No ANSWERS

Not even a broken right ring finger would stop Allen Iverson from being in the line-up for the Nuggets. He has always been big in games vs. Toronto through his NBA career. Chris Bosh remains sidelined with his knee injury. Some speculation that he might be back when the Raptors get back from this road trip. The Raptors would rather he was here to help try to save this west coast trip but he does not look like he will. So that being said it was time to take on the Nuggets. The Raps had not scored a win in Denver since 2003 so it would not be easy.

The start would be better than the one a few nights earlier in Oakland. The Raps were down 18 after one quarter vs. the team Denver is chasing for the last playoff spot in the west. Closer but still the same defense that has been torched for 117 points in two straight games. Easy lay ups happen on Raptor defense will not make the NBA commercial campaign but it was happening. An Iverson circus shot and a 3 point play gave the Nuggets a 21-17 lead and gave Anthony Parker foul number two. Not good news as he has been playing well on offense and had the defensive assignment of Iverson. Sam Mitchell would roll the dice and leave Parker in the game. Rasho Nesterovic was hot as he got off to a good start having 9 points early and was making jump shots from 17 feet away. But the Nuggets were playing to the script that had been laid out for them by the Laker and Warriors as they would go on a 7-0 run sparked by who else Allen Iverson who had 9 points to this point and his team a 28-19 lead. Raps were in a track meet again which they would prefer not to be in. The difference between the Raptors and Western Conference are many but most of all it is about desperation. Raps didn't have it and the Nuggets did. More foul trouble for the Raptors as well as Rasho Nesterovic got a foul and a technical and was on the bench with 3 fouls. Nuggets would extend the lead and much like in Golden State T.J Ford would enter the game down 12. Remember that better start? FORGET ABOUT IT!!! Ex-Raptor Marcus Camby as to add insult to injury would drain a 3 point shot to close out a 23-4 run to end the quarter and the Nuggets end up one up Golden State with a 44-23 lead after one.

The Raptors defense was being abused the Nuggets were shooting 72% after one quarter of play. Raptors were in the high mountain air of Denver but were drowning on the basketball court. It looked more like a Nugget shoot around than a NBA contest. Allen Iverson was 7of 7 from field with 17 points. Raptor fans have seen this movie before many times. Sam Mitchell would get frustrated to the point of drawing a technical of his own. Had he been smart he'd have got 2 to avoid watching his teams disgraceful effort.How bad did it get? A Raptor Record for an opposition in First Quarter scoring with the 44 points and in a half of basketball with 79 points.

Talking about the second half would be a waste of time. Other than to make mention of the fact that Denver fans are really classy as they gave a round of applause for Raptors assistant coach Alex English who stared for the Nuggets in the 1980's. Basically the second half was all garbage time. We will find out just what kind of leader Chris Bosh is when he comes back. This team is disoriented and dysfunctional. Can he pull everyone back together upon his return. He was ironically on the bench watching this game. The other 2 games he was not seen as he was rehabbing in the back. What he saw mush be very concerning. the fact the Raptors are losing to good teams in the west is not the issue. The way they are is. For the record the Final score was 137-105. Raptors now lead Washington by just 1 game in the lose column with their 31st lost of the season and a record of 34-31. Iverson had 28 points in just 32 minutes with his busted Finger.
 
Boxscore:http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280314007

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/14/denver-aftermath/