Going into this game nobody knew what to expect, after dropping three straight to depleted Indiana, undermanned Charlotte and then Orlando, the Raptors appeared primed to go 0-3 on the roadtrip. It’s a good thing Miami was the last stop. After the 32 point drubbing earlier in the year the money was on the Heat showing some pride and competing against a Bosh-less Raptors squad that’s been on the ropes this week, but the Heat resistance lasted about a quarter. Barely. And Riley was not happy.
Miami is a miserable team to watch; Dwyane Wade isn’t motivated enough to carry a team on his back just so he can save Miami from a last place finish and Shawn Marion’s days are spent trying to figure out if he should opt out or not. After all, will someone pay him 17M? The age old NBA question: get big money playing for a bad team or lesser money playing for a contender. The ironic part of that question is that Marion had it both, he was making a ridiculous salary in Phoenix while playing for a contender but wanted to “be the man” which he still isn’t since Wade is around. Nothing makes sense. They need to sit Wade and tank.
Maybe the Heat might’ve had a chance if Shawn Marion didn’t get shutdown by Jamario Moon who limited him to 5 points on 2-7 FG while swatting three of his shots. Naah, it wouldn’t have mattered, the Raptors were getting too many open looks without trying too hard. They shot 55% and Forderon racked up 18 assists, that’s 3 more than the entire Miami team. Jose Calderon got his shooting touch back and was his usual electric but controlled self in finding Rasho Nesterovic, Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker for countless high-percentage jumpers. Miami didn’t have an answer for him nor did they have any idea on how to defend Rasho, they were conceding him space to shoot the 15 footer as if they thought it was his weakness. Rasho kindly made 8 of 12 FG attempts and constantly shook his head at how easy things were.
Andrea’s fall looked much worse than TJ’s and we’re lucky it’s nothing more than a loose tooth. He was hit flagrantly in mid-air by Alexander Johnson. After he blew by the initial defender, Johnson hit him in the face with an elbow which almost knocked him out. If that wasn’t bad enough, his head/neck were loose when he hit the floor and the head banged at least a couple times on the floor. The initial replay looked like a severe concussion and the look on his face was as if he’s just seen the white light. Turned out he was just shook up and rightfully so. I was glad to see him get up and hit two FTs before Dr. Larry Brown (anybody get this reference?) was called to see him. Side note here is that none of the Raptors stepped up to Johnson and reprimanded him for his idiotic foul. I was hoping Brezec would be on the floor so we could see some fireworks. What’s lost in all this is the aggressiveness with which Bargnani started the game, even though he missed his first couple shots he kept shooting and drove to the rim, ultimately earning a respectable percentage. They key is doing it consistently, and who are we kidding? We’re playing Miami.
So what should’ve been by all accounts a 2-1 roadtrip ends up 1-2. Not thaat bad. I’m more pissed off about the Indiana loss more than anything. We got Washington and Seattle coming up before we start the daunting West coast swing. Washington got killed at home by Orlando and will be looking to bounce back. It’s imperative that we win that game and avenge the Seattle embarrassment, that way even if we go 0-5 in our West coast swing, we’ll still be 3 games over .500. I know, it’s loser thinking but it’s very possible that we go winless or at best 1-4 on that trip. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
Consistency is the key element which is missing from the Raptors. We have some very streaky players who can’t be relied upon to provide anything concrete on any given night. Just contrast Moon’s game from today and yesterday, or take Delfino’s horrendous shooting slump, Humphries erratic play and then of course there’s Andrea Bargnani. Some might argue that consistency is developed over time once a player finds himself and understands what he needs to do in order to achieve and maintain success. I’m doubtful that come playoff time, any of our inconsistent players will have become any better at maintaining a level of performance. I think a lot of this is reflects on the coaching that’s being done on this team and how well-defined players’ roles are. One of my biggest complaints about Sam is the lack of a set rotation. There are arguments both against and for this idea but the main advantage of it is that it allows the team to get into a rhythm, manages expectations and provides a roadmap. We should at least have an 8-man rotation which we start off with and see how things go from there. I mean, why was Joey on the bench till garbage time but got in the game in the first quarter yesterday? What’s the rationale at play? Now injuries to Ford and Bosh have thrown this off but I hope that come playoff time, we don’t pull the same shit we did against NJ last year.
There’s some talk about Jamario Moon not reading scouting reports and relying on his gut feel. I have to say this was one of the more disappointing things that I’ve read in the last little while. For a rookie who doesn’t know anything about the league and its players, I thought the scouting report would be your best friend. I wonder how Sam feels about this. Thoughts?
The Raptors get a big lead early, somewhat loosen the grip but maintain a 7-10 point cushion in the first half before blowing the Heat out in the third. I’ll be a lot happier if we win against Washington. This one was easy.
Later.
Liners:
* I would like to introduce yet another Raptors blog.
* Birdman pointed out this little moment in the Orlando game.
* TJ Ford’s got a problem with the backup job? You decide.
* If you didn’t get the Dr. Larry Brown reference, the Miami Heat announcer made the following announcement during the game which was clearly heard on TV: “Would Dr. Larry Brown please report to the Raptors locker room. The Raptors thank you.” It was right after the Bargnani injury. Speaking of the Heat announcer, the guy sure stays positive even when down 32.
* The more I look at this team, the more I’m convinced that we need to trade one of the two point guards (TJ Ford likely) to address a need. The only question remaining is what his market value will be given his injuries. If we’re getting low-balled in the offers, no reason to pull a trigger but if anything substantial or workable comes back, it wouldn’t make sense not to do it. After a while, having two solid PGs becomes an exercise in diminishing returns, there’s only so much of an advantage you can get from one position on the floor. I’d rather have an All-Star PG and a good solid SF rather than two All-Star guards, wouldn’t you?
* The crowd jeering Brezec after he missed that dunk after the play was over was too funny. This guy is comedy.
* I have to give the Top Rap to Anthony Parker for being damn competitive and even more damn consistent on this road-trip. The two losses hurt him more than anyone.
Not many Liners, do add your own.