If the regular season taught us anything (or the history of the franchise for that matter), it’s hard to imagine the Raps coming up lame in tonight’s Game 2. That statement might be filled to the optimistic brim, but hey, inconsistency is their identity, so it only makes sense. There’s only one direction to move after such a disappointing opener. Insert fingers crossed, here.
With that said, we’ve also learned never to assume a course of action will take place, as Game 1 held a far too familiar occurrence. HE’S THE DUDE WITH THE RED HAIR, COACH! CAN’T MISS HIM!
As the Republic’s Blake Murphy pointed out in Monday’s call for a James Johnson adjustment, it would be an absolute shocker if the same lineup “plan” is upheld by Casey going forward. We’ve been dumbfounded before but even DC can’t be this stubborn, right?
James Johnson right now. pic.twitter.com/CGVNYwcbLP
— Raptors Republic (@raptorsrepublic) April 18, 2015
But one has to raise an even bigger eyebrow at Casey’s “matchup” comment. If he hadn’t painted himself into a corner over the course of the season, where criticism reached optimum levels, he’s now left this fan base and onlookers alike in a state of bewilderment.
It’s almost as if he’s trained himself to give robotic answers to any questions regarding JJ. One who represented the best option at attempting to seal the cracks Washington had found. Sticking with one’s original way of thinking is one thing, but allowing Johnson to waste away on the pine with not even a sniff of action is simply inexcusable.
Sure, this isn’t breaking news, especially by the time this piece drops, but just like any other major issue that has presented itself throughout the year, the drum must be beaten by default. Besides, it doesn’t seem as if the “mainstream” media wants to play a prosecutor’s role, well there’s no worries about a PR backlash here, I’m more than happy to fill the void.
There’s Always Hope:
Allotting minutes for JJ is a forgone conclusion at this point, but there are plenty of factors that fans can only hope come to fruition.
- Washington’s control of the boards in Game 1, along with the Raps’ frustrating counter-effort would make any backer of facing the Wizards over the Bucks in the first round rethink what they wished for. As much as piling on Casey would act as tidy blame, when fundamental box-outs don’t transpire, and half-assed responsibility on switches are taken, the players must be held accountable. Let’s hope a shift in power presides.
- The Jonas Valanciunas saga continues. It’s a shame this issue still must be discussed, as JV, if allowed to grow properly during the season, had the chance to be miles ahead of where he currently is. Yet this squad’s main interior presence is still reluctant to assert himself at both ends. However, if given half the chance to do so, the dynamic of this series could change drastically.
- Which connects the Raps’ three main shooters: K-Low, DeMar, and Lou. Who collectively in a one-game bubble put up an uninspiring 26% from the field, and a disappointing 45% from the True Shooting perspective. It’s one game, yes, but a reoccurring theme over the season’s duration nonetheless. Mix in JV’s minuscule 7 shots (the majority on put-back attempts) with the same amount of free-throws as JJ’s minutes received, and you get another episode of ignoring the middle brought to you by the misguided shot-selection of the Raps’ backcourt. Ride or die by the jumper, I get it (unfortunately), but Saturday hit a new low.
- As for the fan base, we can’t be content whenever Jack Armstrong utters the words: “Amazingly, the Raps are just stuck five.” I can only hope not. But hope is a dangerous thing, and we’ve become attached to what this team is truly capable of when optimized. As much as a glutton-for-punishment outcome might await us all, I still hold it in spades.
Real Expectations:
Vasquez may have brought the house down with his game-tying clutch from downtown (my neighbours are still giving me dirty looks from the noise that shot created), but if those moments are going to be relied upon, this will be a very short series.
Expect the starting lineup to assemble back to its regular season form with Amir slotted back in. A workhorse saviour in his Game 1 reserve role, AJ’s grind-it-out performance was one of the Raps’ minimal bright spots, even though trouble handling the Wizards’ size down-low was present.
If you’re looking for the player where all of the aforementioned hope translates into expectations, look no further than the point guard who is in dire need of stepping up to the plate, Kyle Lowry.
First, let’s rewind. K-Low deserves a ton a credit as the main cog in leading this franchise to levels of respectability over the last two campaigns. There is no denying that this city has fed off his leadership and all-out style of play. And even when you combine his second-half criticism, No.7 seemingly still owns a surrounding aura that he can ultimately do no wrong.
I (like many) have been a part of that camp since the beginning, scoffing at basketball pundits who suggested Randy Foye was the better prospect coming out of Villanova. The fact that Foye was selected 17 picks before his collegiate running-mate has now proven to be a laughing matter. It was apparent that his stops in Memphis and Houston weren’t doing his talents justice, Lowry was worthy of lead-dog status, and you would be hard pressed to find a more enthused Raptors’ fan on the day the trade was made to acquire his services.
Well, a full circle moment has arrived. I shouted his MVP-caliber praise early on, only to become critical as the year progressed. But it’s time for his lofty expectations to meet his admiration at a time this team needs it the most. To put it bluntly, Lowry has become lazy, careless, and hasn’t kicked his post All-Star bad habits.
To be fair, lingering back and finger injuries (and even rust) should be taken into consideration when discussing his detriments. But that doesn’t negate his mentality, which to all appearances, has changed for the worse.
In case you missed it, I recommend reading William Lou’s article that goes extensively into KL’s gambling problems.
Perhaps I’m allowing all of the time I’ve invested into rooting for Lowry’s success to cloud the big picture. Does the letdown deserve such a callout?
I’m afraid the answer to that question might just reside in his Game 2 performance. This city needs to see improvement. The numbers don’t have to look pretty, and as long as everything is left on the court, a victory is not mandatory. The only demand is Lowry’s effort of days past.
Faith is dwindling, but still in order. It’s just now up to Lowry to hold up his end of the bargain. This is now expected. If not, the benefit of the doubt will inevitably disappear.
