Is Toronto’s hardcore Rap-act back in full effect? Or was it due to the fact an inferior opponent was in the building? The rub lies somewhere in the realm of the latter receiving a slight edge, but a bottom line still remains; the 5-game funk has officially come to an end!
Over the course of the now-infamous losing streak, it seemed like the Raps were performing their best impression of a Marshawn Lynch press conference. As for Beast Mode, his antics are always entertaining. The Raptors on the other hand, gave this city a tour of their dark side.
However, visiting the City of Brotherly Love resulted in a much brighter outlook. As the Raps decided to show up for a change and answer a few questions. And did not get fined in the process.
It didn’t come as a shock, but the announcement of Kyle Lowry sitting out for the second consecutive night did raise a level of concern. A team already in the midst of trending south was one thing, but to be humbled by the lowly Knicks just two nights earlier had set the ongoing firestorm ablaze. A rest period is understandable and needed, although judging from Casey’s pre-game presser, K-Low might be on the sidelines once again when Cleveland rolls into town on Wednesday night.
This could be just Coach keeping roster intel close to the vest, and No.7 might be a guarantee to suit up. But as long as we’re judging, Casey’s past suggests “stealth-like maneuvers” are not quite part of his repertoire. So be prepared for Vasquez and Lou-Will to man the ship once again.
If Monday is any indication, the fort could be held down by its replacements for a little while longer; with the operative word being “could”. GV backed up his sufficient shine in New York with another satisfactory outing, as the offense wasn’t stagnant for long when the former University of Maryland star was leading the charge.
The same can be said for Williams, as both stand-ins forced the pressing issue of ball-movement and brought back the notion of the extra pass to this team’s mindset. A staple of the Raps’ past, but a forgotten weapon during the multiple low-points this season. 33 points, 10 assists, two thefts and just one turnover resided between the two.
Facts must be faced, though. Cleveland and Philly are at opposite ends of the spectrum was it comes to preparing a battle-plan.
Regardless, blowback is called for; specifically regarding Williams. A 2-for-9 showing from downtown raises red flags among the praise, the 6th-man nominee just can’t help himself from at-times going rogue.
The dreaded top-of-the-arc isolation was even re-enacted. With 30 ticks left on the game-clock in the first quarter, and a healthy 20 seconds until the shot-clock expired, why is there contentment with simply standing still and attempting the low-percentage opportunity? The lane is calling your name Lou, drive that sucker! You shoot 86 percent from the stripe!
Still, credit is deserved. The added spark and production he provides when cleaning up the starting unit’s mess remains invaluable. Think of Harvey Keitel’s character in Pulp Fiction. Sweet Lou’s alias should forever be known as “The Wolf” in this squad’s current offensive system.
Early on, the movie set staged a scene reminiscent of the flick Rounders. Where Toronto played the role of Teddy KGB, and the part of Mike McDermott portrayed by Philadelphia. Alligator blood was running through the Sixers, and the Raps onslaught was repeatedly held in check.
Try this with your best attempt at a Russian accent: “Philly just kept hanging around.”
Actually, even better. Let’s let Assistant Coach Tom Sterner weigh in, especially since the Sixers shot 52 percent in first half:
Speaking of one imposing their will. Dropping 35 large, nine boards, five dimes, two steals, 50 percent shooting, a perfect 10-for-10 from the line, a minuscule two turnovers, and a tidy +13, all lead us to this game’s main feature: DeMar DeRozan.
Monday marked a changed man; back to the facilitating playmaker and rim-attacker that’s been missing for quite some time. Shot selection was improved (although there’s only one direction to move from rock bottom), isolations suddenly became well thought out and justified, loose balls were dived for, and a consistent effort on the defensive end was brought forth.
I just have one question: What happened to the selfish and lackadaisical DeRozan we have all grown to love over recent weeks? Perhaps patting Double-D on the back after such a dubious trip to NYC was a stroke of reverse-psychology genius by Casey?…Nah, he should have been publicly called out. Especially when you’re quick on the trigger as it pertains to his teammates.
Asserting the same disciple will be a tall order come time for the Cavs. But this positive reinforcement couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Big Picture:
A 12-point victory may have transpired, but images are closer than they appear. Philly took care of business in the paint with a 54-38 edge, not to mention the 15-11 margin on the fast break, and the 32-24 clip in the assist department.
This city will take it, however. As fellow writer Garrett Hinchey pointed out in the Quick React: A win is a win is a win.
The non-involvement of JV and JJ is always concerning, but can be attributed to the 76ers inexperience and lack of fundamentals. An even trade was made last night, that lack of participation from this squad’s two biggest post threats allowed for a renewed sense of confidence in Patman and T-Ross. The latter needs it something fierce, even if he remains just a spot-up shooter. But if Valanciunas and Johnson are still given the silent treatment come Wednesday, there will be no winning streak on the horizon.
The Sixers weak links were simply taken advantage of. Some slack is warranted considering the club has employed a total of 14 players over the course of the season that went undrafted, but the discrepancy in turnovers (16-11) was the beginning of the end on this night.
I have a feeling defending the pick-and-roll will be the first order of business at the next Philly practice. Perhaps Allen Iverson can make a guest appearance.
Up next: King James (the original version) and his entourage. Let’s just hope that scene from Rounders has a role-reversal in store. First step of the road to recovery program is in the books, the next 11 is there for the Raps taking.
A shout-out to Psycho T. Quality rebounding and effort once gain in limited action.
