Dallas Mavericks: Friday, December 30

[Matt52]

A showdown for the ages:

Dirk vs. Bargs


It is not very often in recent memory when you have Toronto facing Dallas with a better record.


(joking on the showdown)

[Red and White]

I think the Raptors got a great shot tonight to surprise this Dallas team. Dallas played 3 solid teams and lost every game (heartbreaker last night) so I think they are not gonna respect the Raptors as much as some of those teams, and we might just catch em off guard. All the Raptors need to do is play defence. The Mavs do not have as many three point shooters like they did last year, and their defence has not been the same. I think Bayless is going to have a nice night going up against some slower point guards. The key players for the Raptors are James Johnson and Rasual Butler, playing at the three taking on Odom and Marion. Matchup nightmares. All Bargs has to do tonight is play D but maybe Dwane Casey will throw some different looks at Dirk.

The true showdown of the ages:

Derozan vs. Carter

Casey vs. Carlisle

Looks like it going to be a great game, and a great test for the Raps.

[ezz_bee]

I watched the Mavs opener against the Heat, and it was quite unwatchable, the mavs were particularly bad. That said, I can't see the raps winning this game. I'm just hoping that they keep up the defensive effort and that Demar finds his rhythm before the fourth quarter.

[NoPropsneeded]

i think we'll win. They're coming off a back to back and they are an old team. The young Raptors team will win

[Matt52]

i think we'll win. They're coming off a back to back and they are an old team. The young Raptors team will win

The Raps looking to slow things down and grind it out could very well work against them with an older team like the Mavs.

[Soft Euro]

The Raps looking to slow things down and grind it out could very well work against them with an older team like the Mavs.

If we want to profit from them being an old team and playing a back to back (and being out of shape starting the season) we should push the tempo and not grind it out. They played much better yesterday and, while there is always a chance, we shouldn't expect much. I think it's more likely that we will get in a hole.

[Matt52]

If we want to profit from them being an old team and playing a back to back (and being out of shape starting the season) we should push the tempo and not grind it out. They played much better yesterday and, while there is always a chance, we shouldn't expect much. I think it's more likely that we will get in a hole.

I agree. However I was just pointing out that under Casey thus far it has been a slow grind which would favour the Mavs, in my opinion.

[irgigi]

Mavs are 0-3. Cant imagine them starting 0-4... aiming for a worst Champions start record? And their shape seems to be increasing, last loss to OCK was last sec.. and they looked good enough.
I agree we need tempo on offense. I'm looking forward, if Casey will go for it, i'm sure he will have some plan. Our advantage is, he (Casey) should know very well how Mavs are playing.

[RaptorsFan4Life]

[b2kelly]

I got money on the raps to win.. is that dumb?

[e2thed]

lol that TSN Bargs intro, was classsssic, he needs Rosetta Stone.

[ezz_bee]

i'm watching the game on TSN and the shot clock and time left in the qtr are cut off. I've tried changing tv setting but can't get it all on the screen. Anyone else having this problem?

[ezz_bee]

james johnson just about threw an outlet pass into the courtside seats...

[Mack North]

i'm watching the game on TSN and the shot clock and time left in the qtr are cut off. I've tried changing tv setting but can't get it all on the screen. Anyone else having this problem?

Been on for me all game. Make sure you adjust your cable/satellite remote to normal view as well as your TV remote.

[ceez]

JJ going one on one with anyone makes me queasy

[Matt52]

I can't believe the Raptors were not down by 25 prior to the run to end the first half. That was some f'ugly basketball.

It seems to start the game they were trying to slip or go under Dallas screens and the two Raptors ended up banging in to one another. They went back to the heavy hedging and things went well.

Bargnani is playing great - minus the defense on the Dirk jumper to end the 12-0 run... put your g'damn hand up! He actually had 2 rebounds taken out of his hands by teammates.... he has 5 rebs now, any bets on the double double being completed?

Anyone know WTF JJ is doing on the low post ups?

[ceez]

He's incredibly one dimensional on offense, but Butler's D and rebounding has surprised me

[ceez]

Holy shit @ the milf with the bazookas sitting behind coach Casey

[Matt52]

Holy shit @ the milf with the bazookas sitting behind coach Casey

The one in the black shirt? Yessir.

[ceez]

Those things are crazy