How many of you had to frantically search the internet for the TNT feed last night? I understand that’s inevitable every time the Raps are going to be showcased on a mainstream stage, but it’s an annoying one just the same. One that can give the constant badgering of “What does a bank like BMO know about basketball” a run for its money. Especially when Sportsnet proceeded to air TNT’s coverage of the Bulls-Lakers matchup after the fact.
WARNING: Major rant coming in 3, 2, 1…
With the impending “government crackdown” on cable companies dictating what consumers have to pay for in order to get what they really want to watch, it’s understandable that an outlet like Rogers wants to milk its product every chance they get.
And the injustice doesn’t end there:
Already counting your savings? I wouldn’t just yet, as the optics of the story are troublesome.
The rather convenient service increases that Rogers announced last week might just be the tip of the iceberg. The government gets to come off like they’re fighting for the people while at the same time they’re overlooking the loopholes the ones they’re fighting against can exploit.
We’ve always wanted to be able to pick and choose what channels we pay for but with the prices of these “smaller packages” yet to be released, be careful what you wish for. Whether it’s the Raptors, Jays, or Leafs, not to mention the already overpriced Sports Package, supporting your favorite team could become an expensive proposition.
Note to self: Cancel cable subscription. It’s time to jump on the streaming bandwagon.
I should heed my own advice, though:
Talk about picking the wrong time to play your worst game (arguably) of the streak. I’d love to see a stat that tells us how many people actually stayed with last night’s action from beginning to end. But of course, I have faith that the Republic stayed loyal.
You could say that it was doomed from the start. Carmelo being out was one thing, but the late scratch of Porzingis is an entirely different animal altogether. I realize Anthony can be a one-man wrecking crew that’s enjoyable to watch (sometimes), but the way Kristaps has made every single draft critic eat their words and become must-see television in the process, TNT executives must have been regretting their decision.
However, by no means am I trying to crash the franchise-record party. One that should still be pumping its music as we speak. So the following will be a continuation of what I wrote a week ago today: Part One of my big picture perspective. By the way, the DJ is still taking requests…
While I’m at it, allow me to plug another article. Hey, the writing game is what it is. I’m going to promote my own stuff when it lends itself to the topic, otherwise it will just vanish into the blogosphere abyss.
It all connects, though. I swear.
In my Wizards-Raps review, I stated: “Plenty has been made about the Raps’ winning streak coming against the likes of either inferior or undermanned opponents.”
A great comment came after: “Which could be spun as a positive since the “old” Raps would have played down to competition.”
Whoever you are, SMH, preach on!
It’s actually a drum I’ve been banging all year after numerous letdown tests were failed early in the season’s first half. Particularly speaking of the no-shows against the likes of Denver, Sacramento, and Phoenix.
The point is: this is not that same team. There is far more discipline taking place. Hopefully, this is the new and here to stay Raptors.
Claims by the masses that the brakes should be pumped on this streak solely because of the level of competition or the absence of certain players needs to stop. But once again, when you add the aforementioned Carmelo and Porzingis to the list, that crowd won’t be silenced anytime soon.
The talking heads who have generalized this 10-game span are failing to step back and take it all in. Opinions are like you know what but there comes a time when a viewpoint resembles clickbait garbage.
It doesn’t take an analytical formula to see that the pieces are starting to fall in place regardless of who the team is facing.
Take Lowry and DeRozan for example:
At this point it might be wishful thinking that we’ll get to see K-Low’s minutes decrease. He’s just too important to how this club operates. Too many lineup variations end up needing him on the floor more often than not.
Enter DeMar, and the level his game has now risen to. If Porzingis has silenced his critics, DeRozan is then holding his at gunpoint. Laughing all the way to the max-contract bank.
But this team now has a way around the Lowry issue. He can still play 35+ minutes a night when DeMar now commands a new level of respect. Combine that with the pressure Joseph already alleviates, the odds of another second half swoon are slim to none.
Which leads to another duo. Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson are elevating their contributions at the perfect time. I’d like to see Ross get to the line more and PP putting a stop to his habit of passing up open threes, but as another commenter (Let it Rain) pointed out, that might just be getting greedy.
What adds to their timing being so perfect is the notion that the Raps’ most moveable pieces have brought their value back up.
If a trade is made, the affordability of PP’s contract and the controllable aspects that Ross’s provides will undoubtedly entice GM’s at the deadline.
The flip side, however, is an extremely positive one. Specifically referring to Ross, if he’s finally ready to harness his tools, the addition to help a postseason run may already be in-house.
We’ve been sucked into a state of euphoria before so I can’t leave without throwing caution on the excitement. I’ll let a snippet from Zarar Siddiqi’s latest, The North Remembers, do the talking for me:
“An impressive record, individual accolades, a revival of a much-maligned bench unit, and even showers of praise for the head coach would normally result in serious flag-waving and trumpeting of #WeTheNorth in our faces, yet that aspect of the enterprise remains fairly subdued, bordering on cautious. That is because we’ve been here before and this time want more.”
When it comes to this fan base, and this city as a whole, that way of thinking is long overdue. But with this squad’s confidence level never being this high, alongside the signs of encouragement residing at a level we haven’t seen before, the big picture is seriously bright.
Happy 10th, everyone.
