Game Notes: New York at Toronto
* It was bittersweet to see Rowan Barrett doing media stuff for Raptors TV today. I know he’ll do a great job for Raptors TV, but after seeing him play a large role on the Canadian National Team this summer I’m disappointed to know that he’s retired from playing professional basketball. I talked with him briefly in the media room and he said he’s happy with his decision because it’s allowing him more time with his family and the chance to play some new sports like tennis and football.
* Before the game I asked Sam Mitchell for his thoughts on Andrea Bargnani’s game last night against Cleveland where he scored an impressive 15 points in just over 25 minutes of burn. Mitchell paused slightly and then told me, “I put more emphasis on practice. A lot of guys played well (last night) because they did a lot of the things we’ve been working on them with. Again, it’s the first preseason game… and we just want to build on it. For young players it’s probably more important, but we’re going into Andrea’s third season so Andrea has enough games under his belt to understand this is the NBA and what things he has to do. I’m sure he’s looking at these games the same way, an extension of practice and trying to get better at the things he needs to get better at.”
* Tonight I watched Andrea Bargnani whenever he was on the court and I was impressed with what I saw; it was like seeing a completely different player than the one who wore #7 last season. Bargnani did a great job getting set on the low block on defense, he challenged a ton of shots, he was aggressive on the glass, he took the ball to the rim with authority and his footwork is much improved. Overall it’s a more composed, aggressive and downright “nasty” player that should see a huge in his role with the Raptors this season.
* When Mike D’Antoni was asked before the game about his thoughts on his Olympic experience he cracked a huge ear-to-ear grin and joked, “Well, I learned coaches don’t get medals” After he stopped laughing he told the media he loved the experience and about how he loves a picture he has of his team.
* Something that really impressed me tonight is the way new Raptors announce Matt Devlin carries himself. Even though it’s been months since we talked (and he was in Beijing for the Olympics where he must have met countless media members and fans) he still remembered my name and struck up a conversation with me. On top of that, whenever he would meet someone new he’d shake their hand and get their name. I could be wrong, but if I was a betting man I’d wager that if Devlin were to run into that person a couple months from now he’d still know their name.
* The Raptors were using Trick Daddy’s song “Let’s Go” for their intro before the game. The video was a training camp montage so I’m not sure they’ll use it during the season, but I have my fingers crossed as it’s a great song to get the players and fans hyped before games. The song did the trick tonight as Nate Robinson couldn’t help trying to dance close to one of the Raptors dance pack members…
* Jason Kapono had two pump fakes tonight that stuck out because he shook the New York defender so bad he had a couple seconds to set his feet and hoist up a three-point attempt. Why are the Knicks playing him so close when he’s not known for his drives? In my mind, if someone’s a spot up three-pointer shooter you guard them for that, not the drive.
* Walking down to the tunnel after the game tonight David Lee was visibly frustrated after the loss. You’ve got to hand it to a guy who gets worked up over what is essentially a meaningless game that amounts to being nothing more than a glorified scrimmage.
* Mike D’Antoni opened his post game press conference by joking, “We only got 23 three-point attempts?”
* I was told to keep an eye on Wilson Chandler but I wasn’t impressed by his play tonight. Besides a stunning dunk in the grill of Jermaine O’Neal in the first half, nothing from his game tonight stood out for me and he looked like just another bench player. D’Antoni didn’t see the same thing and was pleased with what Chandler gave the Knicks and gushed to the media after the game, “I thought Wilson was great. He’ll get a bit more comfortable (as the season progresses) but he adds another dimension to us when he’s a power forward. He opens it up and he’s hard to guard.”
* Chris Duhon finished with a game high six turnovers and I couldn’t help but wonder how long D’Antoni’s man crush on Duhon will last. Personally, I doubt it’ll last to opening night if this keeps up, however after the game D’Antoni raved about his point guards near “triple-double” and told the media he likes Duhon’s work ethic.
* Stephon Marbury is producing a 45-minute fitness video called “Starbury & Aim Sports Medicine Presents: The Rebuilding of the Mind, Body and Soul of a Superstar.” It’s due to be on shelves in time for the Christmas shopping season.
* I have to give a shout out to my friend Holly MacKenzie who provided some great company during the game today. It’s great to know she’ll be at games this season so we can chat about hoops.
* I scored an exclusive interview with Allan Houston that will be posted within the next few days here on Hoops Addict. Make sure you check back for the scoop on why he ended his retirement and what he feels he’ll bring to the Knicks this season.
* Make sure you check out Posting and Toasting for some great Knicks content. Seth was able to head to Skidmore College this week and snagged some great video interviews with various Knicks players and coaches.
This article was written by:
Ryan McNeill - who has written 208 posts on Hoops Addict.
Ryan McNeill is the editor for Hoops Addict and has appeared on NBA XL and WSRQ 1220. Ryan has covered the NBA with media credentials since the 2007 season.
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