10 Days and Counting

That is your newest Raptor folks. Linton Johnson has had his share of NBA jerseys.  He is 6 foot 8 and plays small forward. Another guy to take Joey Graham's minutes. For all of you that like Joey Graham I think this is another sign that Joey just hasn't turned out as the Raptors would have hoped. Jamario Moon rocketed past Graham on depth chart.  This addition of Johnson meant someone had to go and that someone was Darrick Martin. Martin who may have his most famous accomplishment in his time with the Raptors be making a 3 point shot to continue a record streak for the Raptors. The truth is to many he was thought of as more coach then player by most. He may be heading in that direction as the Raptors have said he will remain with the organization. Most of Martin's worth can be measured in his help of his team mates through his veteran experience. He has got a lot of credit for his work with Jose Calderon and T.J Ford. Those things can not be measured and easily exaggerated but the players have given him credit and that is good enough for me. If you want to learn more on the newest Raptor I will give you a link. The fact he had some time with the Suns would suggest Bryan Colangelo would have got some feedback from the Suns on Johnson.

http://aol.nba.com/raptors/news/pr_032708.html

So the beat goes on with a new member of the band. The lead members of the band will remain the same. In other words the starting line-up change remains and based on Calderon's post game comments it will for the rest of the season. So anyone that was thinking this change was not going to last it would seem you are mistaken. The New York Knicks and former Raptor Fred Jones head into the ACC tonight. For those of you RAPTORS TV lacking we will have the Raptor Rewind up with the Recap, Boxscore and Podcast.  Hopefully that will give you a good idea of what went down beyond what you get in the highlight shows. What the Raptors will hope I will be relaying to you is a dominant victory. But let's not forget the Raptors did drop a contest to the Knicks on the Road at MSG. There really is no room for taking any team lightly at this point. Lots of games like this are ahead for Toronto but if they do not get wins it really doesn't matter how easy the schedule looked.

The Wizards have called off an Arenas return and the superstar I would imagine is not all that thrilled. I mean this is far from the all star game return that Arenas had proclaimed to fans if they would vote for him. Guess you can't believe everything you read in a blog. On Behalf of all Bloggers THANKS GILBERT for trashing bloggers reputations around the world. If I want to wreck my reputation I would tell you where Arenas will end up next year. But with him who can ever know what he will do.  The Wizards even though they are ahead by a nose in this race for 5th place. I would say are the least likely to get it done. Sixers are just to hot for words at this point and the Raptors have the schedule advantage the rest of the way.  When everything stops spinning the Wizards could end up with the Detroit Pistons. Not the ideal first round match-up for any team including the Wizards.

Yesterday marked this Blog's 4 month anniversary. Except for a Computer dying and shutting it down for about 3 weeks everyday I have had the chance to share my thought and opinions along with info on the Toronto and The NBA. It has been a lot of fun and I look forward to it continuing and growing. 

Part of that growth is giving you all a say. So next Thursday your questions will be needed to make this blog. So put on your thinking caps and contribute your questions and or comments. 

Send them Here:
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This has been are largest month as far as hits go and it is because of all of you. Thanks for choosing us each and everyday as many of you do. With the Playoffs coming it could get even bigger. But you that read now can all proudly say you did not jump on the Bandwagon as far as this blog goes. You are the Core of it's foundation and it means a lot. if you use RSS Or XML you can add us with this address.

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However you get here each day I thank you. Tell a friend, bring a friend it is all good. Now that Leafs are done do a leaf fan a favor and drag him to the Dino Nation So talk to you all again after tonight's game. Jack Armstrong doing a game on Raps TV I will do an update on the save Jack effort tomorrow. But first the Knicks circus is in town.

3 Cheers For Jose

I am only guessing but I would think a lot of the people that read this blog regularly were expecting to see a T.J Ford picture with a caption saying HE'S BACK.  Well that did not happen for the simple reason that he is back because of the team first attitude of Jose Calderon.  What Jose as done in suggesting he take a seat on the bench is one of the most selfless acts in sports I can recall.  No matter what side of the whole Ford/Calderon debate that fact can not and should not be ignored.  It is a great thing to see and should serve as an example to all of us about what team player is all about. I was not exactly happy with the way T.J Ford has ended up back in the starting line-up. I did say this would happen when Ford returned. I made that statement feeling that Ford would earn the spot back and that didn't happen.  I hope personally as a fan of T.J Ford hope that he has thanked Jose for what he has done for him. If Ford is the person I think he is then he will.  Ford now has a chance to put behind him a situation that was not fair to him personally. Life and Injury cost him his starting spot and it took the true class of his team mate in Jose to get it back.

The other major swap in the starting line-up will spark far less debate. Rasho Nesterovic has played well and acted like a true professional the entire year. Andrea Bargnani has shown no consistency in his game what so ever. It was clear for awhile that Rasho could and should be the starter. The reason it hadn't happened till now can likely be based on the fragile confidence that Bargnani has shown. Eventually though the move had to be made. Andrea Bargnani is just not ready for prime time for 48 minutes. This move will serve to define him one way or the other. He needs to understand that he must earn the minutes and the honor of starting. He has not done that enough. Rasho is quiet and classy and has never said anything about being shuffled from the bench to starter throughout the year. He has quietly played some excellent basketball and is more then deserving of this chance he has been given.

The fact the Raptors made these moves took a lot of guts on the part of Sam Mitchell. I know he say he doesn't read the papers or the Internet. I don't think that is the absolute truth but he does here people boo T.J Ford. So he knew the adding of him to the starting line-up would not exactly be meet with overwhelming support and applause. Sam himself takes many shots from fans on the net and talk radio. I can guarantee on Hoops tonight on the Fan 590 and Raps TV you will here a fan call in and rip Sam Mitchell it is a lock. What is also a lock is that caller won't be me. I think the moves took a lot of guts to make and the fact that the Raptors won was the only thing that stopped it from being more evidence used by those who think Sam can't coach.  Some will still do it regardless and some will point to Jose and his great act of team attitude. I mean some refuse to give this man the respect of winning coach of the year. Credit for a simple line-up shuffle will not come from his detractors.

There is 11 more games to go and Jose made it clear to all that this team has decided to stay the way  you see the rest of the way. Like it or not this will be your starting 5 the rest of the season as long as everyone remains healthy. It would be nice to think that Raptor Fans would rally behind this and support it. I have been watching this team and it's fan base for far to long to have hope that this will happen though. If I am able to convince even a few though to do it then it was worth typing it.  Jose Calderon should have taught all of us a lesson. You may not agree with everything or like everyone that makes up this Raptor Basketball team. The blind loyal nature of children to the team they cheer for fades away with age.  Jose showed that it is all about team and that includes all of you that are fans. So look inside yourself and find some team spirit and support your team all of them.

Ford Shines Thanks To Jose

The Toronto Raptors made a bold move heading into the game tonight vs.Pistons. T.J Ford and Rasho Nesterovic were inserted back into the starting line-up and Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani were placed on the bench. The fact that Toronto Raptor fans were going nuts over this issue all day would lead to an interesting atmosphere in the building. T.J Ford did not exactly play his way into the starting line-up and Rasho Nesterovic clearly did. How would all 4 players do in the new roles the answers were to come. Not exactly the easiest team to do it against in Detroitanticipation.

The crowd almost seemed to be in of a nervous anticpation mode to start this ball game. The Pistons started on a 7-2 run the piston starting five is always the same and has years of chemistry so not a surprise. Even down Richard Hamilton the masked man still doesn't change that. Raptors would battle back to get the game to within a point and at least it was a case of so far so good. Sam Mitchell was in many people eyes taking a huge risk with 12 games left to play. That being said this team was in need of something as it's star player had called out his team to perform better. Bosh himself has always had a hard time matching with Rasheed Wallace. Bosh was coming off a near triple double performance and would look to carry over that performance. The Raps had taken a lead on the strength of an 8-0 to lead by 4. It would be short lived as Pistons responded with an 8-0 run of their own. Calderon would come off the bench and got a warm welcome from the fans. He would take a jump shot and make it on the first offensive opportunity when he entered the game. So your early returns on the new look/old look Raptors are not to bad after a quarter. They trailed the Detriot just 20-19.

Raptors despite trailing were shooting 47% after one. Andrea Bargnani would enter the game and he would be playing at the 4 spot alongside Nesterovic. He would not be a factor at least early on but Raptors were hanging tough tied 22-22. Carlos Delfino would eventual find a way to get a bucket. After getting swatted by Theo Ratliff and missing a dunk he would nail a 3 point shot to draw the Raptors level. He would make another later in the quarter and Raptors had a five point advantage. Jose Calderon unlike Bargnani showed zero difference in his new role. You get the same Jose no matter what and he will be widely praised if this line-up shuffle works and he should. Sam Mitchell could not have made this move without the knowledge that Jose could and would accept it. Something that Ford was unable to do which made this move happen. Bargnani may have same issue as a bench player he went scoreless in 9 minutes on the floor. Ford in his second tour of duty on the floor was off to a rough start missing a 3 badly and hearing boos from the crowd. That was the beginning of a number of miscues by the team as a whole. But the game was still close and the Raptors had done a reasonable job making the adjustments. They trailed by just 2 points 35-33 at the half in a slugfest with the Pistons.

It would be key to get off to a good start for the reunited first unit. Ford would most of all as he needed to win back some people in the stands. Dropping a dime to the other returning starter Rasho Nesterovic couldn't have hurt. Some help from above on a jump shot was nice as well. After the season Ford has had he will take any good vibes he can find. A dime to Jamario Moon and cheers for Moon's finish on a dunk. Raptors had a slim 45-41 lead on the the Pistons. Ford had kicked his game into another gear and being T.J it was at high speed. The T.J Ford show was in full effect but it had co-stars and the most exciting would be Jamario Moon getting another for dime and taking flight to throw it down. To finish the 3rd quarter even Jose would get a cameo appearance. Raps were rolling and extended to an 8 point advantage. But the problem of the fourth quarter still lied ahead. The last 2 games had been less then kind to Toronto. To be more to the point Lebron James and The Denver Duo killed them. Ford had 7 assists and Raptors had a 10 point lead. More good news is that Pistons were playing 3 game in 4 nights which would make a 4th quarter comeback a bit harder to pull off.

The Raptors would enter the fourth and look the more energized team. They extended the lead to 17 capped off by a Bargnani 3 pointer who had been silent to that point. Get out the Salami and....Wait a second Detroit would put a hold on that order as they climbed back to within 9 prompting a Sam Mitchell time-out. There was bout 7 minutes left to go. The Piston push would get to within 5. But Ford would return and Calderon would remain. Ford to Calderon for 3 and Raps were back up by 10. Ford would make another shot and Now GET OUT THE SALAMI AND CHESSE THIS BALL GAME WAS OVER. I think T.J Ford would enjoy this quote from the legendary wrestler Ric Flair to sum up the night. Whether you like it or don't like it, you better learn to love it. Cause Ford was back as starter and Forderon was running on all cylinders. T.J answered the call and Jose gave him the chance to make it happen. Another Piston push would not be enough. Tonight you saw why people both love and hate T.J Ford. But on this night there was much more to love!!! Raptors were in the winners circle with an 89-82.  Bosh quietly lead the team with 21 points but was no doubt happy to do so if it meant a win for his team.

Boxscore: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280326028

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/26/raps-shock-pistons/

Remember This?

This is the picture that comes to mind when most people think of Micheal Jordan's first NBA Title. But to get to this point took many failures and attempts. The best player in the history of the game to many did not just instantly become as NBA Champion. He had many wars and struggles to reach that point. The battles with the Pistons and Knicks it was a true struggle to get to this moment. Easy to forget now when you think back now to the many championships that would follow.

Toronto Raptors one day hope to hold that trophy and bring it to Canada. That is the goal for every NBA Team to eventual reach that point of being considered the best team in the NBA. It is a very hard thing to accomplish and it takes many years of trying to make it a realistic.  Some Raptor fans and realistic just do not go together. I can't tell you how many trades that have no hope of every coming true I read on a weekly basis. The rush for success by a lot of Raptor fans is not based in realistic terms. There have been points in this franchise where the Raptors have jumped ahead of expectations. Last season was one of those points. An Atlantic Division title was a goal that came to this team far before many had expected. This lead to this of high in the sky expectations. The Raptors if they should lose on Wednesday will be officially worse then last year record wise. Does this mean the goal of being a Champion has gone of course? It would be if the Raptor fans that are in a rush to success were running the team. They want T.J Ford Traded, Sam Mitchell fired and Andrea Bargnani To be cast aside in a trade. Will any of these things happen any time soon? Sorry to burst your bubble but it would be highly unlikely in all cases. You can never say never but Bryan Colangelo is a smart guy and knows that fans can have the freedom to let loose and say whatever they like even if it has no chance of happening.

But if you are the General Manger of the Toronto Raptors you can not just say whatever comes to mind. Colangelo was quoted in the papers talking on a number of issues.  He was careful to say the right things and admitted he expected more from everyone. In that everyone he means himself as well.  Colangelo himself has spent a lifetime in pursuit of an NBA Championship.  Just like his Father Jerry has before him and along side him with the Suns. He clearly understands the challenge that it is to win a championship in this league. Raptor fans as passionate as they may be to not live and breath this goal every moment of the day. It is his job and his ultimate goal.  The same can be said of everyone connected with the Toronto Raptors organization. It is more then just talk on the basketball side of the MLSE. The hockey team across the hall talks about wanting to win Stanley Cups but at this point does anyone believe them? I think people do believe in the people on the basketball team having the desire to win a Championship. They have too have this goal first and foremost. The sellout crowds that have filled the Air Canada Center for basketball are not just expected to happen. It takes the Raptors being successful for it to happen. The same can not be said for the Hockey team.  

It is certainly concerning to see what is going on with the Raptors. It is not a time to panic though and rush to make choices that will have large impact on this franchise and it's current path. Raptors made this mistake before when they were on the high of playoff success. The re-signing of Antonio Davis, Jerome Williams, Alvin Williams and Vince Carter along with the addition Hakeem the dream. Many thought that Raptors had turned into contenders. History would show this was not the case. Getting to an NBA title is not a 100 meter Dash it is a marathon.  The Raptors tried to sprint ahead only to run out of gas and fall apart altogether. The next season and what is left of this one will be a key moment in the Bryan Colangelo Era one way or another. Colangelo has created himself a lot of flexibility to change his roster and improve it.  The Raptor team at this point next year has the potential to look very different if he choose to do so.  Likely the one thing that is of concern and is the amount of money it will take and the number of years to keep Jose Calderon. Bryan has went on record saying the Raptors will match any offer that he gets as a restricted free agent. So many feel this means if that number is to high that means you automatically must trade T.J Ford but at least from a cap perspective that is not true. If the Raptors are to break up the point guard duo it will not be done without getting the most value possible in return. T.J Ford's value today would not be nearly as high as if he stays injury free and makes it to next season's trade deadline healthy. It is also not unreasonable to think Ford could return next season and actually win his job back.  People also need to remember that Jose Calderon will be planning on playing For Spain in China. I think the Memphis Grizzles can tell you what can happen in international competition to a star player. So those looking to run T.J out of town should remember that fact. 

The rush to make a choice is almost always the wrong move. Think if the Lakers had rushed and unloaded an unhappy Kobe Bryant. The best thing you can be as an NBA General Manager is patient. The good G.M's are the ones that have that kind of control. It is a important factor that is the base of any good G.M. It is important to know when to make your moves and when to stay the course. Ask Rob Babcock what can happen if you get pushed into a trade by a superstar player. Actually I'll save you the Boredom to quote Donald Trump and Vince McManon " YOUR FIRED". That is not going to happen to Bryan Colangelo any time soon. He will do what it takes to get it done after all it is more then just a job to him it is a life long family obsession to win an NBA TITLE.

So in this time of doubt and uncertainty you can breath easy cause when you have stopped being concerned about the Raptors for a moment you can know that Bryan Colangelo is on the job. Raptor fans can sleep much sounder with him as the leader of this franchise. Much more then the guys running the hockey team or Rob Babcock.  In fact maybe that is the Answer Rob Babcock the General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I can't think of a more perfect fit. Dino Nation helping Leaf Nation do what they have done since 1967. LOSE!!! I know some of you may be actually be Leaf fans but at least you have the good sense to be Raptors fans as well so there is still hope for you!!! I will save you a full-time Membership in the Dino Nation.

 Blame Canada?

The Toronto Raptors have now fallen into 7th place thanks to a very unlikely win for Sixers over the Celtics. When all is said and done some might point to the Sixers as the team with the best shot at finishing in 5th place passing both Toronto and Washington. The Sixers have been on an incredible run. They fired G.M Billy King and looked to be on the way to continuing to rebuild in the post Iverson era in Philadelphia. Ed Stefanski left New Jersey and took the job of president and general manager in December. Many thought he would be active at the trade deadline but that was not to be. Except for Kyle Korver the Sixers would remain the same. Andre Miller would remain and the Sixers have went on a run that has been unexpected and caught many in the NBA off guard. When you beat best team in the NBA it is hard to fly under the radar anymore. Some Raptor fans have seen the Sixers coming up fast in the rear view mirror and they last night made the pass and moved ahead.

This comes after a night earlier Chris Bosh in his post game comments he was less then thrilled with his team's collective effort. The Raptors will have an unwanted playoff preview with the Pistons on Wednesday. Detroit has always given the Raptors fits and Chris Bosh has never had a great amount of success in matching up with them. If they want to avoid this fate it is in the next 12 games they can change it. Even the Celtics would be a better draw for the Raptors. They have played a few close games with them at least. Will the words of Bosh care some weight with his team mates. This Raptor team seems to not have that same pull together nature of last year's team. T.J Ford would be pointed to as a cause as he has been far from a happy solider this year. I can't argue the point it is clear that Ford is unhappy with his position. I think he is not alone though. You have to feel there are others that are less then thrilled with the way things are. Jason Kapono would be on that list. He has not seen the amount of time you would think he would given the contract he signed in the off-season. We could list some others but it all is based on having Moon and Bargnani in starting line-up. Now Moon has improved and shown to be back on track as of late. Bargnani continues to be a unknown factor night in and night out. I mean he started on fire in the Denver game only to fizzle after the first quarter. It all is leading to a locker room that is not as happy a place. When you add the losing on top of it things get worse. 

Last season the Raptors were the feel good story that the Sixers have become this year. They even have new Canadian Sam Dalembert he has taken his experience with team Canada and turned it into success. Could he do the same as Steve Nash and greatly improve through off-season play with team Canada? It seems to have helped him build confidence by being the key player on a team in the summer and then go back to his role in his NBA club a much better player for it. Understand I am not saying Sam Dalembert is going to win the M.V.P but like Nash you can see a major jump in his skill and confidence as a result of his international experience with Canada. Makes you wonder what it might have done for Toronto native Jamal Maglorie who has avoiding participating for his country like the plague. He now is struggling to remain in the NBA. I'm not saying that would be any different if he had tried the National team experience but it couldn't have hurt. Maglorie was actually an All-Star in the NBA in the east. True there are few bigs and it is much easier to get the nod for a big man in the east. But the point was at one time Maglorie was on the verge of NBA Stardom. Toronto Raptor fans have always wanted to see him come home and play with the Raptors but that too seems not to be a priority to Maglorie who took his services to New Jersey and eventually was released.

I hope one day the Raptors do have a Canadian in Raptor red. I have been hopeful of this for many years.  I really thought we had a chance with Brown from Uconn. He would not pan out though getting drafted by Seattle and then end up cut and taking his craft to the D-League. Denham these days is playing in Italy. There was also Juan Mendez who was like broadcaster Jack Armstrong part of the Niagara Purple Eagles. He lead them to the NCAA Tournament and I was hopeful but it was not in cards for Juan as well. He currently is playing his ball in Isreal.  I could run through a few others like Carl English but none have been able to crack the NBA as of yet.  Hopefully with the games growth in this country it will only be a case of when and not if  A Canadian puts on that Raptor jersey. I am not a fan of Leo Rautins but I am a fan of the National Program. I hope they will be able to make the Games in China and represent this country. If you are interested in keeping tabs on Canadian Basketball and players from Canada around the world here is the link to the National Team site.

http://www.basketball.ca/hm/

I hope whenever the Raptor season ends that fans will get into following Canada in it's attempt to get to the games in China. Basketball in Canada is growing thanks to the Raptors but there are all kinds of other basketball out there if you want to support it. I played and then coached in a local house league in Hamilton it is a rewarding experience that if you have the time to give back to basketball you should. I here a lot of people saying they are able to do better then Sam Mitchell. Well go do it. Coach some kids and teach them the game of basketball. If you are even the least bit skilled in coaching you can help a kid. That is far more productive then sitting typing at your computer saying you know more then Sam Mitchell does. I am also encouraged at the prospect of a D-League basketball team in my own backyard. It would be a great chance for some Canadian kids to stay at home right here in Hamilton. Hopefully this will happen. I had wrote about the idea of this a couple months ago and I guess I was on the ball as it now is starting to become a real chance of coming to life.

But back to the Raptors. I admit I think we all need a distraction and talking about Canada Basketball given the connection to Sam Dalembert seemed like a good idea. Hope you agree. Despite the doom and gloom the schedule after this game with Detroit will turn in Raptors favor. the key will be can they take advantage of that. I think despite not finishing the job the Raptors have been playing decent basketball. It is good enough basketball to beat the low end teams they will find in the final 11 games. The season has not been what many fans had hoped for. I think still by making the playoffs it is a big step for this team and establishes them as a team in the playoff mix year in and year out in the east for the next few years. Look at what happened after the Raptors most successful season. One Game short of the Conference Finals and then a big off season and real legit talk of Raptors as contenders in the East. It ended up a complete bust and took Raptors years to comeback from. This is not that kind of issue. This team is far from it's peak and still will grow. Think of this season as a step back to get two steps forward. I think in the end when history is written it will be looked back on as that.

It was only few years ago Raptor Fans would have been more then happy to see this team get in the playoffs. The feel lately as been like people going to a hanging and not the playoffs. It could be like watching a death should Raptors remain in 7th I grant you. But the fact they get in the playoffs at all is something to embrace. Ask Denver Nugget fans if they would trade spots with you? I think they would gladly and with good reason. Be thankful Toronto is blessed with good geography. That is always an advantage. You really have to stretch for the positives these days but they are there if you look for them. Much easier to find the Mud and sling it though. This feels like the end of a Springer show. But Till we see run ins with the law and fist fights in the Raptor locker room it is far from that. Look to Indiana if you seek that kinda drama. They seem to have more off court news then on court. But in the words of Jerry. Be good to each other Raptor fans. We all are cranky and angry but we all want the same thing a better Raptor team. Try never to lose sight of that fact.

I am going to try to take your questions and comments and make a blog based on it for next Thursday. So if you have a comment or question that you want included you can use the mailbag  topic in the FACEBOOK group Dino Nation Blog or Email it to the following address. 

dinonationblogger@hotmail.com

This attempt at including you will be based on how all of you respond. It will be as good or bad based at least 50% on you. So if you want it to be successful and part of the blog please contribute. I really value the idea of others having a say as part of this Blog. No matter how big this may grow that will never change.

What Will It Take To Make Sam Smile?

Tom Landry the long time Dallas Cowboy coach would never smile. It took his team winning a championship to make it happen. Sam Mitchell is far more emotional then most of his players. You could make the case that this team's coach is it's emotional leader. But 35-35 after you are the defending NBA Coach of the Year is far from what is expected. It has been a frustrating time and everyone is questioning his every move. A couple games ago you saw T.J Ford just lose it and get tossed from a basketball game. Should things continue the way they have as of late. You can expect the coach Sam Mitchell to have a press scrum of an equal quality. I'm not saying that Jim Labumbard will have to jump in and hold him back. For the record the Raptor media relations man couldn't even if he wanted too.  But a reporter will ask a question and light the fuse and then it is just a matter of waiting for the BOOM. The pressure that Mitchell feels is based on the success he had. He was rewarded with a big new contract and was the first ever Raptor Coach to make it to a second contract with the team.  If Sam was in politics you would have to give him credit for staying on message. The clear message from day 1 has been defense that has not changed. The way his team has played it has and there have been wild swings in that. I don't know it for a fact but other then in the first year of a team existing I think it be safe to bet no team has ever set records for worst defense in a game and the best defense in the same season let alone the same month. 

I think this is part of the frustration for all. The Raptors have played quality defense in games and stretches of this season.  Other times they have been exposed and taken to task. The last couple games they have played fairly well through 3 quarters and then fall apart in the 4th. Now they did have 3 very talented players doing the damage to them. Still that is not an excuse. Playoffs are going to always have talented guys no matter who you face.  Besides if you can do it in quarter number 1 why not in number 4.  Sure I get that guys get motivated and stars take up their games in the 4th quarter. But the defense needs to also rise along with that. 

If you are Bryan Colangelo you have to be concerned about a lot of things.  Sam Mitchell would be on that list no doubt. However the up and down nature of his number one pick Andrea Bargnani has to be frustrating. I mean yesterday an all world first quarter with 16 points and looked just amazing and then nothing. Many point the finger of blame at Sam Mitchell for Bargnani's lack of success. However it is hard as a coach to not know what your gonna get from any player let alone a player that you have in your starting line-up. The thing you need as a coach is consistency and from your players. It make the choices about Andrea hard for a coach in what to do. Bargnani can be confident and show great skill in one minute and then lack confidence commit silly fouls in the next. Some Raptors fans are saying that this is rapidly becoming a Bryan Colangelo issue instead of a Sam Mitchell one. Trading of Andrea Bargnani would be a risk on both sides. He has shown flashes of pure brilliance. The argument that big men take longer to develop is true and valid. The issue is though at this point Bargnani could have a decent value on the trade market. It is like playing the stock market you always want to sell high. If you continue to wait Andrea Bargnani you run the risk of losing value should he never turn around. It is a tough call. The possibility of being made to look silly by whatever you do exists. Bryan Colangelo has always been a pro active general manger and even  though Andrea was his pick he would not keep him just to prove he was right. The light needs to stay on for Andrea Bargnani and grow in wattage. If not he will not last in Toronto for as long as people think I would imagine. 

This can not be a very Happy Birthday for T.J Ford. He catches heat for his every move on the floor. He has lost his starting job because of Al Horford. T.J would have remained the starter if not for the crash land he suffered at the hands of Horford.  Sam Mitchell said it himself. I would be frustrated to if I was him. Fans don't show him much sympathy but if you take a step back and look at it you can understand. That being said the choice for now has been made for the rest of this season. T.J needs to accept that and move forward. He is doing that after his meltdown in Utah. Sam Mitchell is responsible for when he is in the game and when he is out. I think Sam has put Ford in situations that make him the target of fans. But ultimately Sam is the target. I like Sam and I have supported Sam but I think his managing of his point guards has not served ether one that well at all. The combination of the two players can work we all have seen it. However it takes all 3 of the people involved to make it work. Sam, Jose and T.J. They have to all get things worked out so that this reconfigured version of FORDERON can work as effectively. Calderford  is not showing the same results. 

Chris Bosh's Birthday is not as happy as it could have been. He would be at the front of the line of people disappointed by his team being 35-35. However Chris Bosh in his career as a Raptor has never backed away from a challenge. He re-signed here saying that he wanted to be part of the solution in Toronto.  He is as fans were reminded by his 10 game absence the most important part of the puzzle in Toronto.  He will be challenged with getting this Raptor season back on track.  It still can be saved despite the doom and gloom that seems to be in the Raptor fan base.  The task gets tougher as Washington is on verge of getting a returning Gilbert Arenas and Philadelphia choose to stay the course and did not dump anyone at the deadline and have been playing some of the best basketball in the Eastern Conference.  If the Raptors face the Pistons in the playoffs it could be a very short and painful exit for them.  Bosh himself has struggled in his career matched up against Pistons. 

The Expectations of this team were far to high at the start of this season. Some had this team winning 50 games and going to give the Celtics a battle for the Atlantic Division Title they were defending. The Celtics have ended up far more dominate then some expected including me.  Raptors on other hand have had many injuries that were far from planned and they have struggled through to stay a float despite all of that.  But the even realistic estimates of where this team was going to end up have fallen short. With Just 12 games to go the Raptors would have to win all 12 to match last year's win total. But that isn't that likely. But there are many "WINNABLE" games. New Jersey twice, New York, Charlotte twice, Bulls.  You get the idea.  So Raptors can still make a late rally to move up back to where they were. The ideal is to end up in 6th and play the Magic. But Orlando is not going to just roll over and die. So don't start the round 1 championship parade just yet if Raptors draw Orlando in round 1. I know many media people will be pulling for this match-up for the obvious reasons. Cleveland is just not as warm and nice a place to travel to as the home of the Magic Kingdom. 

Raptors need some Magic to get this season to be in the end what Raptor fans wanted. All that will take is a first round playoff series. If that happens the overall record will be long forgotten.  So just figure out your problems and get ready for the playoffs. Seems simple enough so don't worry Sam Mitchell will no doubt Smile again. He does every first and fifteenth when he checks his bank statement . But he will again for his basketball team too.

Double Trouble

Toronto Raptors flat out were humiliated by the Denver Nuggets 10 days ago. They had no Chris Bosh and no hope when all was said and done. In the life isn't far category as well is the fact that Denver plays a Raptor team that is one game above .500 that is secure in it's playoff destiny. Denver is a better team and on the outside looking in. Blame geography for the reason and the fact that the Western Conference is so good. Chris Bosh and T.J Ford had birthdays the next day and a win over Denver would be a great present. But they would not just be given it. The Raptors would start the game on a 5-0 run and look to control the pace of the game. Denver has been scoring at a crazy rate. The high point of that came after the beating they laid on the Raptors they scored 168 against Seattle. The Raptors with Bosh this time around could afford to play in the half court against this team unlike in Denver. Still no matter how much the Raptors will try you have to think this game was going 3 digits on both sides. Allen Iverson has always killed the Raptors. He has his highest scoring average vs any team against the Raptors at 30 points a game. He is always a concern for Toronto.

It is really amazing how much a first shot can impact on Andrea Bargnani. If he hits it then the chances are good he is going to do well...Today he shoot he scores. He was 4 of 5 from field to start. Raptors were up by 9 as Andrea Bargnani had an Alley Oop to up his % and points which was now at 11. Bosh meantime on just before his birthday was handing out the gifts with 5 assists just about 3/4 of the way through the first. Bargnani was on fire he was at 16 points and in danger of doing more damage. Raptors were lighting it up and it was almost a case of role reversal from 10 days earlier. Not quite as bad for Denver but the Nuggets were shooting poorly and trailed by 12 points. Bargnani was 7 of  8 in the quarter with his 16 points to lead the Raptors. He would end up doing nothing beyond this quarter. The Team shot 66.7% and lead 35-23. That was the highest point total in a first quarter this season. 

Bargnani missed his first 2 attempts in the second quarter. But Raptors were hanging on to it's 12 point lead. Denver would hit a three to cut the lead to just 9 and Sam Mitchell would call a time out to try to avoid a Denver run by breaking the momentum off the 3 point shot. But Denver would keep coming they were on a 10-2 run and back in the game. J.R Smith was the one getting it done with 12 points helping his team back into within 4. T.J Ford would score and then drop a dime Raps were back up by 8 points. Calderon would return and start firing and Raps were back up to an 11 point lead thanks to a Jose 3 pointer. Bosh meantime was starting to look like he was gonna challenge for a pre-birthday triple double as he was up to 6 assists which would be likely the hardest number for him to get to 10 in a given game. Calderon was continuing to stay hot as he and Chris bosh were having a bit of a role reversal with Bosh dropping dimes to Jose. Bosh had 7 dimes and Jose 10 points. Nuggets had 44 points after one quarter in Denver but today in Toronto they had just 46 in the half. Raptors headed to the locker room with an eight point advantage up 54-46.

Andrea Bargnani after the hot start would struggle missed his first shot and picked up his 3rd foul. Nuggets were starting of looking to get back in the game. Moon would Block Melo and would be tripped up and come up a little gimpy. But he would be fine draining a rare three seconds later. Raptors had quickly responded to the Nugget push and pushed back harder to get back to now a 9 point lead. Iverson had a quiet 17 for the Nuggets if that is possible. But he would turn up the volume a touch and score to get Nuggets back to with in 4 once again. In the last game a quiet Lebron James caught fire and burned the Raps coming from behind. They did not want Allen Iverson to do the same. There was also Carmelo Anthony to deal with who had 18 of his own. Raptors were looking to reestablish control and not lose the big lead they had built early on. Bosh had a double double that he was 3 assist away from making a triple double. But he would be more concerned about preserving a win. Raptors were clinging to the lead for dear life. The lead had shrunk to just 1 point with less then a minute to play in the quarter. The would lead by just a basket 73-71 after leading by as many as 17 at one point in this game.

The team that could win the final quarter would likely be the winner. Denver after going down so much had to feel fortunate to be back in the ball game. A sellout crowd the 27th of the season did not want to watch the Raptors blow this ball game. They also did not want to see Iverson do it to the Raptors again. Denver made it's first shot a 3 and had lead for the first time since early in the first. Denver hit 3 consecutive 3 point shots to start the quarter. Raps would be scoring too but need to address a major leak on the perimeter of this defense. Iverson like James had done just couple nights ago was heating up down the stretch with 26 points and Raptors were in danger of the same fate that they suffered in Cleveland on Friday. Down 5 coming out of the time out Raptors would charge back to within 1 and Bosh was within 1 assist of his first career triple double. A Moon Alley Oop from the inserted into the line-up Jose Calderon and Raps were back in front. The crowd was energized by the Raptors and could they now return the favor as the Raptors were on an 8-0 run and back in front by 3. We had a march madness style finish looking likely. Carmelo Anthony was a star in March Madness for Syracuse and he was showing why he is in the NBA scoring 4 straight points to get the Nuggets back in front. A very entertaining game to watch as a basketball fan. A very nerve racking experience for a Raptor fan or Nugget fan for that matter. Jamario Moon was frustrating Anthony though always play him tough and trying to block him at ever turn. That frustration would lead to an offensive foul on Melo his 4th and it gave the ball back to the Raptors how had taken the lead back and would add to it as Bosh would hit 2 free throws and extend the slim lead to 3. Quickly erased by a Melo 3 point shot. Tie Game!!! Jose Calderon has stage presence as he makes big shots. He hit a 3 pointer to vault the Raptors back to the lead. Anthony had 29 and Iverson a matching 29 the Raptors were still answering every challenge. This was a case of 2 teams that badly needed a win late in the season and it showed. Raptors had 7 players in double digit scoring to counter the amazing combo of Anthony and Iverson. 98-98 with 2:20 left on the clock this was looking to be a great finish. A Bosh turnover gave Nuggets a chance to extend a 2 point advantage and Allen Iverson would nail a dagger 3 ball. Raps down 5 and time out Toronto.

Could the Raps rally and save this one from slipping through their fingers? The answer would be no another costly turnover and a clear path foul was called making this game all but over. Nuggets had a 7 point lead and the ball in a game that just seconds earlier was tied. A Moon steal and dunk would only tease fans into thinking Raps still had a shot. Carmelo Anthony would answer that with a jumper and nail it. 69 combined between Iverson and Anthony. Bosh would never get that 1 assist and his team would not get a win going down 109-100. The Raptors were through 70 games and at .500 at 35-35. No good news looking at the schedule as well as the will have to beat Detroit Pistons to keep from going below .500. That is another problem that would be that could be the team the Raptors will have to face in round 1 of the playoffs. Hard to feel good about things with the way this finished. Another good effort but not a complete one.

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/23/iverson-and-anothy-nba-tag-team-champs/

Boxscore: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=28032302

Happy Easter Dino Nation!!!

OK first thing your asking is who is the dude in the bunny suit? Answer is I have no idea. I wanted a basketball easter themed pic and bunny suit dude came up in my search. It was him or Bugus Bunny in Space Jam. Bunny suit dude won because I couldn't find a good Space Jam picture. This has little to do with today's blog but I thought an explanation was in order. Now before we get to basketball on the floor I have an important issue to bring up about something off the floor.

Depending on when you logged on to the blog yesterday you may know a bit about this already. Most Raptor fans are aware that Sportsnet is no longer going to be broadcasting Raptor Games next year. This would mean that Jack Armstrong would no longer be broadcasting games on regular cable if things remain the same. That would mean he will only be found on Raps TV if at all. Now understand I have Raps TV and I am doing this more for the Raptor Fans that don't have it. You might say that who cares if they don't have it they should pony up the money and get it. Some fans can not do that. Raps TV is not carried on all cable systems. In addition to that Raps TV on carries a few games in a given season. Somewhere around 10% I didn't do the math but that is a rough estimate. I personally would like to see 100% of Jack Armstrong with Chuck Swirsky but that likely isn't happening. The real fear I have is that with a reduced amount of schedule the Raptors may not bring back Jack next season. He does do a lot of college work and I am sure could do more if not for his Raptor commitments. Norma Wick was gone with pretty much not a thank you or even an explanation from Raps TV. So I am not confident in sitting on my hands and doing nothing. So here is the plan. I did a podcast yesterday and it is posted on thescore.com's bullhorn section. It says we want Jack Armstrong on the Score. If you like Jack and want him to stay a part of Raptor basketball like me go to the link I am going to post and vote for this posting and add your comments and tell the score you WANT JACK. Can a bunch of Raptor fans make a difference to MLSE or the Score? I don't know. But what I do know is if we sit on are collective hands and next season starts we might be asking where the hell is Jack Armstrong and by then it is too late to do anything. You need to be a registered member of the score.com which is TOTALLY FREE to support this effort. Jack has given us all 10 years of great Raptor coverage give him back less then 10 minutes if you would and show your support. Here is the link to the posting:

http://www.thescore.com/bullhorn/ViewBullhornDetail.aspx?ID=2586

Also A Real GM Forum Poster Started this Go Sign it!!!:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bringbackjack/index.html

They say Bloggers are people that just like to get a buzz off feeling more self important. I try not to be that way. Doing things to help good people is a good way to keep yourself grounded. Jack Armstrong is "good people" and I enjoy his work and want it to continue.

Happy Easter if I haven't said that already. If you do not celebrate Easter have great day regardless. It is also Chris Bosh and T.J Ford's Birthday's So Happy Birthday to both of them. Hopefully after the game today vs. Denver they will feel like celebrating. Denver sure left the Raptors feeling like doing anything but celebrating. No Bosh and records in Raptor lack of defense. It was the worst moment of what was a terrible trip out west. The Raptors have to forget about all of that and get to work. The Sixers and Wizards are coming on fast and when the merry go round stops the Raptors do not want to see themselves paired with the Detroit Pistons. A 7th place result in the Eastern Conference would be viewed as a big disappointment based on expectations heading into this year. 

The race for 6th place is what most Raptor fans would like to happen. That is an interesting balancing act. Win enough to stay out of 7th but not to much or you'll get into 5th and face that Lebron James fellow from the last game and that would not be good news. But I suggest to you all just put your head down don't look at the standings and just cheer for this team to play some quality basketball. No matter who the Raptors end up with in the playoffs they will have to be doing that to have any chance at winning. I even heard on fan on a posting site suggest that the Raptors made an attempt to lose against Cleveland. Sam Mitchell not putting in Jose Calderon was I guess part of that master plan. But seriously the Calderon non-sub in till late in the 4th Quarter is not new thing. Sam had done the same thing with T.J sitting in the role of starter not coming in till late. I didn't like it then and I don't like it now. It put tremendous pressure on both point guards in my opinion. I know Sam Mitchell values opinions in the media SO MUCH and the Internet even MORE. So I won't expect a thank you e-mail for my suggestion. If I am to believe Sam he doesn't even read Doug Smith let alone me.

These are tough times for the Raptors and my NCAA Bracket. I wanted to thank everyone that is taking part in the bracket pool I hope you have enjoyed. Next season I have plans for a keeper Fantasy Basketball league. That is long way off though. My Fantasy Basketball season went bye-bye with my Computer Meltdown last month. So stay tuned at start of next season for details on that. So Spring is here and welcome to the Playoff Drive. Enjoy the Day Raptors win would help but be good to your loved ones regardless and try not to get sick on chocolate bunny. We will have Recap and Podcast after the game. The Dino Nation Blog takes no Holidays the only thing that stops it is power surges and broken computers. That being said might be a little slower then usual have to stop typing every now and again the get rid of the chocolate. Support Jack, Support the Raps and Thanks as always for Supporting me by reading. Spread the good word of the Dino Nation Blog.

Chip Off The Old Block

Ex-Raptor Dell Curry may be one of the proudest people on the planet on this Saturday morning. His Son Stephen lead his Davidson team to the upset win in the NCAA tournament. Only a sophomore the younger Curry dropped 40 points on Gonzaga and made a clear statement that it is not a case of if he will be in the NBA like his father but when. He is just like his father was in his NBA career a deadly shooter that does it with great form and style.  He is not the only one to have a father that had an NBA career playing in this year's NCAA Tourney. You also have Patrick Ewing Jr. playing for the Georgetown Hoyas. He plays for the son of his Father's coach, John Thompson III.  Ewing Jr. unlike Curry is a much different basketball player then his father was. Many great basketball players have gone down this path of following dad. None more famous then Kobe Bryant who had his father Jellybean Bryant as his NBA example as a kid. Kobe is a far better player then dad could ever have dreamed of being. So other then making me feel old does this mean anything. I mean I watched Dell Curry and Patrick Ewing and now I'm watching their kids. Even Raptor color commentator Leo Rautins has his son Andy who is following his footsteps at Syracuse. Andy was out this season after suffering an ACL tear in game vs. Brazil in the Olympic qualifier  last summer. Basically you haven no guarantees that just cause dad happens to be a great player then his off spring will be as well. But any player that is luck enough to have a father that was an NBA player has a heck of an advantage. I mean to have all that knowledge a phone call away is a great thing. 

If Lebron James has a prince that will one day be king. He no doubt will beat-up on the Toronto Raptors. Lebron James is just a truly unreal talent and he is the best Cav ever already. Well the highest scoring one at the very least. He is the closet thing to that Jordan guy that I have seen. Jordan has a son but never came anywhere close to as good as dad. The thing that makes the second generation star special is that despite the advantages the pressure of carrying that name on your back can be to much for some. King James does not have that to worry about. He is to busy trying to become a billionaire. That is what King James wants is to be a billionaire. The scary thing is he likely will be. Great for him but when I hear such a huge number I can't help but feel some pity for stars of past. Bill Russell was one of the greatest of all time. He never will make a billion dollars but he is a great example of what a legendary player should be. Russell always makes time for the players of today and is like the unofficial grand father of any NBA player that wants to take the time to talk with him. I can't think of anyone I have more respect for in sports then Bill Russell. A champion on and off the floor. Raptors assistant coach Alex English is a person that is that kind of person just a classy individual. The true fans of basketball owe it to themselves to not only enjoy the games of this generation but take the time to learn some of the games history. Classic games and the information can easily be found these days.

The Raptors as an organization have to make some tough choices on who they want to remain a part of the Raptor family. What happens in this last portion of the season and the playoffs after that will no doubt tell Bryan Colangelo a lot of things about what  his team is made of. It will also tell what the individuals that make it up are made of. The one person that has answered every question that has ever been asked about him is Chris Bosh. I could see in the guy's eyes last night that he was out of gas last night. I also saw that he fought through it like a champion. He alone can not bring a championship to the city of Toronto and the country of Canada. That is Bryan Colangelo's challenge to build a team around him that can. The Raptors were exposed by this latest Bosh injury. The need to find a secondary star who can carry this team along side him and without him is evident. Andrea Bargnani no doubt was suppose to be that guy. Some have already lost hope in that happening. I admit I am starting to feel that way. Andrea is frustrating to try to figure out. I have heard and read some fans point the finger of blame at Sam Mitchell. I can not agree with that. Look at what Sam has done for the development of others. Chris Bosh and Kevin Garnett point to Sam Mitchell as a big reason to why they are the players that they are. Jose Calderon has had only one NBA coach in his career that is Sam. Kris Humphries was given up on by Utah and has become a useful part on a team under Sam. Andrea needs to show far more mental toughness and that can be encouraged by a coach but he needs to make that happen for himself. Andrea needs to take responsibility for Andrea when all is said and done.

Bryan Colangelo is not a man who is afraid to admit he made a mistake and fix it. If you honestly think that Andrea has an unlimited time to start to show the signs his G.M wants. I don't think you know Bryan Colangelo that well. He has never been afraid to make a trade or a deal that others may not agree with. Bargnani still has value as a player in this league. If he does not start showing more that value will lower on a fast level. Colangelo will not allow Andrea to go with his value bottomed out. If he is not on the road to being a quality player that can be counted on day in day out by next trade deadline I think he becomes something that Colangelo will consider moving. I can only speculate on this but I do it based on the history of the man . I also think he will not wait for Andrea to become that secondary star to Bosh. If that guy is out there that can help Bosh now he will do his best to find him. I have no doubt in that fact. He felt his Suns needed Steve Nash and he went out and got Steve Nash. I take you back to some comments that Colangelo made at the trade deadline which I will paraphrase. He said that not all that is talked about is for deals that happen at this particular target point. We had many discussions that we will continue in this off-season. What was talked about? Bryan Colangelo knows I do not. But the implication was clear that Colangelo is planing on being active in the off-season and that you can bank on.

In Colangelo I trust. I have been given no reason not to this point. Speaking of trust I owe you folks an apology I was just to tired to get to the NCAA Recap I had promised to get up. I am trying to wear 2 hats covering Raps and NCAA Tournament. I will always get the Raptor Stuff done first as this is called the Dino Nation Blog after all. I still do my best to try to deliver everything I promise to though and in this case I dropped the ball. Credit me with a turnover. 

Important Blogger Note:( 03/22/08 5:30 pm) I am asking you all to support me in letting the score know we want Jack Armstrong to stay on Regular T.V. I have posted a Bullhorn at the score website in support of this effort please vote and support it and add your comments and let them know that you want to see Jack Armstrong Next Season. Sportsnet will no longer be doing Raptor Games and Jack would no longer be on regular T.V. this is why the SCORE NEEDS JACK!!! Click on link below and support my bullhorn.

http://www.thescore.com/bullhorn/ViewBullhornDetail.aspx?ID=2586

Bow Down To The King

This Game had a playoff feel to it. There was history made in it as well as Lebron James became all-time leader in Cavs scoring. Almost right after they had a small stoppage in the game to mark the event he then accidental scored for the Raptors. Chris Bosh was not looking for his help but would take it. He had 11 of his own points and his Raptors were up by 1 after one thanks to Lebron James.

Raptors had same type of effort they showed against Miami they just had a willing opponent to do battle with on this night. The teams would trade baskets through out the beginning of the second quarter. The lead going back and forth. This game was showing all the excitement of March Madness contest in the NCAA with far more skilled athletes. Cavs started an attempt to pull away up by 4 with 6 plus minutes remaining in the half. The Raptors were playing well but hit a bad patch with Lebron James on the bench his team was extending it's lead. Raptors were not able to defend as well which was ok when they were matching but became an issue when they were not. Cavs had a 9 point advantage and the Raptors shooting had gone cold. Jose Calderon would break the ice and then score again off a Cav turnover. The Jose show continued he had 7 straight points and the Raps were back to with in 2 points. Both teams struggled to score down the stretch of the half. Cavs had one last chance to score but could not and would have to settle for a 45-42 lead at the half.

Just a little time to grab a snack and check on your brackets before the second half. Ex-Raptor Dell Curry has a son that plays for Davidson he dropped 40 in a win for his side over Gonzaga. He one day will be in th NBA. But Lebron James and Chris Bosh are already there and battling hard for a win for their respective teams. Bosh opened the half with a dunk and he had 15 and Raps were down just 1. They carried over a 9-2 run from the first half. Cleveland had gone very cold missing 13 consecutive shots and that ended with a bang on a Lebron James Alley OOP Dunk courtesy of his recently new point guard Delonte West. Chris Bosh looked tired but was fighting through the fatigue and Anthony Parker tied the game at 49. Parker would respond to a Cleveland reply with another 3 pointer and Raptors were in the lead 52-51. Apparently it wasn't the mask as far as Bargnani he was scoreless to this point in the ball game. But Raps were doing ok without his contribution on the offensive end. They were up 4 courtesy of a highlight dunk brought to you by Jamario Moon. Raptors were at the very least making a statement that should these two teams meet in playoffs it was going to be entertaining and not easy for Cleveland. Lebron James though had 12 in the quarter and has always had great success against the Raptors. The question would be would it be enough to get his Cavs to the winner's circle on this night? He would have to do it without Ben Wallace who left the game with back trouble. The Raptors would find themselves with a still up 4 points 67-63 heading into the final quarter.

Cleveland would start the fourth quarter with some purpose and fought back to tie the game at 68. Bosh was battling hard and you could really see the effort he was making to fight through his lack of conditioning returning from his injury. One of those Raptor killers that only seem to do it against the Raptors like Roger Mason Jr. in Washington does and so does Damon Jones on the floor for Cleveland. He had a couple of threes and gave the Cavs a one point lead. Lebron James had been silent to some degree in the quarter that was ended with another poster that he created giving the Cavs a 3 point advantage. Jose Calderon to this point was a spectator and if Raps didn't win no doubt it would be a talking point. But T.J Ford would hit a 3 point shot and score again almost as if he sensed his time on the floor was in danger. But Lebron James could care less about a point guard controversy in Toronto he was too busy making posters as he had back to back dunks that were equally as impressive as the first. This is the reason many Raptors fans would rather take on Superman as he is a lightweight compared to King James. Maybe that isn't fair to Dwight Howard but his history vs. Toronto is far less successful. James to this point had 24 points and 10 rebounds. Jose Calderon would return after a Raptor time out. Raps were hanging tough but it was very evident it was not going to be easy. James was heating up and the Raptors just may not have had the answer for it on this night. The Cleveland Cavs had a 86-79 lead with under 3 minutes to play. James was just not able to be stopped he had 29 points after just 6 points in the first half. Raptors fans have seen this all before. Raptors were running out of time and hope down 5 points with under a minute to play. A last attempt by Bosh would miss after a time out and that would pretty much end any hopes of a Raptor comeback. In the end a 90-83 win for the Cavs.

The Effort was there but the result was not and the ability to stop Lebron James was just not something the Raptors have been able to show for a full 48 minutes. These are the reasons a series vs. James would be a tough task to say the least for the Raptors. Eventually though in the Eastern Conference you will need to have an answer to how to control Leborn James. That is right to say control cause stopping him is near impossible. 

Boxscore: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280321005

Podcast: http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/21/king-makes-raptors-bow/