Defense, defense, defense - or lack thereof.
Tough game for the Raptors to win when you can't stop anyone.
Negatives:
Bargnani returned to old form on D and rebounding. The D especially was brutal tonight - he was a human pylon.
Bayless did not take advantage of the starting spot. Opportunities like these he needs to step up to show he belongs in the conversation of future PG of the Raptors.
Amir is back to his foul happy self the last two games. That is frustrating considering the impact he has been able to have on games when he can stay on the floor.
DD - there is nothing new to add that has not been said about his struggles.
Positives:
Weems and Kleiza. Hopefully both realize when they don't force a play, they are very effective. When they try to do too much, and especially over-dribble, bad things happen.
Weems played well with the exception of that rebound. Mid-range jumpers and getting in to the lane was nice to see.
Kleiza finally got out of his shooting slump. He is not a starter but he is a great player to have off the bench with a very reasonable contract. The calls to trade him are not just, IMO.
Wright took advantage of his minutes, played solid D, had active hands, a put back, and a trip to the foul line. Didn't try to do too much on O.
Davis continues to look good long term. He is still in the 'dipping the toe in the water' stage.
Barbosa continues to be streaky. Great game tonight but could very well put up 7 points tomorrow vs. Detroit. That travel call was BS.
Overall the effort was there but, despite an opportunity to steal a win, they lost anyways. Such is life for a young team. At least there was no repeat of a forgettable 146-115 loss that gave Mitchell a 31/2 year paid vacation.
Tough game for the Raptors to win when you can't stop anyone.
Negatives:
Bargnani returned to old form on D and rebounding. The D especially was brutal tonight - he was a human pylon.
Bayless did not take advantage of the starting spot. Opportunities like these he needs to step up to show he belongs in the conversation of future PG of the Raptors.
Amir is back to his foul happy self the last two games. That is frustrating considering the impact he has been able to have on games when he can stay on the floor.
DD - there is nothing new to add that has not been said about his struggles.
Positives:
Weems and Kleiza. Hopefully both realize when they don't force a play, they are very effective. When they try to do too much, and especially over-dribble, bad things happen.
Weems played well with the exception of that rebound. Mid-range jumpers and getting in to the lane was nice to see.
Kleiza finally got out of his shooting slump. He is not a starter but he is a great player to have off the bench with a very reasonable contract. The calls to trade him are not just, IMO.
Wright took advantage of his minutes, played solid D, had active hands, a put back, and a trip to the foul line. Didn't try to do too much on O.
Davis continues to look good long term. He is still in the 'dipping the toe in the water' stage.
Barbosa continues to be streaky. Great game tonight but could very well put up 7 points tomorrow vs. Detroit. That travel call was BS.
Overall the effort was there but, despite an opportunity to steal a win, they lost anyways. Such is life for a young team. At least there was no repeat of a forgettable 146-115 loss that gave Mitchell a 31/2 year paid vacation.
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