Quick React: Portland Trail Blazers 115 @ Toronto Raptors 117, Mar 4

His struggles continue though he was a tad unlucky drawing 2 back to back whistles that should have been and ones, yet the refs waived off both. I’m not going to belabor the fact he probably needs additional rest so the use of these smaller small ball line-ups may be just what Scola’s doctor ordered.

While he didn’t score he gets a D for registering a healthy plus+12 in the +/-

It was obviously a game plan to go at the Blazers front court given their lack of rim protection and Plumlee’s shortcomings as both DeRozan and Lowry were intent on feeding him the ball early.

That said, I expected him to feast on the Blazers frontcourt and noticed he initially seemed to be vacillating between rushing his moves or dribbling too much. By the time he returned in the 2Q half he was moving more within the flow of the game. He ended the half with 9 points and 5 boards and the game with a double-double of 17 point and 10 rebounds. AND a team high plus 18 (which he garners his first A+ from me for).

Another typical night for the Raptors captain, He’s mastered the ability to gauge the ebb and flow required in games. So much so that I have to remind myself how few players have his ability to not only recognize it, but respond to it.

Case in point: I’m sure it’s difficult to have a killer instinct when the game appears well in hand. Couple that with a group of whistle happy zebras and this had the potential to turn ugly fast. Especially with an iffy call on Biyombo who had battled for an offensive board and scored while being held down by Plumlee (all of which was negated by the offensive foul). …. Lowry’s response was to run a play for JV that drew a foul and then he drew 3 PF of his own to put the Raps in the bonus. In addition he scored a 3 pointer and went to the line repeatedly to keep the Raptors ahead.

I was going to just give him an A but that stat line and his effect on the Raptors winning couldn’t be ignored.

His offense speaks for itself. And if you are looking for an example of what many say he never does – – (defend) check out 2:26 – 2:12 of 3Q)

As for the grade while people might say he could offer more intangibles or defend for longer periods his 38 points and 24 of 25 from the line were nothing short of spectacular.

See point 3 below

It’s hard not to LOVE what Powell brings to the court. Drafted 46th having played just 169 total minutes he fit in seamlessly with the starters. What I love about him is his no quit. Perfect example: DeRozan blistered a beauty pass into him that he missed scoring on, but as the Blazers broke down the court Powell (who was the furthest from the Blazers basket) streaked down court and used his amazing reach to bother McCollum just enough to alter an easy score from happening. (3:07 – 2:59 of 2Q)

Tasked with the tough task of defending McCollum he did enough to hold him from having a monster night while making him work on the offensive end hitting 3’s with confidence and even earned the refs respect!

Yeah I know I’m going A+ happy tonight … but he did much more than anyone expected of him and I want him to be encouraged by his great showing!

One minute does not a grade make

Like Ross the offense wasn’t there nor were the shot opportunities ( 6 FGA for 7 points). Still, he does what he needs to defensively especially when paired with his bench crew and Lowry. I’m sure we could be asking for more BUT when the team is succeeding defensively there is something to be said for a player who’ll play within the natural flow of the game and not stop defending because he isn’t getting touches. Then again that 3 at 1:45 was HUGE!

Can’t simply call it an off night since by the end of the 3Q he had only taken one shot and that didn’t come until 5:50 of the 2Q. His minutes seemed to be split with the hot hand tonight (Powell) And while I could crush him for an off night on both ends, the officials made grading the defense a joke.

Lowry and Biymobo continue to build their PNR chemistry. There was a nice sequence of Bis Ball in the 1Q where he dunked, blocked a shot, and got the rebound. He was more productive in the first half, and again it’s hard to be too harsh on the grades like his plus/minus numbers when the zebra’s were whistling people for talking court side.

His half time stats of 6 points, rebound, steal, block, 2 assists and plus +5 don’t do credit to what he brought to the court. Seemingly inspired by his National coach Jay Triano presence at the ACC he put on a show. Sure Lillard scored 19 first half points, but each time CJ was guarding him he had to work for it. Even Dame’s imitation of the Curry half court shot was taken with Joseph in his face.

His second half wasn’t as productive from a stats perspective and Lillard was sizzling hot.

Starting Norman Powell to defend McCollum was a great decision especially given Johnson’s production of late (though I hope it has more to do with Johnson being tired than being in Casey’s dog house again). I also can’t go crazy for him not starting Patterson tonight since the Blazers front court isn’t where the harm is coming from. Ultimately I gave him the B for the 12th straight ACC victory because the officiating made it impossible to view this game rationally.