Reaction: Raptors 97, Pelicans 100 – Toronto Blows 18 Point Lead

Spotty performance. Moments in first half where he was a big part of the pick ‘n roll, got in spots where caught and finished/got fouled, and you would think it would project out to the rest of the game but it rarely does. Is his offense sustainable over 48 minutes? Thing is, we’ve never quite made an effort to find out and he’s still the occasional afterthought on offense instead of a guy you might dedicate 5-7 possessions to.

Efficient offense driving either way from the wing and even hit a three. Was matched up with Evans a few times who got by him, though it was never a real issue. Ajinca’s good screen-setting negated him a few times and allowed Evans to pick out some shooters, not his fault though – that’s more on the system than a player. Huge contest on Babbit on a good look from three with a minute left.

Outstanding effort, efficient offense, terrific rebounding, and all that got him a seat on the bench as Evans drove to the rim for a huge two points while our best rim-defender sat on the bench. He probably could’ve also helped battle for an offense rebound on those missed jumpers, but oh well, him getting benched and the Raptors losing because of it is old news. He showed something new in dealing with guards who got into the paint: he never committed himself either way and was able to contain guards and force them to pass back out to reset. Great agility and footwork, overall.

Just not in sync with the game – risky passes, not passing to bigs in good position in favor of pulling up, and being irresponsible on defense. Cole was killing him off the bounce, and was getting under Lowry’s skin much like Beverley. You know he can rack up the assists if he wants to, so not sure why he’s not doing more to supply the oil when the offense is creaking. True to reputation, did have a big basket in the lane a few FTs down the stretch, but that decision to shoot over 7-foot plus Ajinca was silly. And then he did the same thing against Asik. And missed the game-tying three.

Don’t remember him taking a decent shot all game long. I do realize he’s likely not 75%, but shooting jumpers that the defense wants you to take is never the answer. He’s got to take the blame for not being the stabilizing force when New Orleans was making their runs. He’s also looking off big men in good position in favour of fadeaway jumpers, which is a horrible behaviour for a leader.

I don’t even know what the point is.

Don’t get me wrong, he was terrible overall, but it should be noted that he did play a couple good defensive possessions in the fourth quarter, so I guess he’s got that going for him.

I recall him having one good defensive possession and making one good pass to Amir Johnson on the pick ‘n roll. The rest was YOLO shots, aimless dribbling, and glares to nobody in particular. If he’s not bringing offense, especially with Patterson out, there’s no point here either.

Mr. Hyde showed up today. Jumper ain’t going on, which means he was useless since he has little else to offer. This is the kind of game that I fear him having in the playoffs, and costing us a series. Did draw some fouls which avoids him an F.

He cannot get this team to play any sort of defense, and why he kept JV (our best defender all night) on the bench with the game when the Pelicans took the lead is mind-boggling. That alone is worth of an F.