bargnani might also be detrimental to the rest of the team. It's one thing to be booed while away, but being booed on home court has to be at least a little distracting for all the other players not named Bargnani. Imagine being neck and neck in a close game, then hearing boos for a teammate; it's not the best for one's focus. And if you don't think players notice, well, Lowry noticed... and even tweeted his disagreement with it.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Best way to shut down the brainless boo birds is to outCHEER them. Those knuckleheads are a minority. Time for the silent majority to open their pie holes and show that T.O. backs its team. Get on your feet and be FANS - great teams call the fan base their "sixth man", and that kind of energy and support is literally hard to beat.
Meanwhile, Bargs can do his part to shut a few pie holes on his own, by simply taking care of business. He can do it; see Bargnani, late 2011 to early 2012 for evidence.
Cheers. Way more CHEERS! Go Raps!

[larry lukeeborg]

another yes to rob v

[akashsingh]

with all the comments adressing the "booing of bargnani"

I have to commend you doug for not mentioning it in your blog, and giving these booing idiots their 15 mins of fame. It's appreciated.

[doug]

great game, place was hopping and a big win and all anyone wants to talk about on here is some booing...who cares about the booing really as there is more then enough blame to go around, Bargs is a grown man he needs to take some responsibility and at least be engaged and not cruise, his teammates see it and it is up to him to make himself involved in the game not the other way around ...and then there is BC who has set up Bargs to fail just because he couldn't get what he wanted at trade deadline, Bargs needed to be moved as it was the best thing for all involved...yes booing is wrong would I do it not in a million years but it is what it is...why make it a issue....to me that situation is far down the list, Gay was impressive last night as were a few others...cheers..

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

While I found interesting Rob V.'s post regarding the Raptor's and the East's current direction, I keep thinking about the remarkable turnaround that the Celtic's achieved after they went out and got both KG and Ray Allen and in one off season turned a basement dwelling team into a contender for what 5-6 years? (And yes the addition of Rondo certainly helped.) Again, while I agree with the original premise, I just wanted to mention that monumental deals, and huge gambles by GM's sometime pay off.

ciao amigos,

marc in panama

[DC]

the second unit played the knicks to a near draw in the first half, but the fourth quarter saw a 9 point lead turn into a 2 point deficit once the second unit took over. I'll say it again, the raps get exposed when lucas steps on the floor. he looked like the hero in games past, (and again maybe it's not just him) but in the fourth he took a lot of bad shots and opted to play a lot of hero ball. the knicks got out and ran because lucas was unavailable to help contain dribble penetration (as a result of the jose calderon flop-on-the-layup move). Maybe Lowry needs that extra 2-3 minutes of rest for his back or what-have-you. it's something that still needs work. Great game for JV early on putting the pressure on chandler. Great game from Rudy, just being 'the man' and DeRozan now gets 15-25 points a night and makes it look easy. With the old roster, you could tell how hard it was and how much work it took for derozen to get 15, now it's practically automatic. The difference a real small forward makes in the NBA. The raps need everything to go right for themselves and everything to go wrong for everyone else if they're going to make the playoffs. pound the rock

Im disgusted to know that anyone attending a raptors game would boo bargnani. it's worse than booing a victory that ends with 98-99 points and you don't get a lousy slice of carboard with wax and ketchup on it. Everyone knows his star has faded considerably. They're winning basketball games, there is no reason to boo anyone no matter how much their productivity has dropped. Maybe a free primo pasta and sauce if raps score 100 and the goons will stop the booing?

[john]

Someone please send out a search warrant for all the experts that said the trade was going to ruin this team. Call Greenpeace cause crow could become endangered if all the media experts step up and admit they were wrong. Forget the fact that they are 7-3 since the trade cause as we have seen those numbers can look pretty gaudy when playing crappy teams. In the last 10 games they played 8 teams that were above .500 and won 5 of them. The Celtics are old. The Knicks have Amare's idiotic contract (BTW where are the experts who predicted that dynasty? Everyone knew he had 6 years on five year knees and if you say I'm wrong then how come no insurance company would insure him?) In two years this is going to be a very, very good team. BC, it looks like you've done a good job. He deserves to get his option picked up for next year so he can watch this team make the playoffs.
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here is an interesting question, do you think that if the Heat don't win this year the big 3 will be broken up given the huge luxury tax hit they will take next year?

[GM]

If Lowry tweeted his displeasure at the booing, that's great. I was thinking one way to maybe stop it is if some of the other players actually addressed it and gave some words of support for their teammate (even if they're not looking for him at all on the court).

I watched the second half after the fact last night, after I read comments here and elsewhere. So I paid close attention to Lucas and the claim that he just holds onto the ball too long and doesn't involve others. I didn't notice it. To be sure, I also didn't notice he was setting guys up with slick assists, but he wasn't holding onto the ball any longer than anyone else. He'd pass it to the wing or post and nothing would happen. They'd get it back to him, and then he had to scramble. Team seems to be doing okay with him in the backup role. It seems Raptor fans don't like when there are two good point guards. They also don't like it when one is clearly better or worse.

@doug wrote (yesterday, I think): "@GM you go on like a broken record, throwing out stat after useless stat...you need to get over it, trades happened it is what it is....cheers..." Cheers to you, too, my good man. Glad I could join your Broken Record club. We've all got our pet causes, don't we? I'm not anti-Gay. I'm against any one player playing one-on-one ball when teammates are open. He played a great game last night. That's what I want to see and I'll be happy if he plays like that in the next game. And I agree that when he is on one of his patented 4-25 streaks, at least he's rebounding and doing other things.

At halftime of the Clippers-Spurs game the other night, Kenny Smith said it better than I ever could, with the addition of film to illustrate his point. He showed the Clippers and said they were all taking turns going one-on-one trying to beat their man (clip of Blake playing bum ball and putting up a shot). He said the players are good enough that this will work sometimes, but it's not good enough to win in the long run. Cue the Spurs. He then showed footage of several possession where 4 or 5 players touched the ball, and the person with the best shot took it. That's championship ball, Smith said.

So to bring it around to my broken record (you younger kids will have to imagine a scratch on a CD or maybe a broken link), Gay is good enough to have nights like last night where he's scoring over double teams. But then we're going to see more games where he's chucking. Again, hopefully we see more of last night's Rudy and more W's.

[Steph]

I can’t help but think just how much the Gay acquisition has bailed Casey out of many tough questions regarding his rotation and substitution patterns. Bargnani is a big part of this team, and should be much bigger because of the space on the floor he can open up for Gay and company. Bargnani has to step up, but Casey has done nothing to get him involved. Also, since the all-star weekend Ross has hardly had any time on the floor. Big V plays a great game and sees no playing time at crunch time? Does Casey know this team is trying to develop? Leaving the players of the future to languish on the bench and not have an opportunity to gain valuable experience at crunch time is just plain wrong.
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Coaches’ get too much credit for wins and too much crap for loses. I agree completely, but coaches can and should be questioned regarding the use or not of the teams assets. The fact that Casey accepts no responsibility for what is happening to Bargnani is unacceptable. Ross not being able to play through mistakes is also unacceptable.
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I’m OK with Colangelo returning or not next year, but if Casey is still our coach next year that will not be OK with me.

Blogger's note: It is a coach's job to win games, these guys are 6-1 in their last seven

[kathyt]

I missed last night's game; however I managed to see the repeat earlier this afternoon. Good win, very entertaining playoff atmosphere type game.

I'd like to add my displeasure with the booing directed towards Bargnani, very counter productive and extremely bush league. I know he needs to find a way to fit in, but give the guy a break; talk about kicking a guy when he's down.

[Steph]

Coaches’ get too much credit for wins and too much crap for loses.
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Blogger's note: It is a coach's job to win games, these guys are 6-1 in their past seven
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Do the wins mean a person should not ask what seems to me to be odbious questions to the coach

[sportschic]

Any insight into this?
http://instagram.com/p/WFky5lJ3XA/ If not, I guess I'll have to stay tuned, as the man said!

Blogger's note: Wish I knew

[Norm DePlume]

The team's offense is running okay without Bargnani. If Casey is going to re-insert him into the rotation, I would far rather he emphasize the dozen or so other parts of the game other than shooting -- rebound, set solid screens, hustle, defense, deflections, etc. If he'd do that, I bet the booing would disappear soon enough.