Even though the Raptors were still alive (or better yet, gasping for their last breath), it’s not too much of a stretch to suggest the majority of this fan-base simply wanted to be put out of their misery. Well, the Wizards were accommodating hosts, handing out an embarrassing Game 4 defeat, while ending Toronto’s season with an excruciating-to-watch series sweep.
There is something to be said about pride, though, from the players to fans alike. Deep down all of us kept a little bit of hope that a Game 5 would take place. It’s just a shame the feeling wasn’t mutual.
At least Game Of Thrones was able to shake off its slow start in last night’s episode. Anybody else hoping Tyrion and Daenerys will eventually rule side by side? Hey, if you didn’t have access to a bottle of Jack, or a dartboard with Casey/Lowry as its bullseye, distractions have been encouraged throughout.
Still, in a twisted sense, every single one of this club’s hardcore supporters was willing to endure an inevitable evening full of frustration and anger to see this downfall to the bitter end. And we have every right to be resentful, as the amount of support shown to this team deserved a better fate.
I will incorporate Game 4’s gameplay as this article goes along, but this disappointing moment calls for the big picture to supersede the game’s individual perspective. It all connects, in unfortunate fashion.
Just like any hangover, the cobwebs slowly transform into moments of clarity (or regret for that matter). And realistically, the morning after hit home around the All-Star break, perhaps we’ve been our own worst enemy all along as we continued to show faith in this squad despite all the smoke being blown.
This city is starving for success, undoubtedly, so are we guilty of putting this squad on an underserved pedestal coming into this season? The year’s scorching beginning didn’t help matters, either. In hindsight, a little more investigation into what the opposition was bringing to the table should have presided.
A testament to that fact would begin with last year’s second-half charge, and the euphoric opening round against Brooklyn. Which on the surface can even be described as coming close to rivalling Vince Carter in his Raptors’ prime. But as we now wallow in a reality check, it’s safe to say we let the Raps lead us down a path of false hope.
The George Costanza syndrome, if you will:
It now seems like ages ago that the only positive revolving around this franchise was the chance at winning the Andrew Wiggins’ lottery. But with just under two seasons removed from that scenario, would the current levels of “respect” across the league be traded in for that ongoing rebuild? Whether it would’ve been Wiggins or another top prospect, the answer is yes, and no.
There’s reason to believe that Valanciunas’ development would be further along if a playoff atmosphere wasn’t stumbled upon. Less emphasis on keeping the status-quo, while presenting opportunities for JV to learn on the job without Casey’s short leash hanging over his head on a nightly basis could have worked wonders. Along with the actual shaping of an offensive identity for the long haul. The offseason will be a gruelling one, filled with what-if’s, but the Raps are heading into it with not much to show for it in the way of progression. JV remains a second-class citizen in this freestyle scheme.
On the flip-side, it’s just not that simple. Jonas’ stagnant, and somewhat deteriorated skills can’t solely be based on the way he was handled. Intelligence is a two-way street, and Gortat and Nene took advantage of at every turn.
“Progression” is my major issue with Casey. The 82-game grind is played for a reason. How long can a coach keep the Raps’ front-court woes on the back-burner? How long can tinkering with inefficiencies at both ends seemingly not take place? Did Casey lose the room halfway through? Those JJ rumours are beginning to gain legs as we speak.
At this point, the firing of DC would shock very few, and not having the foresight to address (or at least attempt to) what would ultimately be a contributing factor in the team’s failures will not work in his favour. How was the coddling maintained with T-Ross and not with JV? Especially when T-Ross is decidedly more replaceable with how this roster is currently constructed.
Add another flatline for Ross at the charity stripe. Accumulating zero free-throws is nothing new, but as long as were discussing advancement in personnel, move along, folks, there’s nothing to see here. Mix in DeRozan’s 4.25 FTA average, along with Lowry’s own minuscule 2.75 over the course of the series, and you don’t get much of an example being set.
Before Game 2 hit, I stated that if Lowry failed to show up, the benefit of the doubt he has received during his time in a Raptors’ uniform would officially disappear. Yes, injuries played a factor, but does that negate a slippage in overall basketball IQ?
Game 4’s tone was set with K-Low once again heading to the bench with three early fouls. The second was a mockery of officiating, but does that exempt him from his all-too-familiar leaving of his feet for his cheap third? Not to mention his careless technical foul while sending the Ref an attitude-filled message. Love the passion, hate his recent mindset.
The pretty 21-8-4, and 53% from the field line showed up far too late. But at least he’s owning up to it.
In what was once deemed the unthinkable, the notion of Lowry being available has now become a possibility. And that brings us to the offseason, will there be sweeping changes?
Casey isn’t the only one with one foot out the door. Amir, Hansbrough, Chuck, Fields, and possibly even Lou and JJ are all on notice. Come to think of it, DeRozan might be the only player resembling a sure bet to exist in this team’s blueprint for next season.
Just under 12 minutes. The grand total of playing time given to James Johnson across the entire 4 games. I hinted at the rumours, but Casey could have gained a bit of job security if JJ was allowed to help. Defending the wing, the interior, the not-so secret weapon of Pierce at the 4, aiding the disparity in four straight rebounding breakdowns (chalk up another 42-37 difference on Sunday), while fundamentally setting the example for the Raps’ lost art of boxing-out.
In a backhanded attempt at saving face, it is kind of difficult to attack the glass when pull-up jumpers persist to go up with the number of would-be rebounders failing to enter the half-court set before the shot gets heaved. And let’s not forget the defensive side where over-compensating in help situations gave the Wizards numerous second chances.
But back to JJ. Exactly how could he not have helped the rest of this lot with his off-ball movement, his screen awareness at both ends, or on John Wall’s drives that totally ignored the chances for countless uncontested attempts from downtown. The Raps did Washington’s dirty work for them.
102 points given up by the end of the third quarter??
There is one change that is all but guaranteed, however. One would think that TSN’s experiment with Mo Pete has run its course. Please, for the love of all things good in this world, let that be true. The addition of Sam Mitchell to the broadcasting crew saved a sinking ship.
In the end, Lowry deserved to be waived to by Beal, Porter’s defence on DeMar was stifling, JV never got a true chance to make an impact, Pierce’s manipulation was masterful, JJ deserved better treatment, and Wittman out-coached Casey by a country mile.
The next Game Of Thrones looks promising. What about the offseason? Well, it will be hard (not really) to say goodbye to this version of the Raps, but changes are in order. Take it away, Boyz:
