Game Recap: Raptors 109, Nets 91
Talk about shutting a team completely down. From my seats at this game, I got to observe another thorough thrashing of an opponent live. It was a thrashing, however, with some significance. Those watching were able to get a good look as the Raptors manhandled a team, with which they had fits last year, for the second time this year. Granted, it was a team without Jason Kidd or Malik Allen, the Raptors still put down a team that could have become dangerous if they had the chance.
Now it’s hard to see the difference at times, but Andrea Bargnani’s defense for this game was somewhat spectacular as he closed out on opponents and made sure to get close to his man on switches. If this was the influence of temporary coach Jay Triano, then Jay should definitely do more game preparation. It was pretty nice to see Andrea get back quickly and recover to challenge the shots of his man and still try and get around for a rebound every once in a while. Chris Bosh made some effort to get to the inside of the Nets and in spite of his bruised knee, still managed to pour in 27 points on an extremely efficient 67% shooting percentage. Jose Calderon showed up with more of the raw emotion he displayed at the end of the Spurs game. It was with little surprised that he continued his great play especially at the beginning of the game by attacking the Nets consistently.
Which brings us to how the Nets faired for most of the night. Although the final score indicates an 18-point difference, the Raptors played most of the fourth quarter with bench players manning the floor and little defence or organization. It’s for that reason that players like Stromile Swift ended up with such a high percentage and managed to get some highlight reel dunks. However, during this time in the fourth quater, Raptors fans should have taken note about several things. For one thing, the Nets were a weakened team, and yet, one of the strengths of our team could not maintain or extend the lead. In particular, Darrick Martin and Juan Dixon often made a mess on the floor and players like Maceo Baston and Kris Humphries made grave mental errors. However, the most concerning part of the night to me was just how out of control Carlos Delfino played for a lot of the night. Called for two palming violations and some reckless dribble drives into a clogged painted area, Delfino had trouble finding his rhythm all night long. On the other end of the ball he was often caught on screens. It was just by a little luck that Carter and Jefferson were shooting so poorly from the field that the Raptors managed to build a huge lead and put the hammer down.
Looking into the All-Star Break, there are a few things that the Raptors need to look at seriously. The first is that Bryan Colangelo will undoubtedly be at the games to talk with the other GMs about possible trades and moves in order to bring in another piece that’s missing from the franchise. On the other hand, TJ Ford’s presence is either going to drive the Raptors to that next level or his absence will end up costing them in the second half of the season. In any case, it’s up to Ford to return at full capacity. With Ford in the line up the past few games, we saw a rejuvenated Rasho Nesterovic provide some unexpected offense. Jason Kapono found himself open in the outside and inside of the arc, and opposing teams found themselves having to defend one of the most difficult point guards in the league. Without Ford, the Raptors will continue to suffer horrible losses because Ford’s presence just makes the bench that much more dangerous, which is absolutely crucial in the upcoming months.
Next Game: Orlando @ Toronto
Comments
By Gagan on February 14th, 2008 at 3:17 am
I have loved Andrea’s defense since the start of the new year, I am not sure if it was a New Year’s resolution of his or not, but he has been so much better recently. In the past 10 games or so he has played very poised on the defensive end and has been positionally sound, which in turn has helped him on the offensive side of the ball as well.
It’s really good to see him becoming a solid defender. So, even when his shot isn’t falling, you can still count on him and keep him in the game. I think his rebounds will come as if you notice a lot of the time he is so keen on trying to block out his man that he will let a teammate grab the the board instead.
By anj on February 14th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I dunno if the Raps had fits with the Nets last year. They split the season series and lost in 6 in the playoffs.
I really hope Kidd’s bound to the Nets for the rest of the season, the wifebeater.
By Jeff W on February 14th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
LOL @ “Darrick Martin and Juan Dixon often made a mess on the floor” — maybe Smitch should hold their faces to the “mess” and say, “Bad guard! Bad!”
By Gagan on February 14th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I was hoping for Martin to jack up a three the whole time he was there but damn Humphries kept taking all the shots. lol. The fans wanted it as well!
By Kinnon Yee on February 14th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Anj - I’d say so. the Raptors couldn’t win on the Net’s home court and beat the crap out of them at home because Jefferson and Kidd were out on both games. And then, in the playoff series, Bosh got manhandled for 5.75 games.
Jeff W - Dude. It STUNK. You could smell it all the way throughout the arena!
Gagan - Yeah. He’s still not taking charges like last year, but like I said to my buddy last night, as long as I see him go to the line about 5 times a game, and play somewhat solid defense, I’m satisfied.
By Anthony RapFAN on February 16th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
KY,
I’m glad the fans still had their “VC sux!” Gusto in their pocket and still plenty of it left. I hope you joined in as well.
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