I had a pre-game post in the works for yesterday, but an emergency in Dinoland took precedent. Gotta take care of those we love before the strangers we obsess over.
With an empty gas tank and no fewer than After breaking no fewere than 65 traffic by-laws, flipping a half a dozen birds, hopping 7 curbs, and doing all of this with the gas light on, I made it home from the hospital a mere seconds before tip-off…but just in time to hear Kanye (which is, of course, unspeakably better than the U2 mess) I hit the couch. No matter how shitty the last 48 hours of my life have been, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here it’s here it’s here. GAME DAY!!!
After May 2-4, my birthday, and the “Lost” premiere, it’s my favorite day of the year.
This game was much closer than it ever should have been, and Raptors fans got a small reminder of the ‘off switch’ we saw last year, the one Sam said would be duct-taped ‘ON’ his season. But we pulled away for the W from the lowly Sixers, who are one Igoudala injury away from having to depend on Kyle Korver as their primary option. I’m certain they would rather forfeit the year.
But Iggy, man that kid can roll. As their lone bright spot (other than tall white kid Jason Smith, who sent a Bargnani shot flying back to halfcourt without so much as a batted eyelash) Igoudala’s going to command double-teams in many arenas and will be a mainstay on your nightly highlight reels. He’s my VERY early darkhorse for King of Court Cuts, which is my favorite Canadian basketball segment and the hoops equivalent of amateur teenage lesbian porn.
Our role players looked comfortable in their designations, playing to their skill set and not forcing things too much. Humphries and Delfino were particularly impressive in their discipline. Kapono deserves a 7/10 and will only improve with time. He actualyl played alright defence, which is surprising considering he usually can’t cover his own shadow. And particularly in the first quarter he brought much needed intensity and hustle, even if he missed an easy lay-in. Garbo came out slow, sluggish, and all around useless. Stay tuned – this is evidence of things to come. His role will be greatly diminished this season.
Our PG play was excellent. Somehow Calderon still gets wide-open lay-ins, and now he’s added a consistent J to his spicy arsenal. Him and TJ represent a killer 1-2 punch. If we could combine them, TJose Forderon would stat up to rival Chris Paul and Deron Williams. And once TJ Ford learns not to leave his feet until he knows where the rock is going, his couple turnovers will turn into assists and he’ll be in the top 5 in assists for sure.
Bargnani looked stellar. If it weren’t for those two early fouls, I’m pretty sure he’d have dropped 30. The combination of the three (or ‘trey’, if you’re so inclined), the fake dribble drive, and the muscled lay-in overwhemled the Sixers, who’s name accurately reflects their potential season win tally. One particularly impressive play, Bargs caught an offensive rebound and fought for position before going up for the contested 2, showcasing his increasing toughness. And of course, the 4-point play, Chuck’s choice for the game-changer. Never foul a three-point shooter, Philly. It’s the golden rule of high school basketball.
Bosh looked like Bosh. Other than a couple of inspired moments, the game seemed to easy for him. He is going to have to ease into his offensive role, but his defence was pretty solid and those silky jumpers look even more polished.
Overall it was a predictable win in a game that felt closer to pre-season than regular season. The Nets tomorrow night will be a much better litmus test for our Raptors, and if you don’t think they’re ready for some payback after last playoff’s embarrassment, you don’t know nuthin’, aight?
That’s it for now. Sorry for the rushed post, going back to the hospital. But tomorrow, I’ve got some words for you, The Score.
