An ugly game in an empty stadium on a lazy Sunday adds up to a win against a team we should have beat. No surprises here except for Jamario grabbing 9 boards. We got destroyed yet again by the guard penetration of Augustin and Felton, the former looking particularly sharp tonight (but then again so did Jameer Nelson in the playoffs). Though they played well together in Brown’s Super Small Ball Experiment Extraordinaire, Augustin’s going to challenge Felton for that top spot by season’s end. But who cares, because they’re the freakin’ Bobcats and more people show up to Paris Hilton’s birthday party than they do to see a Bobcats home game. It’s sad, particularly because this is supposed to be basketball country. Slow clap for Michael Jordan, everyone.
The Raptors have an uncanny ability to provoke deja vu. Once again, we couldn’t protect the perimeter, hit the easy ones, and had to watch Jermaine sit with foul trouble (though I know some reading this applaud our $20 million center sitting).
But, I still sleep well at night. Why? Because we have CB. The Mighty Mighty Boshtone. And this season, that means more than one man has ever meant in Raptor country. More than Mighty Mouse. More than Half Man/Half Amazing. Despite 36 horrible minutes of team basketball, there is a beacon of light zipping, zagging, and dreadlocking all over the court, leaving trails like a Victoria Day sparkler. And it would have been just as bright had solid 4th quarter play by Will(ie) Solomon and Bargnani not saved this game from the L column.
Will Smith did it between “Fresh Prince” and “Independence Day”. Jay-Z did it between “…Life and Times” and “The Blueprint”. Steve Carrell did it between “The Daily Show” and “The Office”. Our boy Nash did it between Dallas and Phoenix. And somewhere between last season and this one, Chris Bosh made The Leap. My guess is it was on that podium in Beijing where Bosh made the transition from good to great. From start to superstar. From Captain to Leader. You can see it, hear it, and if you get close enough, probably even smell it – that passion, that fury, that “not tonight” look he gets where you know he’s about to go OFF.
This game was headed for an L all the way till the end of the third quarter when Bosh decided that there was no way he’d let the Raptors lose this one. No way. That’s when he started D’ing up everybody he could set sight on, drain every jumper he took, drive on every opportunity and most importantly, picked up the intensity levels of everybody on the team from Moon to Bargnani. The Bobcats had nothing to make up for Bosh’s determination to will his team through and the rest is history. Bosh goes 100% on every play of every game, and as a coach, as an employer, as a fan base, that’s all you can ask. And before you say “that’s what he’s supposed to do”, answer me honestly: How many people do you know who give 100% at their job? That means no phone or email on company time, no web surfing, lunch at your desk, and no chit-chat. Let’s put it this way: if you know someone like this, you probably don’t like them. And so before we consider it a given to go hard every minute you’re on the court, appreciate how truly difficult and commendable this is.
- Kobe Bryant
- Dwayne Wade
- Paul Pierce
- Joe Johnson
- Tracy McGrady
- Vince Carter
- Jason Richardson
- Manu Ginobili
- Richard Hamilton
- Stephen Jackson
- Kevin Martin
- Luol Deng
- Brandon Roy
- Jamal Crawford
- J.R. Smith
- Ronnie Brewer
- Rudy Gay
And I’m sure I’m missing a few. Not being able to guard the perimeter means easy looks, means out-of-sync defence, means trips to the free throw line. It’s the pin on the Raptors grenade. If we have it, we’re safe. But pull that pin…and blammo.
Andrea came out and put together a great all around game. His 18 points don’t make me as happy as his three blocks and overall intensity. As much as Bosh carries this team, each victory there seems to be another role player who comes up. Tonight it was Andrea but at this stage in his development he still can’t be counted on nightly to contribute… though in this guy’s opinion, it seems like he’s getting closer this season.
A paragraph needs to be said about Jamario Moon. I don’t know what their head-to-head record was in high school but in the pros Moon’s shut him down good. Wallace was a non-factor and it was mostly thanks to Moon. Not only did Jamario manage to hit his quirky little jumper a few times he also bothered Wallace to no end and came up with a key fourth quarter block that punctuated a fourth quarter that might’ve been the best quarter of basketball we’ve played this season.
Before we get to tomorrow night’s game, I need to say something about Jermaine O’Neal. I think he’s a good addition. I was skeptical at first, but I see his value now. There’s no denying he’s brought an attitude on defense, active and imposing and physical, but on offense…STOP FADING AWAY! Instead of posting up, spinning, and heading for the rack, he takes his little fadeaways from 6-10 feet. So not only does he not get to the line, but he’s heading away from his target taking a lower percentage shot. This is unnecessary and frustrating to all hell. We know he’s not afraid to bang, but I guess we can add this enigma to the list behind “why doesn’t Jamario drive”, “why Andrea is afraid to close his mouth”, and “why Jose doesn’t trim those goofy sideburns already.”
Now, on to Boston. I’m excited to watch The Champs for 48 minutes, but not to see Pierce and Rondo shred us while kicking it out to Ray Allen for the open, uncontested 3. We’re horribly matched up against this team and the second game in a road back to back coming off a hard-fought victory doesn’t bode well for Toronto. Yeah, they’re coming off a game too, a Tony Allen-led win against the new Detroit Bad Boys. But Jose still has to keep Rondo in front of him, someone’s still gotta chase Ray-Ray around, and Bosh and O’Neal still have Perkins and Garnett to deal with, and that’s not even considering Tony Allen, Big Baby, and Leon Powe. Doesn’t fill me with confidence, but I’ll be cheering and startling my dog with impromptu claps at good plays anyway. Because that’s what a supporter does.. Bosh averaged 20/10 against the Celtics last year and he’s going to have to do one better for us to have a happy ending tomorrow.
This game seems like the perfect opportunity for Humphries to get his wish. Get at ‘er, fella. Go show ‘em all how to Hump.
49 Raps
Arsenalist,
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re: We got destroyed yet again by the guard penetration of Augustin and Felton, the former looking particularly sharp tonight (but then again so did Jameer Nelson in the playoffs).
——————————-
IMO, this specific observation is simply not true.
Did the Bobcats PG combo penetrate vs Jose Calderon?
Yes, it did.
Did Jose shoot his J and pass over & around Charlotte’s smallish PG’s?
Yes, he did … to the tune of 13 Pts, 7 Ast and 0 TO’s [I think].
Did the Raptors ‘lose’ this specific match-up on the floor, in Sunday’s game?
No, they did not.
Please take the names …
Kevin Martin, Luol Deng, Ronnie Brewer, Jamaal Crawford, Jason Richardson and J.R. Smith
off that list. : )
And, add-in [at least] the names:
Lebron James & Travis Outlaw, when they play the #3-spot.
khandor, I didn’t write this article but I disagree with you anyway.
DJ and Felton took turns killing Calderon, Kapono and Solomon for three quarters and it wasn’t until Solomon started pressuring Felton in the fourth quarter that the threat was neutralized.
Yes, Calderon offset some of their production but that doesn’t mean they didn’t do damage and as Dinosty says “destroyed” us. Their PG combo went for 26/10 and got as many “hockey assists” as they got real ones. Not bad numbers given how they mostly came in three quarters.
With sincere apologies … Dinosty [didn't take the time to double-check the author's name]. : )
IMO, the respective PG combo’s played more-or-less ‘even’ in today’s game … if you examine the ‘Possession Outcomes’ record for each team.
re: Jermaine O’Neal’s contribution in today’s game
19 minutes only … is terrific.
The less he plays the better it is for Bosh AND, specifically, Bargnani.
9 rebounds, at last … is terrific.
When he focuses on REBOUNDING and not scoring the ball … JO becomes a useful … if drastically overpaid … version of Rasho Nesterovic, which is all this year’s team needed to put on the floor this season, in addition to elevating Jose Calderon into the role of full-time PG.
Whatever blocked shots JO gets is strictly a bonus.
========================================
The fact is …
today’s game vs Charlotte fundamentally changed at the 05:37 mark of the 3rd Q, when Bargnani was subbed in for Jermaine O’Neal, the score was Tor 50, CHA 60
and the respective line-ups became:
Tor: Calderon, Parker, Moon, Bargnani & Bosh [what I wrote down at the time]
versus
CHAR: Felton, Richardson, Wallace, Dudley and Okafor [based on my memory].
========================================
IMO … JO is still a very good 3rd or 4th Big.
re: Jamario Moon vs Gerald Wallace
In the NBA, G-Wallace is a non-dribbling #3 and, more consistently & importantly, an under-sized scoring #4.
Jamario Moon [especially with Joey Graham, in reserve] is a terrific 1-V-1 match-up for the Raptors vs G-Wallace.
================================
One of Larry Brown’s coaching errors in today’s game was never going back to Matt Carroll in the 4th Q when the Bobcats were desperately searching for a perimeter J-shooter on their squad who could knock down a badly needed outside shot for their team.
Yes, Bosh is going to have a great career season. Everybody knows. Stevie Wonder did great albums before Songs in the Key of Life. Bosh’s upside is unlimited. I’m very happy he is a raptor. Bargnani and O’neal can make a complete front court. Sam Mitchel should not be fired. Adam Morrison is not a total bust.
And it is very silly that Jared Dudley can start and be effective for an nba team
I like the title of this article because it’s appropriate for a young developing team like the Raps.
I agree that Bosh has indeed taken a positive leap in developing his game, and his emergence as THE MAN on this team has cemented his position as the leader and face of this franchise. His actions on the court inspire his teammates to raise their games, as great leaders have done and should do. I think people naturally want to follow a strong leader, and at this early point in the season, it’s clear that CB4 is fulfilling that role.
On a side note, the worrywart in me is concerned about the huge minutes he is logging (2nd in the NBA in mpg I think), although I’m not exactly sure my worries can be justified. Does a lot of playing time necessarily mean a shorter NBA career? Perhaps if he were doing more acrobatic moves and occasionally landing awkwardly like Dwyane Wade it would be more reasonable to worry about heavy minutes.
As for Moon, I was really happy to see him starting to elevate for rebounds, and I hope he can continue to do this on a regular basis. I wish he’d stop with the late-on-rotation-jump-and-flail-madly-on-pumpfake routine, though. At one point in the third quarter I thought he was gonna fly right into Smitch with a superman punch. In any event, glad to see him rebounding on Sunday. I’d love to see a 2008-09 season highlight reel dunk from him, too – I think he’s overdue for one.
Bargnani looks like a completely different player on defense to me. More aware of his surroundings, active and looking to be productive as a help defender. Still a work in progress, but to me has taken a leap forward as well. It’s also a relief to see him sinking treys again.
I’m new to this online Raptor world so I apologize in advance if this post is just a rehash of something that either the author or any of the other Republic owners or any of the other far more knowledgeable posters have already mentioned. As I’ve already mentioned to Dinosty and Arsenalist, great job on the site.
Brutal Jay-z reference. Reasonable doubt was his best album. I wish I could make some remark like “and bitches were sleeping on him then just all yall sleeping on the Chris Bosh.” But thats not true. I heard someone on NBA TV say that he is challenging Amare for top dawg at the PF – C position.
Anyone know where I can watch today’s game online?
(I hate RaptorsTV)
i know we, for the most part, have been somewhat unimpressed w/ JO’s #s, and his ‘impact’ defensively has been important (though perhaps overstated to a degree)…but i don’t think it’s overstated to assume that his impact on both ends of the floor has been tremendous on bosh.
defending against the bigger big let’s bosh escape some of the banging, perhaps helping to keep him fresh (allowing more minutes). even if JO isn’t grabbing as many boards as we’d like, he’s still working in the blocks, putting his body on guys boxing out, etc…i don’t think it’s a coincidence that bosh’s RB #s have taken off. when he was paired with bargs last year, he would do a fine job battling for rebounding position himself, but bargs was often deficient in that area (and that’s being kind), so bosh often lost out on boards that went to the guy bargs was supposed to be checking. this year, bosh seems freer to clean up underneath, something that’s possible because of JO’s presence & bargs’ (somewhat) improved rebounding position/boxing out.
offensively, JO does have to have greater attention paid to him by his check…i notice fewer double-downs on bosh, and very rarely do we see another big (i.e. JO’s check) come over for the double. again, bargs’ improved offensive play seems to have helped in this regard as well.
without improved play from his frontcourt mates, i wonder whether bosh would be making this leap?
Reasonable Doubt? Are you the same guy who like Encore over the Marshall Mathers LP?
Boring game, that arena was dead quiet. I think Charlotte has the Biggest Rebuilding Project (Besides the Knicks). They dont have a franchise player, they have crazy long contracts, and disinterested fan base.
In regards to this game though, we’re a much better team than Charlotte, and with Bosh playing 40+ minutes to beat them, it doesn’t bode well for us in Boston.
Chris Bosh’s development, as a person and a player, is not dependent on Jermaine O’Neal.
Whenever Chris Bosh has played the Center position, either for the Raptors or the Redeem Team, he has been a dominant REBOUNDER, on the whole … especially considering his young age.
Chris is still going to get a lot better in the next 3/4 years. : )
Reasonable Doubt? I don’t think so.. The Black Album is his best one. I’ll even take Vol.2 before Reasonable. But it all somewhat depends on if we are talking beats or lyrics and rhymes.
Who said it was, Khandor?
dinosty – i wondered whether JO’s arrival & bargs’ improved play has had a positive impact on bosh, and whether that could be a reason we’re seeing him break-out. i wasn’t trying to make it seem as though bosh’s development ‘as a person and as a player’ was ‘dependent’ upon JO.
bosh has always been a very good to excellent rebounder. ‘dominant’ is a very strong word…implies that he would be superior against pretty much every other rebounder out there. not sure that’s where i’d class him, at least not yet, though his early season performance is lending credance to the notion that he could very well be on his way to becoming a dominant rebounder.
Not you, Dinosty … not you, at all.
——————————
re: but i don’t think it’s overstated to assume that his impact on both ends of the floor has been tremendous on bosh.
——————————
: ), : ), : )
You forgot number 1 on the list. Why doesn’t Kapono shoot 3’s
There have been games earlier in Chris Bosh’s career when he’s simply been a DOMINANT Rebounder, putting up 15+ boards.
Despite his ability to score the ball … it’s his REBOUNDING ability which sets Chris apart, in the skill department, from other players of his ilk in the NBA.
[e.g. when you read Rosen's take on Bosh, take note of the fact that Charley sees this as being the BEST aspect of Chris's game, albeit as an above-average PF in Uncle Charley's estimation]
Bargs for OJ MAYO!!!!!!!!! As a mater of fact throw in a 1st round and Hump too!!! WE need a true superstar. Ying and Yang. Great big man and great guard. And Jose’s not a real scorer. We’ll NEVER win a chip with Jose as a second option. Fuck we shoulda traded for OJ’s rights in the draft. ARGHHHHHHHHHHH. 20 points in 1st Q!!!?????? Can your “6-time All-Star” and “Twin Tower” do that???? F that. Can even BOSH do that???? If we want to contend, it’s a MUST that we have a legit starter at the swingman position and not a D-leagur scrub.
Jay,
This year (so far) the answer to that conundrum is “because he’s not open…and can’t open without a lot of help”
err, can’t “get” open…I meant
Oh yeah as far as the contenders talk, the KNICKS have the same record as us! So much for that 3-0 start…
khan – my bad, i didn’t realize you were referring to certain games in which bosh has been a dominant rebounder.
diz – as do the pistons.
whoah, People are saying the black album is better then reasonable doubt? What kind of crack are you smoking? RD is his best album easily, his lyrics are top notch, his flow and swagger are still in tact, and its his most honest descriptive record he ever made. “D’evils” is one of the best songs he ever did, “CAn I live” so many….
The leap reference he mad I thought was more about “Star” to “superstar” not neccessarily about talent level, but more appeal in general.
But basketball site this is no? ….
And Bosh has been awesome, and I am also loving Bargnanis development, but they are most definately going to be KILLED by the celtics tonight, I am reallly kind of dreading the bitch slapping they are going to take.
And here I am thinking the ‘Black Album’ is synonymous with Metallica.
gorapso, I think we will be getting killed by the Celtics if our two big guns in Bargnani and Calderon have similar stats like they did against them last year:
Bargnani:
http://raptorsrepublic.com/blog/statistics/line-o-meter/?season=13&player=Andrea+Bargnani&period=&opponent=BOS#submit-view-point
Calderon:
http://raptorsrepublic.com/blog/statistics/line-o-meter/?season=13&player=Jose+Calderon&period=&opponent=BOS#submit-view-point
Calderon basically single-handedly won the lone game for us. We’ll need three major scores tonight, can’t rely on Bosh to pull you through in the fourth quarter against the Celtics in Boston. In other words, we got to start off the game playing high intensity defense and looking for PINP. If we get into the habit of shooting early jumpers we’ll never quit.
I actually think the Raptors match up better to the Celtics than most teams. I expect a well fought game tonite. Whoever hits their open shots. Will watch the rebounding totals with special interest, you don’t think Sam is drilling that in their heads at this moment.
Bosh’s offensive numbers seem to benefit from the presence of O’Neal. Teams are not so quick to throw the double team. As well its no secret we can hit the 3 with several options. We will see if our opponents will adjust.
Time for Bargnani to come through big. Want him to take more shots.
Raptors will beat the Celtics tonight .. if .. they shoot 60% and that’s 60% on three’s too … and 90% on FTs .. and out-rebound the Celts. Oh and the Celts are suffering from a virus going through the team.
If the Celts are leading by say 20 at the half, they will be playing their bench for most of the second half. If the Raps can force the Celts to play their starters for most of the game, that can be considered a victory in itself.
Gooooooo Raps …..
—————————————
re: Bosh’s offensive numbers seem to benefit from the presence of O’Neal. Teams are not so quick to throw the double team.
—————————————
Compare Bosh’s overall output [good vs bad] in yesterday’s game when (i) he had O’Neal as his side-kick, rather than (ii) Bargnani.
In which situation did Chris perform better, relative to the opposition Bigs?
Then compare the team’s overall output [good vs bad] vs the Bobcats.
It is simply not an accurate statement to assert that Cb4’s offensive numbers benefit from the presence of Jermaine O’Neal.
—————————————
re: Time for Bargnani to come through big. Want him to take more shots.
—————————————
As opposed to this observation, say … which is highly accurate, IMO.
When Bargnani takes AND makes a bunch of 3’s … ala Bill Laimbeer … it is exceptionally difficult for the opposition to then also stop Chris Bosh from going to ‘work’ [on the Boards] and scoring from with his mid-range game.
Now you are basing Boshs first 6 games on yesterdays 4th quarter?
Arsenalist,
Your right Calderon has to be lights out for us to win against any elite team. He needs that attacking mentality, as he is really our second best scorer at the moment, which is kind of a scary thought. And Rondos quickness and general annoyingness on dfenese might give him problems, and does anyone see jose stayin in front of him?
And do you really see us being able to contain Pierce at all? Garnett tends to neutralize Bosh as well sort of the same as wallace. Hopefully they waste Garnetts presense on O Neal. If O neal can avoid forcing shots on offense, and plays his inside D it could help a lot.
We are going to be kiled on the glass as well in this game, Powe and Perkins and their ilk tend to own us with their hustle.
Both the games against the celtics that were close last year a point guard wen off, if you remember TJ scoring 30 + in the over time game.
and sorry for the jay-z tangent but trashing RD is blaspemous in my opinion :) lol
Bosh benefits at times from O Neal being on the court, he does not have to gaurd the best opposing Big. He also at times has the best defensive big on O Neal, think about the pistions game where Bosh was shut down basicaclly by Wallace but owned Maxiel et al. O Neal comes out and Bargnani is not drawing the same defenseive respect YET. I really think it should be maybe the other way around, as O Neal does not really seem to be a threat right now to score on ANYONE lol. :(
Pierce on Moon is the matchup to watch. Pierce ate him alive last year, if Moon can restrict him to 10-14 points without asking for help and Bosh/Garnet play even then we have a shot. I think AP can handle Ray Allen.
You would think JO should be able to take advantage of Perkins but he’s been so up and down this year that he might go for 20/10 or 10/3 any given night.
Everyone’s talking about the new Olympian Bosh and how he’s willing his team to wins. All that’s good but tonight we’ll find out how far he is on his way to true super-stardom. Also remember that Tom Thibedeau’s on the Celtics staff and he’s sure to have some scheme brewing that is designed to netrualize Bosh and JO.
uh, hello, tinman…khandor said you were wrong about JO having a positive impact on bosh. YOU BEEN OWNED!!
khan – it’s risky, astute analysis such as this:
‘When Bargnani takes AND makes a bunch of 3’s … ala Bill Laimbeer … it is exceptionally difficult for the opposition to then also stop Chris Bosh from going to ‘work’ [on the Boards] and scoring from with his mid-range game.’
that makes your contributions so valuable. nice bill laimbeer reference – shows your really thinking outside the box. nice.
It would make my day if the two of you showed up one Friday. We could make so much money off the bloodshed.
Without knowing either of you, I take Khandor in 3. $10 on it.
all for it…who’s picking up the airfare?
Can’t you just ride the communal hot air?
btw, the only reason I picked Khandor is because in my head he looks like Genghis Kahn…and you, sorry to say, look like
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51C002ESPBL._SL500_.jpg
One thing had me chuckling,
When Leo said sarcastically “How is Jared Dudley creating open shots for his teammates through dribble penetration?” I could sense the disgust.
LOL
Rishi, I liked Devlin’s very enthusiastic “Bargnani with the rebound and he’s got 4 for the game!” I’m pretty sure that was a 4th quarter moment.
Bust, godsend, whatever – has there been a stranger big man in the league than Andrea Bargnani? He has no rebounding instincts and will have to work hard to average 6/game but he looks like he might average 4 blocks along with those paltry rebounds.
Dinosty,
Simply … priceless. :-)
For everthing else there’s Mastercard.
I completely agree with you on Bargs Sam. Blocks but no rebounds WTF?
Oh and one more thing,
Rondo will OWN Jose today.
‘Can’t you just ride the communal hot air?’
it’s a long trip…someone would have to go on a pretty long verbal diatribe…
‘btw, the only reason I picked Khandor is because in my head he looks like Genghis Kahn…and you, sorry to say, look like’
ouch. that’s just…ok, that’s pretty good. am i supposed to put up a link now too?
Yes Jose is in serious trouble tonight I think, but the raprots really need him to be at the top of his game.
in my head, donosty & the dudes at RR…
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=v3ARyAb_1Bs
Your name reminds me of Yertle the Turtle. What can I say?
ah, i see.
speaking of names…i like yours, short, simple, nice little play on dynasty. painfully ironic…
The game is only on Raps TV?!?!?!?!! Fuck this shit:@:@:@:@