 | Amir Johnson, PF 33 MIN | 11-15 FG | 4-6 FT | 7 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 27 PTS | -15I shudder to think what would have been if he didn’t show up in the 1st quarter. The only thing that kept the Raptors afloat were his wicked Pick ‘n’ Rolls with Lowry for that half hook in the paint. Had as complete a game as possible. |  | |||||||
 | Terrence Ross, SF 31 MIN | 2-9 FG | 0-0 FT | 6 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 1 TO | 6 PTS | -15Really? That was what you decided to do after so many “think” pieces published the last few days lauding you? I know, I know, folks will site his having to defend LeBron (and Marion to a lesser degree) to start the game, but I call bullshit. BULLSHIT. Ross, you need to figure shit out and play effectively when your shot isn’t dropping. This is the big leagues, you need to pull your knickers up and get to work. |  | |||||||
 | Jonas Valanciunas, C 20 MIN | 3-7 FG | 1-2 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 2 BLK | 0 TO | 7 PTS | -11Crap. Provided zero value other than a couple nice drives to the basket without the customary pumpfake. By couple I mean two, and he missed one. |  | |||||||
 | Kyle Lowry, PG 40 MIN | 7-18 FG | 6-8 FT | 4 REB | 9 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 4 TO | 22 PTS | -8There’s only so much he can do by himself. Got help from Amir, but no one decided to show up. Fun fact: with 3 minutes left in the game, Lowry and Amir combined for more field goals AND free throws than the rest of the Raptors TEAM. Yes, team. His knees can only carry so much, guys. When is DeMar coming back? | | |||||||
 | Greivis Vasquez, PG 28 MIN | 2-11 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 5 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK | 1 TO | 4 PTS | -9Worst haircut I’ve ever seen. How did he reward 100,000 fantasy owners for adding him at a record clip over the last couple days? With a big fat donut. |  | |||||||
 | Tyler Hansbrough, PF 4 MIN | 0-0 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 0 PTS | +4Could have used his hustle and grit against the Cavs front line who were very active all night. |  | |||||||
 | James Johnson, PF 28 MIN | 5-10 FG | 0-0 FT | 6 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 11 PTS | +4Playing solid defense on LeBron doesn’t always mean you stop him from scoring; the guy is going to get his, but JJ really made him work for his shots off the dribble, and gave him a bit to think about in transition on offense. His slashing to the rack makes things VERY hard. Super complete game from him. One of three reasons the Raps didn’t lose by 60. |  | |||||||
 | Patrick Patterson, PF 27 MIN | 2-8 FG | 1-2 FT | 8 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 6 PTS | -11Could have used him to make more of the many open jumpers he got. Defense was also an issue (not that he was the only culpable one), between Tristan, Love, and Varajeo, there wasn’t enough energy from anyone not named Amir to make a difference. The rebounds were nice, but not enough, not by a long shot (sorry). |  | |||||||
 | Chuck Hayes, C 10 MIN | 1-1 FG | 1-2 FT | 3 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 3 PTS | +2Effective in limited minutes. That’s all I have. |  | |||||||
 | Louis Williams, SG 20 MIN | 2-7 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 3 TO | 5 PTS | -11Could have used his scoring from the bench, but didn’t get it. Sweet Lou has limited use when he can’t do the one thing he’s good at. | | |||||||
 | Dwane Casey Wasn’t his fault the Raptors shot so poorly, but aside from jawing the refs, saw very little in adjustments to counter Irving, or Tristan, or bloody the three-point assault we witnessed through the 1st three quarters (that defined the game). After Lowry gave the Raptors a 1-point lead, did nothing to maintain it after Blatt made the correct adjustments to stem the tide. Did nothing. | | |||||||
Three Things We Saw
- I didn’t like how DeMar wasn’t on the bench, in a suit, supporting the guys up front. There must have been a good reason since he’s not that kind of guy, but what’s right is right.
- I really wish I didn’t watch this game, there were no learning’s. The Raptors, other than Lowry, Amir, and JJ, played listless and unmotivated.
- A bit stunned McGrady didn’t get booed; I don’t get Torontonians sometimes.
- Let the “the Raptors aren’t elite” comments flood the airwaves.
