The buzz coming into Wednesday night presented the best of both worlds. Headlining the event was Andrew “Maple Jordan” Wiggins finally making his Canadian-soil debut, but lurking in the background was a chance for the Raptors to continue to chip away at their haunting inconsistencies. With the Timberwolves only healthy enough to manage an 8-man lineup, odds were in the fans favour of witnessing both a victory, and a moment to bask in the glory of the hometown kid. Throw in a few visions of Wiggins eventually ending up in a Raps’ uniform, along with a Sam Mitchell sighting on Minnesota’s sidelines filling in for the ailing Flip Saunders, and this tilt had the potential to cure your lingering St. Patty’s Day hangover.
Now, potential can sometimes resemble DeRozan on the wing, staring down JV in the post who’s calling for the rock. A dangerous proposition, indeed. Or how about Wiggins’ teammate, Anthony Bennett, the other noteworthy Canadian product. The Brampton native was unable to suit up due to an ongoing ankle injury, but remains shout-out worthy as long as we’re spreading the local love. The No.1 overall pick in 2013 still has time on his side, but prospects of reaching the level once thought are currently stagnant.
Did Worlds Collide In Harmony?
Well, let’s begin with Wiggins. The main attraction is deserving of his own section. Yes, this is the Republic, but the moment calls for the Raps to receive a little silent treatment to start. I can’t sit idly by and act like that performance against the Blazers didn’t occur. A day off in between games, coming off one of their more promising showings (amidst their fall from grace), and an effort that lethargic shows up? Regardless of Portland’s execution, the home crowd was entitled to their weekend ending on a much more positive note.
A road win in Indiana, not to mention Lowry’s fashion statement, was enjoyable and reassuring of what this team is capable of, but it still falls in line with the season’s mixed-bag of tricks. The doghouse is firmly occupied.
But wait a minute, wasn’t I supposed to be leading off with Wiggins? Frustration has a mind of its own sometimes.
As for the kid from Thornhill, Ontario, it was not meant to be in his homeland debut. To be fair, early foul trouble snaked any notion of finding a rhythm, or even a seat off the first-half bench. The second-half (6 points in the 4th) held plenty more assertion, and in flashes a glimpse of why so much promise is bestowed upon him. A blazing first step, developing low-post repertoire, and a cool and collected demeanour. But nothing ground breaking here, I’m preaching to the choir with that assessment. Even his numbers on the glass have a respectable future, he’s just too active.
Kevin Martin and Chase Budinger were more than happy to pick up the slack, however. 56 points and 15 rebounds were dropped by the pair. Budinger by way of the dirty work, and K-Mart deconstructing Toronto from the outside going 5-for-9 beyond the arc. And this isn’t even a Casey criticism, as the onus of recognizing when to front Martin should be automatic. Especially when the opposition is undermanned and there is little inside presence to speak of.
Hold up a second. The Raptors won, though. And still sit 3rd in the East. Well, at this point that season-long fallback excuse option means nothing. If this trend continues (this year’s broken record), say hello to a Game 7 vs. Milwaukee, where Toronto is down by three with five seconds to go. Oh, and the Raps just turned the ball over.
Feed The Beast
Normally, cashing in 21 points, 7 boards, 4 dimes, 2 steals, and perfect 12-for-12 from the stripe would earn endless praise; but when that process includes 28 percent shooting, the spotlight shifts from DeRozan to Valanciunas. Did JV ask out of the rotation in the first half due to being under the weather? That remains unclear. What’s at the forefront is JV’s 20th double-double of the season, and how he was carving up the Wolves’ frontline.
What keeps the rest of us on high alert is the never-ending Casey conundrum of his minute allocation. Wednesday marked the 4th straight game he hasn’t eclipsed the 26-minute mark. These episodes are getting old, but the mission will never be completed unless the drum is repeatedly beaten. At the very least, we’re doing our part! Casey came to his senses later on with JV’s reinsertion, but the prior neglect almost proved too costly.
My season’s drum: Take advantage when a team presents an inferior inside unit, that much is obvious. But go the extra mile at the expense of that mismatch reversing itself to benefit the postseason and this team’s future. Not to mention Casey’s job security. Which might explain his “matchup-based” system. Hopefully, times change in Chicago.
Notable Takeaways
- As Tamberlyn stated in the Quick React, the Raps better hope K-Low’s “back contusion” is nothing serious, as this squad is truly not going anywhere without him at the helm. Although, we’re all in for a little less clamouring at the Ref’s (blown calls or not) while the opponent is already attacking in transition. Let’s face it, this is Toronto, benefit of the doubt in the NBA is non-existent. Even at home. But now i’m complaining, moving on.
- JJ is averaging 10 minutes over his last five games. And that’s being generous considering two of those including last night hovered around half that mark. T-Ross was efficient going 6-for-9, with 3 timely treys, but when goose-eggs are lighting up the rest of his counting stats, not to mention Lou’s old habits rising to the surface, it’s time for an explanation.
- 5 players hit double-figures, and the turnover battle was won (13-18), but why does this victory feel so sketchy? Are the Bulls on Friday night’s horizon? Is the notion out there that this brand of hoops simply won’t suffice in a playoff atmosphere?
Lesson Learned, Again
Anticipation is what keeps bringing us back. If not, you’re in the wrong business. But always remember the odds of a new-style NBA game transforming into the And 1 Streetball Tour are extremely high. Especially when the Raps are in the building. Skip To My Lou, where you at!
A Parting Shot
In honour of Sam Mitchell making an appearance, one has to revisit the clip, Story Time With: Jalen Rose, from Grantland:
