The Raptors have another chance to improve their record to .500 (18-18) tonight in Orlando. With 6 wins in their last 7 games, the last one being a big win over the Spurs, it’s hard not to get a bit excited regardless of who we beat to get here. At the end of the day, you have to sit back and consider that to be a middle of the pack, low playoff seed good team in this league:
- You have to beat the teams who are worse then you
- You have to compete and beat at least half the teams who are the same level as you
- And you have to steal a game or two from the teams who are better then you.
After a horrific start to the season, this is the path the Raptors are on, and realistically, it is the only one we should have expected at this point in time. Tonight, the Raptors are facing the third scenario above: they have a realistic opportunity to steal against a team who is better than them. The Magic are arguably the deepest team in the league. Twice so far this season, we have lost games to them where an unsung role player has stepped up and been the deciding factor in the game (Reddick, Anderson, Barnes).
So I’m calling this a realistic steal because the Magic are on the second night of a back-to-back, and a two game losing streak (losses to Chicago and Indiana). The Raptors are well rested, and have been in Orlando a couple days, so it is hard to imagine that they could lose two season season series against Eastern Conference teams in the same week (Boston is 2-0 against us).
With Calderon slated to return tonight, the point guard controversy will be in full swing, I know this because I’m feeding the fire right now. With Jack playing so well in Jose’s absence, and Jose probably not being 100% healthy (if recent history holds true), our boy will be coming off the bench for at least this game. I’d like to make one thing clear: the Raptors are NOT better with Jose out of the lineup. When he is healthy, he is a top 15 point guard in the league. However, I do contend that if the Jack/Banks duo can hold it down, we have glaring needs at the wing that can be addressed by trading Calderon for the right piece (notice how I said the right piece).
The match-up sucks for the Raptors every way you slice it. With Howard commanding so much attention in the paint, it doesn’t matter which of Bosh or Bargnani (usually Bosh) covers him – the other (usually Bargnani) will be sent over for the double, then all that is left is for Howard to kick it out to one of the shooters (usually Lewis, since Bargnani is doubling) and make us pay for playing into their hands (usually because our rotations suck).
That was what usually has happened, but the Raptors have gelled a bit over the last 7 games and are communicating more. We have seen some pretty impressive games where man defense was tight, rotations were crisp, and folks were talking. They will need a lot of that tonight.
IMHO, you have to stay at home with this Magic team. If Howard can create room for his shooters (list everyone else in the top 9 of the rotation), then there will be hell to pay. Over the first two games this season, the Magic have shot 31-62 from behind the arc (with Lewis absent from that first contest) against the Raptors, easily the stat that stands out the most, and is the reason we’ve lost by a combined 28pts.
I like Jack manning up Nelson to start the game, he will get bumped more then when Calderon is on him. This wont shut Jameer down, but it will make it that much harder for him to run the offense. Telling of this two game losing streak is VC’s performance over the stretch: 7pts 3rebs 2ast on 5-30 shooting (zero 3′s) from the floor. DeRozan/Weems/Belinelli will have to keep Carter out of the paint, and off the line. He has been shooting terribly from the floor, so they can’t let him find his rhythm – all jumpers, no layups, let’s do it 80′s style.
I’m actually thinking a win tonight for the Raptors. The Magic are tired, and playing pretty bad over the last two games. The Raptors are fresh and can distance themselves a bit from Charlotte and Milwaukee in the standings with a win. The line wasn’t posted at time of publishing this, but you can bet it will be tight one. Raptors grind out a tight one tonight, 97-91 with Bargnani leading the way (I believe).
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79 Raps
Just wanted to let you know that Boston is 2-0 against us and not 3-0 as you have stated. They might be on Sunday but I hope not!!!
Thanks, I meant to say something else, but got mixed up :)
On the plus side, we get our last two meetings at home… hopefully we get some avenge on :P
I’m not so sure Jack and Calderon will coexsist as smoothly as they say right now. They’re pros and will always say the right thing. If there is 1 position where your clear cut starter needs to be determined, its at the point.
Splitting Jose and Jack’s minute will slow the team’s progress. Giving Jose starting minutes will have us weak defensively again (not entirely Jose’s fault, but team defense stems off that of it’s pg).
Playing either player at the 2 is disastrous.
Imo, the only option we have right now is to clearly display that Jack will remain the starter and that Jose will play when needed. All the “Whatever coach decides is best, and i’ll be ready” comments are great, but both players, the rest of the team and the fans need to clearly see that Jack is the man. Even if Jarret isn’t as polished offensively as Jose, he brings more essential elements to the game at the pg position that Jose does.
A few egos will have to be bottled up when putting a 9M$ pg on the bench…but that’s the only way we can continue to ‘gel’ and build our defensive system.
If I’m Bosh and i see Jose start in the next few games, i’m really pissed…although i think Bosh isn’t going to overreact either way since his motivation is clearly down south.
I don’t agree that playing Calderon at the #2 would be disastrous, but I won’t bet on it. Maybe we will get a chance to find out tonight.
It would be hard-pressed to see Calderon defending the likes of Carter while playing at the SG spot
Playing Calderon at 2 wont ever happen. It is a stupid decision, and would end up in utter catastrophe if it ever happens.
Have the Raptors ever tried it?
Again referring back to my posts made before today I am suggesting that Calderon come off the bench as the SG and not start.
Coming off of the bench as the #2 guard
1. He won’t conflict that much with Jack
2. He will be defending against a bench rotation player so his defensive weakness shouldn’t so exposed and on offense he should be even more effective.
I think it is worth a try if it hasn’t been done before. We all know that Calderon can shoot with the best of them. So let him concentrate on shooting. Coming off of the bench as a SG he won’t have to work so hard playing defense or worry so much about it. That will allow him to focus even more on shooting and scoring. With him on the second unit at the SG it will make the second unit a far more potent offensive group.
I would not suggest starting Calderon at the #2 alongside Jack as the starting PG. I do think that this would be disastrous mostly because Calderon would never be able to guard an opponents starting SG unless it was someone who couldn’t shoot.
How they would work it when both are on the court together for limited minutes we would just have to see.
That’s actually not that wild of an idea considering how he’s shot the ball in the past. Only problem is, Jose’s shooting hasn’t been nearly as consistent this year. He used to represent the safest jump shot on our team despite being a pg.
I don’t know if it’s confidence or lack of dedication, but I’m willing to bet that Jose has never worked out seriously in his life (just like Bosh prior to this season…although his November pop corn muscle is gone).
Some players are of a different breed, and have been raised playing and learning a different style of basketball. You can teach and push them around all you want…it’s just their nature to play the way they do and will usually fall back to their habits.
I personally wish Jose would be dealt with CB4, while we still can, in a package that brings back youth and grit.
Not looking to start a CB4 debate though..
I can’t think of a shooting guard in the league that Calderon has a chance in hell in guarding. Doesn’t matter if he comes off the bench or starts at 2, disaster.
I can’t think of a player in the league Jose has a chance in hell guarding. Just sayin..
JJ Reddick?
oh come on, vince has been struggling, so jose will have an easy time with him, and it’s not like JJ’s ever lit up the raps.
1. Not tall enough?
2. Not strong enough?
3. Not quick enough?
4. Other
5. Some combination of the above
6. All of the above
Ime Udoka?
hey … i say coming of the bench as the #2 aswell . because raptors tend to sit bosh and jack together and leave barg and hedo on the floor .. so it would be something like this .. hedo – banks – calderon – bargn – amir …. i like this offensivly and on defence …. think about it when he comes in he has to stay on jj redick most likely ( not VC )
so hedo n calderon will be two GUNS for raptors .. banks have proved he can pass the ball … and hopefully if barg ends up dominating gortag .. they might end up doubling on him in low post …
I’m not a Jose ball washer,but in all fairness the front end of the season back to backs, on the road blah,blah was a lot more difficult then the soft spot in the season (sauf Spurs) weve just been through.
I have no problem with who starts…its JT’s desire to have all these ball handlers on the floor at the same time !!!! that drives me nuts.
Bosh and Bargs have to try to get Howard in foul trouble early.Draw charges, pump fakes, draw contact in the air, whatever.
I don’t think think with our roster that double teaming Howard can work. They ALWAYS scorch us with their wings, even three years ago in the playoffs, when Turk was doing it.
I think Jack should be the primary guy at the one spot, but don’t care so much as Triano doesn’t have them both on the floor simultaneously, especially in the forth Q. Hopefully Vince will be hoisting up lots of fadeaway jumpers too…
Raps definition of “steal” is a bit different than normal. They seem to steal from a good team when that team is rolling or playing OK, eg Spurs. When they should have an advantage, like tonight or against Boston, something happens. They might not get up for the game, or the other team uses “against the Raptors” to just refuse to lose, break their streak or whatever.
REALLY HOPE I’M WRONG, but Orlando seems to have the Raps right where they want them.
Agree completely, Orlando’s going to come out with something to prove in the 1st quarter and the raps won’t be able to deal with it, I have a bad feeling about this game.
i feel a spanking coming on…not a good one. orlando’s played like dogshit the last couple games, and given their depth, i don’t think back-to-backs bother them as much.
you KNOW carter will play well against the raps (even if it isn’t in TO), especially given that he hasn’t been playing well and is starting to hear it from magic fans (so he’ll have something else to motivate him).
you KNOW howard is gonna make like difficult in the blocks – raps could use rasho’s 6 fouls. toss-up of a game-plan; force howard away from the hoop on D (i.e. work bosh & bargs from the outside), or go down low & hope to draw fouls. as much as i dislike setting the tone by shooting jumpers, howard has a tendency to nullify our BBs down low, so that might be the best option – drive & kick, bomb away, crash the offensive glass (esp. if howard steps out to defend jumpers).
seems like something of a trap game for the raps – if that’s possible – orlando playing poorly, back-to-back, guys struggling, maybe some chemistry/PT issues developing (they go 11-deep, and that’s just too many guys), while TO is relatively hot, rested, getting jose back (yip-fucking-eee), and simply playing ‘better.’
of course, the clearest sign that a team is middle-of-the-road is that it’s fanbase never really knows what to expect – they could come out well, keep it going, and put away the magic…or they could lay a gigantic rotten egg, and leave us all with that familiar ‘who farted?’ face.
I agree from top to bottom.
Also, i think the raptors’ mascott should officially be named “Hoof Hearted”.
I am optimistic that the Raps win this one.
It would be statement game if they do.
Agree, raps still can’t up for road games, it’s psychological. Just ask the gimpy Celt’s team who easily beat us. Get out the brooms for the season sweep.
VC S***ks
RFLMAO
Go to live it.
Hopefully here is to more VC S***ing tonight.
P.S. 26 by Hibbert vs Superman and Gortat and got Howard to foul out. LOL
I actually like Hibbert’s game even before last night. Oh really? LOL
Kandor is already preparing an article proving behind doubt that Hibbert is better than Andrea . He thinks that he has to educate the rest of us in how to recognize who is a positive and who is a negative for their team.
Tough to make that argument as both help their respective teams, although I will definitely say that it helps Hibbert’s argument on the defensive end that he guards the oppositions centre.
Every game I watch against Orlando I see Bargnani not guarding Howard, which is embarrasing.
He should tell Jay to let him cover him and take the challenge. He’s the centre on this team……why is he not guarding centres on opposing teams?
I actually remember a game last year in Orlando, the one we won, were he did a more than respectable job covering (most of the time single covering) Howard. He picked up a gazilion fouls in the process, but for sure greatly contributed to the win.
I also think that I showed he’s a better defender when he has to cover big traditional centers as opposed to mobile or shooting fours such as Lewis. I hope Triano sees it too and let Bargnani take Howard and put Bosh on Lewis.
I know Arsenalist LOVES Hibbert!
How good would he look in a Raps uniform today had we not traded that pick. He’s as big and as strong as Superman.
He is 7’2″ , 280 pounds and average 5.9 rebounds but he would surely have helped the team , perhaps he could have been traded for a quality wing.
Hibbert matches up very good with Howard.
They are both big and slow.
Hibbert runs on a basketball court like he is running in deep soft sand.
Actually Howard is quicker and faster than Hibbert but Howard can’t shoot
Howard also has trouble with Perkins.
Howard does great against smaller, i.e. weaker centers that he can push around but against guys who are as strong or almost as strong as he is he has a very difficult time.
Time for H to develop a jump shot :)
A lot of people seem to have trouble with Perkins these days. Not the same as when the Celts had the Big Three, Rondo and some big guy because the rules said you had to start 5 players.
Carter, Lewis, and Howard shouldn’t be overly tired as none of them really exeted themselves a great deal last night against Indiana.
I believe Jay used Jack & Jose together as they are his two best guards – if the other two’s could consistently be relied upon he probably wouldn’t do it. I assume the issue with this combo is the lack of size in defending the two position – this is less of an issue with Orlando who use combinations of Nelson, Reddick, Willimas, and Johnson – none of whom are big guards.
Howard is a tough matchup for anybody – when your primary scorers are the guys guarding Howard that is an issue – can we afford Bosh and/or Bargnani to be in foul trouble?
Sure could have used Evans tonight. Maybe he would have pulled a “Baby Eater” on Howard.
The Pistons fans for some reason, I think because of Maxiell’s vicious in you face dunks, nicknamed him the Baby Eater.
In the playoffs two years ago Maxiell cracked Howard a good one on his sternum and the rest of that series was history. Piston won.
Look to see the two pg lineup as a way of managing egos, and distribute starters and closing minutes to both. He may not bring it out tonight, but he will soon.
Referring to Calderon as a “top 15 point guard” isn’t really saying much. All that says is that he’s an “average” starting PG (i.e. in a 30 team league, there are potentially 14 teams (nearly half the league) with a better PG than Calderon).
Actually it does say a lot. 30 teams, at least 2 pg’s a team, that means he is top 15 in a pool of at least 60 point guards. Which translates to potentially 14 point guards better, but he’s better then at least 45. That’s a lot man.
NBATV ran a great stat line last night. In the past five games, Dwight Howard has gotten into foul trouble early in games, and subsequently became a non-factor in those games.
The key to beating the Magic is evident ans simple: attack Howard early, get him to commit fouls and get him off the court.
HEY RAPTORSNATION, I got a nice little treat for everybody! So I was reading through the comments section of the Orlando Sentinel… and I found this:
“…This team really misses Turk. The offense flowed through him. With Carter in there the ball gets lost as he then proceeds to jack up off balance low percentage shots. Sorry to say it folks, but this team is NOT, clearly NOT, a championship contender. They are done in the first round I am afraid. Of course the pom pom waving, glass half full crowd will try to spin this so as to make it appear that everything will be ok soon. But this team is going nowhere.”
and this:
“I admit I thought we’d be OK with Vince/Ryan and without Hedo. I was wrong. Vinsanity is Vincapable. Fall away circus shots don’t cut it on a championship team. He’s a star on a bad team. No problem – everyone has their niche – but he needs to play for the Clippers. I knew we’d miss you Hedo – I just didn’t know how much.”
and more:
“What do you all think about the Magic missing Turkoglu ? Is Carter really the answer here ? Let’s not forget that the dude is related to Me-Mac. This guy just seems too relaxed out there, almost to a fault.”
lol andd this:
“VINCE. CARTER. SUCKS!!!!! He is shooting the worst percentage of his entire career…39%!!!! That’s not from 3, that’s overall from the floor! That is just beyond hideous. No, he is not a star anymore. He can’t even lift his feet 2 inches off the floor to make a shot. What the hell is this? He can’t finish a drive TO SAVE HIS LIFE. They guy makes the most half-hearted drive to the basket, jumps with NO LIFT, and throws a flat shot against the rim and hopes for the best. I mean I know players lose their ups when they age, but this is ridiculous. He used to jump out of the gym. He obviously isn’t the only issue, but it is hard to watch this guy play anymore.”
Source:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-orlando-magic-indiana-pacers-0106-20100105,0,5409302,comment-display-all.story
What they were saying was clearly evident last night however on any given night he can still have a big game – especially if he decides to apply himself.
He is definitely off and on…but when he is on, he is ON. Who can forget that night vs the Nets at the ACC last year… ouch..
The other thing I noticed about Vince last night is that he didn’t look like he was in the greatest shape
Vince hasn’t been in shape since he signed his big money contract in Toronto. Prior to that, he was lean, cut and strong. His explosiveness was remarkable. His natural ability, combined with his youth and hard work gave him the extra edge over most players in the league. Since, he’s relied on nothing but natural ability.
At the start of this season, his body looked like he lifted and trained in the summer, but just like Chris Bosh, it was all pop corn muscle.
Pros that dont recognize the importance of being at the best shape possible regardless of your age end up like Wince.
Those who have the talent and dedicate their time off the court to training end up like Kobe.
Or you could just be like Paul Pierce and not lift regularly but just be a born baller!!
By “like Kobe” do you mean in a courtroom in Colorado?
Great find! Thanks for sharing.
BTW, the Raps fanbase is not called the RaptorsNation. We’re collectively the RAPTORSREPUBLIC! ;)
hahaha okok my bad, but still, isn’t it awesome to see that VC actually gave his BEST to the Raptors?
As much as I hate to say it, I kind of appreciate him for that. The stats show it, his play showed it. And it makes me ponder about CB4.
All these American analysts keep saying “Chris Bosh is coming to America, he won’t win a ring in Toronto. He will be more recognized in the U.S.”
But honestly, Vince Carter was half-man half-amazing in Toronto. He left and became half-man half-crap. LOL!
Are you serious about this- “VC actually gave his BEST to the Raptors? “
Not in the end, duh….. lol but i mean overall
Gotcha, phew!
Plus VC saves his best VS the Raps as well
Wince gave his best until he signed for big money. An athlete “Giving their best” HAS to involve dedicated training throughout the year (not just in the summer). Wince was half lazy-half amazing.
OKOK i’m saying his best days in the NBA was in a Raptors uniform. lol that’s all.
I agree with you man…vince’s potential after a few years was off the charts. He simply decided to lift his benjamins to the sky, not weights. Ruined his career.
VC-Jamison is a nice study in contrasts considering that they were traded for each other. Jamison has 1/2 the talent and twice the respect.
The irony is that Vince was actually playing the Turk type of game the last year with the Nets when they traded Jefferson and they did not have much of a team. I thought he was impressive for having changed his game. And I was none to happy with myself! He is still a douche. Here’s hoping he doesnt wakeup when he sees the Raptor jersey tonight.
re. wince in orlando – simply look at the shot distribution; D12 is taking 3 less shots per game, and VC is taking 3 more shots per game than hedo took last year. so, while the premise of ‘replacing hedo with carter’ looks good on paper (because carter is a far superior player based on talent alone), those little things – like being selfless and getting your teammates involved – count for quite a bit in the grand scheme of things.
also – it’s january. anyone that’s interested in betting against orlando being just fine come playoff time, i’ve got a few bookies that’d like to meet you.
Another heavy hitting opponent and certainly planty of buzz on what we need to do and not do. Its time for the Raptors to play like grown men. That means if a loss is what fate deals us tonight, we oughta earn a productive loss. Fight, with grit. Corral a strong performance, despite coming up short, and bestow it as a tool to execute against Philly. And stomp them as we should. That’s what quality NBA players and teams do.
If Toronto wants to ascend from their traditonal #15 post on the power rankings…Its time the Raps evolve.
+1
Calderon Banks and Bosh for
Scola – Hayes – Tmac – Lowry
Tracy comes off the books and puts the team 10 million under the cap
Bargs – Scola – Hedo – DD – Jack
Hayes – Evans – Weems – Belinelli – Lowry off the bench
You really shouldn’t be drinking at work :)
Wow, that is one terrible team (even if we’re $10 million richer)!
I thought it was only Raptor fans that were bi-polar, but after the Magic got smoked by the Pacers, they’re fans are pissed! Even though they are 24-10.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-orlando-magic-indiana-pacers-0106-20100105,0,6744364.story
What’s Calderon’s problem? Has he always been such a terrible defender? Is it Attitude, Injury or Chemistry?
——
03-Aug-05 Signed as a free agent by the Toronto Raptors.
18-Dec-05 Missed 2 games (heel injury).
15-Mar-06 Missed 9 games (achilles tendon).
05/06 Net PG PER (per 48mins) = -6.7
——
2006 – world championship gold metal(see confidence boost)
19-Dec-06 Missed 2 games (back injury)..
16-Mar-07 Missed 3 games (left ankle injury).
06/07 Net PG PER = +5.1
——
(Played all 82 games)
07/08 Net PG PER = +6.2
——
09-Jul-08 Re-signed as a restricted free agent by the Toronto Raptors.
21-Aug-08 Groin Injury (olympics).
16-Nov-08 Missed 2 games (hamstring).
04-Jan-09 Missed 4 games (hamstring).
12-Jan-09 Missed 6 games (hamstring).
04-Feb-09 Missed 1 game (hamstring).
11-Feb-09 Missed 1 game (hamstring).
08/09 Net PG PER = +0.6
——
08-Dec-09 Missed 13 games (hip injury).
09/10 Net PG PER = -5.5
——
Now theirs no doubt that the increase of playmakers on the team (Jack, Turk, even Belli and Weems a bit) has had ill effect on his assist numbers this year, but then how do you explain the dip that occurred last season when he was the ONLY semi-reliable playmaker on the roster? Add to that the fact that Calderon put up VERY efficient numbers beside another solid playmaker in TJ ford, and I lose faith in that arguement. I’ve put the above together to gain a timeline and help determine what has driven Jose’s career up and then down so drastically. Seeing the timeline above definately shows that injury has corrolated with very noticeable dips in performance in both his rookie year, and more substancially in the 08/09 and 09/10 campaigns.
I think given the info above, I’d rather give Calderon another month off than risk having sub-par play at the PG position (particularly defensively) for big minutes. While resting him would improve his health, it would also send the message that he is going to be held accountable for performing defensively….
scheduling oddity: we’ve played just 3 games against atlantic division opponents, but this will be our 12th(!) against the southeast. said division hasn’t been at all kind to us – so far we’re 3-8 vs. the southeast, and 14-10 against everyone else. i expect we fall to 3-9 after tonight, but its nice to know that we’ll be done with the magic and that 12 games against the trifecta of new york/new jersey/philly still await.
Dear God, the write-up of this game needs to include 2 things:
1) the refs
2) more importantly, Triano playing Jack and Calderon together AGAIN! – what, is their plus/minus like minus a million.
geez. anyways, raps win, and I need a breather.
With Wright at PF guarding Rashard fricking Lewis? What the heck is wrong with Triano? Does he want us to lose on purpose?
Jack was killing us in those last couple minutes with the missed shots and turnovers(and near ones).
Good call!
What is with Triano playing Jack and Calderon together. I understand that he likes ball-handlers out there, but they – objectively – suck when playing together.
Can’t one of his assistants check out 82games or some site and show that information to Jay.
Please for Christ sakes enough with the combo.
Hey guys just wanted to say hi to everyone who blasted me when I said we shouldn’t panic after the Boston loss. And that even good teams drop games, and that we should just pick up our heads and look for the next W. Ya…just saying hi……..and proving my point
Uh, this was not a win that inspired much confidence. Calderon still cannot guard Jameer Nelson. Triano still cannot stop frittering away 20 point leads. Triano still has silly substitution patterns.
And what is up with him playing Calderon in his supposed “defensive lineup”?
On the plus side, I’ve come to see that Bargs and Bosh is a great pair to throw at someone like Dwight. Both take him out of his comfort zone, and get him in foul trouble. Bargnani played AMAZING defense on Dwight. Bosh did a tolerable job, despite being a lot smaller.
If Triano would stop being such an idiot, then I think we’d match up decently well with the Magic in say the playoffs.
.500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :)
Man… that fourth quarter could have given me a heart attack.
a point i’d like to make:
- why can’t Toronto play with the same defensive intensity like Orlando in the fourth quarter?! They were putting crazy defensive pressure on the Raptors, and i was like why the hell aren’t the Raptors doing the same thing??? Where the hell is the damn pressure?? i was getting pretty mad as you can tell :P
in hindesight, wow… great game. i am satisfied with this .500 accomplishment, i bet most raptor fans are. :) I just want a full court defensive pressure to be applied next time, make the other team commit turnovers. then ill become even more happier.
Every time Toronto stepped up its defensive effort, Bargnani got called for a phantom foul to bail Orlando out. That part of it, I blame the refs. Also, Jack and Caldy never should be on the floor together EVER.
It never should have even got to that point, though. We were up by 20…who frittered away the lead through stupidity? Triano.
The dumbest timeout ever when Bosh had the ball with 8 seconds left. So now, we need to pass it inbounds, risking a turnover, just to have the same thing happen – Bosh at the line. Wow…I though Triano was an ok coach, but that type of micromanagement is not a good sign.
Clutch FTs though, so total props.
And I don’t understand why he waited so long to call a time out when they started to lose their lead. He waited until they let a couple easy buckets go through and then some 3-bombs before he called one. I mean, seriously?
There were some major heroics by Bargs and Turk with big and very timely threes.
And good call on the random time out… IIRC, it was also our last! So if the inbound guy can’t get it in there is no cushion.
On the foul situation: Yes, the Raps were getting some strange ones… notably three on what seemed like three consecutive plays on Bargs. But on the offensive end, the Raps were doing their best NOT to draw a foul… so the refs were good there.
All in all, great win. Can’t wait for the RC.
Triano spares his timeouts like they are cures for AIDS and he only has 6 of them.