It’s gut check time, homeys. We could/should be 3-1 on this road trip, but as it stands those numbers are flipped. Now we’re off until the 28th and it’s time to reflect. At this point in the season, the only thing consistent has been our inconsistency. And yes Chuck, “Phoenix is tough to stop.” But that doesn’t mean you don’t try.
Despite our plan, Amare’s not going to defend himself.
I’m not sure if they’re scared or lazy or allergic, but there’s no excuse to skip defence. It’s unacceptable, plain and simple. You’re supposed to be the best in the world at not just shooting the ball, not just throwing down an energetic dunk, but moving your feet, clogging the passing lanes, and closing out on defenders. Basketball is as much as putting the ball in your hoop as it is stopping your opponent from placing it in theirs. Unfortunately, Nike and Reebok and Icy Hot don’t dole out big contracts for lockdown defenders.
And so, 24 hours after we let
What was surprising is that Sam actually did something that made sense. In what might amount to the most logical piece of strategy ever to squeak past the Jheri Curl and into Sam Mitchell’s brain, Bargnani’s been placed back starting C slot until further notice. I applaud this decision beacuse despite Rasho’s great play of late, it’s important that Andrea knows his role on this team. In one of the more disturbing statements of the game, Leo announces that Sam’s trying to ‘get Bargnani off’. I expect there are easier ways to do that, but I also expect this move to be effective. One game doesn’t settle the debate, for sure, but Il Mago seems to be poised to get his magic back.
That being said, Sam’s other personnel decision of the evening pissed me off. By playing Juan Dixon, he robbed us all of the joy of watching Darrick Martin try to cover Barbosa. This, I can guarantee, would have been one of the season’s true pleasures. You’ve heard of the Tortoise and the Hare? Imagine the Tortoise had cement slippers and three glasses of warm milk, while the Hare wore rocket shoes while jacked up on Lick-a-Maid…and that’s what we missed out on. Leandro might have dropped 70, that wily little bunny.
Our body language was different in this game, which is a sign of pride and professionalism. Truth be told, we played very well at one end of the court. On the other end, we were like a dog caught shitting in the dining room – no defence. We can’t let PHX score 103 points after three quarters. That’s straight embarrassing. Because the way the game was going, if PHX played their studs in the fourth instead of their bench they would have hit 140 easy.
Nash exposed us BAD and showed why he runs a team like no other, dropping at least two rewind-worthy passes per game. He took the game over in the third and sliced us up like a holiday bird.
Not the fastest guy, not the strongest guy, but shrewd, relentless, and a pleasure to watch.
Bosh came to play with a determination and passion few NBA players possess. It’s as though he decided that if the rest of the Raptors wanted to lose, that could, but he was going to win regardless. And he did, if you want to know the truth. I mean, dude had 5 offensive rebounds alone on one first quarter possession where he outplayed three Suns by himself. He drove and drove and drove on his way to 22/24 from the free throw line (a career high) for 42 points (also a career best).
“The free-throw line is my friend,” Bosh said, “so I just always try to be aggressive, always try to attack the basket and get those easy points.”
Finally, that’s what we’ve been asking for all year! It was impressive (and a little intimidating) to see this maturation of Chris…and I love it. He could snap and go all bull-goosy loony on us if this keeps up, but you gotta commend his attitude. He’s our All-Star, and is starting to sound like it.
Double team? Don’t matter.
I love that Colangelo joined Chuck and Leo in the broadcast. For those who didn’t watch the game, Basketball Godfather spent the whole first quarter speaking candidly – or as candid as a GM can be on a national broadcast – about specific players, team strategy, and our puzzling performances this season.
My favorite part was when BC was discussing how they constructed the Suns a few years back. The team mandate was to assemble pieces that satisfied a list of criteria: “Basketball IQ, versatility, scoring, and playmaking ability.” Notice he didn’t say ‘defence’?
It was a bit awkward at times, especially when BC had to explain his sarcasm to a glazey-stared Chuck/Leo. “No guys, I say that sarcastically, meaning I actually think the opposite of what I’m saying. As in, no, seriously, I think you two are doing a REALLY great job here.”
Chuck and Leo are usually good for beating at least one dead horse per game. Tonight’s assaulted equine? Dick Bavetta. How many different ways can you sing the praises of an octegenarian official? Apparently, 27.
But frankly, I’m jealous of Bavetta. At least he got to eject Leo Rautins back in the day. I wish I could have the honor.
So that’s that. I’ll be posting once more before the holidays hit, posting the second half or our Stocking Stuffers feature. Other that that, I’ll be getting fat and wasted until further notice.
Happy holidays to all of you (except D-Mart). Thanks for making the Dinosty part of your NBA obsession in 2007-2008.
We love you long time!
