Game Recap: Magic 102, Raptors 87
Another loss, but a loss with hope gives fans something to look forward to. With the Raptors giving the Magic some difficulties for at least three quarters, the Raptors displayed some of the grit that was missing from their previous two outings. Unfortunately, with some questionable shot selection in the final frame and a rested, yet focused Dwight Howard on the floor, the Raptors just could not muster enough to take down their potential first round rivals.
It was a combination of strong team rebounding that kept the Raptors within the game. Carlos Delfino and Anthony Parker both led the Raptors with nine boards a piece, as they out-rebounded the Magic offensively by 10. However this statistic is a little misleading. With the Raptors only shooting 41% from the field, the chances for the team to get rebounds was much more likely. And as disturbing as the overall shooting percentage was, the three-point shooting and free throw percentages were uncharacteristically low. Amazingly, TJ Ford, Anthony Parker, Jose Calderon and Kris Humphries all shot above 50% from the field, which should indicate just how poorly the rest of the team was shooting for the majority of the night.
Once again though, it was Primoz Brezec who gave the Raptors some energy from the bench. While some will question his ability to play in a controlled style, his hustle and the constant chip on his shoulder seem to push the entire team when they hit small lulls. When Brezec commented on the previous game, he lamented about the lack of grit of the team and he is, without a doubt, one of the few that is ready and willing to address this fault. It’s just too bad that without Chris Bosh, the Raptors were clearly over matched against an Orlando team that was prepared to avenge a double digit loss in Toronto earlier this year. Some questions have to be posed though, about TJ Ford’s involvement in the fourth quarter. Forcing the issue, he attempted to attack the basket, but was routinely caught underneath against big men. The most glaring factor was the fact that TJ Ford took all the shots for the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter. It was this poor decision making that led to his uncharacteristically high seven turnovers which accounted for more than half of the team’s totals. The really questionable thing was, when Calderon re-entered the game, it was so Sam could put his “two point guard” scheme into play again, instead of yanking TJ for his ill advised work on the court.
One final point about the fourth quarter. While Toronto kept the game close for most of the game, Dwight Howard’s emergence in the fourth and the Raptors’ inability to pick up a final foul on the big man, allowed Dwight to decimate the Raptors from the inside with alley-oops and dunks. Without the Raptors putting a big lineup on the floor for the fourth, Dwight managed to abuse Bargnani. Of course, the argument from Sam would be that at that point, he couldn’t afford to place another big on the floor as they were all shooting badly with the excepting of Kris Humphries. The Magic also counted on some great production from Rashard Lewis as he finally managed to have a big game against the Raptors. Add to that the aggressive and efficient play of Hedo Turkoglu and the Raptors just could not keep up with the Magic down the stretch.
The best thing that can be taken from this loss is the fact that the Raptors kept pace with a team that they have a high chance of seeing in the playoffs. They did so without Chris Bosh, shooting poorly from beyond the arc and playing in the Magic’s house. It should be inspiring, then, for the Raptors should they have to face the Magic without home court advantage. As long as the team makes a concerted effort on rebounding, the Raptors can remain competitive with most teams, even without their best players, and definitely without shooting their best basketball. It’s not much, but after losses to Indiana and Charlotte, it’s definitely something to build on.
Next Game: Toronto @ Miami
Comments
By Tfan on March 5th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I’m a big fan of TJ. I think that he’s really really talented, but I think that we’re better off without him. First of all he’s not a true PG, hence the “I can do it all myself” style of play (and he can do it too…sometimes). Secondly, he’s too small to be the shooting guard with Jose at the point. IMHO, Colangelo will have to consider trading TJ this summer in order to improve the team.
As for the game, it was another frustrating affair with Delfino jacking up shots (although he played well defensively) and our poor shooting. In fact, I turned off the TV by 9pm and called it a night. I sure hope they can take Miami tonight.
By Big Mac on March 5th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I hope all raptor and NBA fans are now clearly seeing the terrible result of the Raptors pick at #1 in last years NBA Draft. Last night against Orlando is another result of how Bargnani continues to regress, on drives to the basket he was just throwing the ball at the rim hoping something would fall instead of slowing himself down as D Howard picked him up and trying to create further fouls. There was one play where Andrea was lucky to get to the line after he just lost the ball on his way to the hoop yet one ref was generous enough to call a phantom foul. Bargnani is not even close on his 3 point attempts whether at home or on the road and defensively he continues to refuse to stay with his man and ends up caught in no mans land as driving guards kick to Bargnani’s man for open looks.
As I watch LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy continue to develop into exactly the types of players the Raptors need I am constantly reminded that not only will Bargnani be out of the NBA before the completion of his rookie contract, likely never to be heard from again on this side of the Atlantic, this guy is NOT an NBA player, but also that Brian Colangelo should have the halo removed from around his head and answer for his reasoning in making a pick that could possibly set the Raptors back long term rather than contribute towards the teams continuing progression into a consistent contender.
By Anthony RapFAN on March 5th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Woah BigMac,
I think you are lil’ too harsh on Bargs, and he ain’t gonna be out of the league dude, he’s got the right attitude to stay in the league for a long time. This season is “shit” and we have to survive this torture. This season all rested on the shoulders of Bargnani’s progress and it feels like he’s hitting the pavement after a steady rise. The jury is still out on this guy and I think next season will determine his real future here in the NBA. He has to get used to banging big centers and then shooting his 3s, you can see Nowitzki not even doing any of these duties because he’s the only legit PF in Dallas and has Erik Dumpers will him to do al that work. Maybe Bargs shouldn’t bang with the centers at all, but it will not allow him to agjust to the punishment early. I’d only make Bargs leave if someone wants a package for Chris Paul or Kobe.
By Kinnon Yee on March 6th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Tfan - Unfortunately, I had nowhere to run. Had to write this recap :p The crazy thing is, I understand where Ford is coming from, and we need his “attitude” at times. My problem is that one of Ford or Mitchell should have recognized what he was doing at the start of the 4th quarter, and yet, neither made the necessary changes needed. I don’t believe TJ’s a movable commodity, so the importance of Calderon resigning and a good campaign from Roko Ukic will be a little bit important next year.
BigMac - I’ll have to agree to disagree. Bargnani’s shown some sustained ability to do some of the things required him as a center, including drawing fouls on a semi-consistent basis, something that he’s gotta continually work on, and is a big indicator if he’s dialed in on a particular night. In a year, if Bargnani doesn’t make the proper progression, I will stand next to you and ask that the Raptors entertain trade offers, but for now, I’m cutting him a lot of slack, and giving him rope. What he does with that rope remains to be seen…
Anthony - I wouldn’t go quite that far either. He’s gotta get some decent training over the summer, and not from the Euroleague or Italian national team who regressed his progress with the Raptors. Most importantly is the need for Garbajosa to return. I think there’s been a LOT of times where Bargnani’s been isolated. TJ Ford doesn’t really get him the ball on the court, and today, you could see some problems between Brezec and Bargnani on the floor. The body language isn’t good at times, and I think he’s had to go at it alone this year, which hasn’t been easy. A big man coach and Garbajosa is just what the rook needs to make sure he gets it next year.
Trackbacks