Raptors News

[angel_luv]

I will be very surprised if the Raps win more than 1 game to be honest


They are in this to win. You never know what can happen. :)

[angel_luv]

Chris Bosh had a rough morning. Having him back in usual form will help a lot for next game.

[rasho8]

Stupid Nascar and no post game show. Unbelievably awful :td :td :td

You know whats unbelievably awful? The music this year in sports. First having to deal with Pink every damn sunday (NFL), the freakin Pussycat morons on ABC all the damn time, and now listening to the "Hey Mickey" for 2 minutes? Good lord these people need to be lined up and shot.

[mardigan]

They are in this to win. You never know what can happen. :)
Im pulling for them, and I thought it was great that they came back. But, I have watched them many times this year, and they really dont have a consistent scorer after Bosh. If Carter hadnt played like dog shit that game probably would have been a blow out. Calderon looked good though. Ford or someone else is going to have to step up and be a consistent scorer

[angel_luv]

Now please Miami win today so my mall manager can't say anything to me about the Raps loss.

We have a rivalry going. :)

[angel_luv]

You know whats unbelievably awful? The music this year in sports. First having to deal with Pink every damn sunday (NFL), the freakin Pussycat morons on ABC all the damn time, and now listening to the "Hey Mickey" for 2 minutes? Good lord these people need to be lined up and shot.


LOL. You know we just lost right?

Direct your rage at the Nets- forget the "entertainment" committee. :lol

[T Park]

Stupid Nascar and no post game show. Unbelievably awful

Whats to analyze.

The Raptors played with their heads in their butts, and got outworked by an inferior team.

Pathetic effort today all around IMO.

Rasho with 10 boards is impressive.

Mitchell prob should've played him instead of Humphries.

[rasho8]

I know we lost Ive been watching... but what aggravates me more is this music.
Seriously it does.

[angel_luv]

Im pulling for them, and I thought it was great that they came back. But, I have watched them many times this year, and they really dont have a consistent scorer after Bosh. If Carter hadnt played like dog shit that game probably would have been a blow out. Calderon looked good though. Ford or someone else is going to have to step up and be a consistent scorer


I haven't seen many games this year but I don't go soley on what I see.

Gotta have hope and faith and I have that in spades. :)

[Texas_Ranger]

Great job Nets. I'm happy for Boki and Rasho that they played well.

And now GO BULLS GO!!

[angel_luv]

This is going to be an emotional play offs. I am all in it for the Raptors. I am all in it for the Spurs.

And I care about the Orlando / Detroit series.

I'm ready though. :cheer

[angel_luv]

I know we lost Ive been watching... but what aggravates me more is this music.
Seriously it does.


You are so sad... :lol
Comic relief though. :)

[velik_m]

Pace to fast, too much 3 pointers, should've gone inside more.

Raptors will have to work hard just to get HCA back.

:pctoss

[lefty]

I dont see how the Raps are going to win this series

By relaxing a little bit ; man, they were anxious, they didn't play their game ; that's where Garbajosa comes handy, but he is done for the season ; they are much better than what we saw today

[angel_luv]

Now please Miami win today so my mall manager can't say anything to me about the Raps loss.

We have a rivalry going. :)

How funny. If Yahoo is correct, the Bulls /Miami final score was the same as the Raps/ Nets one.

Too bad the Bulls won. :pctoss. My mall manager is beating me 1-0 in our rilvary and I am sure to hear plenty about it!
:(
I am going to have to move to Canada with the Raptors- it will be the only way I will escape his gloating.

Say... :)

[lefty]

How funny. If Yahoo is correct, the Bulls /Miami final score was the same as the Raps/ Nets one.

Too bad the Bulls won. :pctoss. My mall manager is beating me 1-0 in our rilvary and I am sure to hear plenty about it!
:(
I am going to have to move to Canada with the Raptors- it will be the only way I will escape his gloating.

Say... :)

Is that the real motivation behind this ? we all know about your secret encounters with Rasho

[angel_luv]

Is that the real motivation behind this ? we all know about your secret encounters with Rasho


CIA Lefty :lol

[angel_luv]

The Nets and Raptor game is being replayed on Espn 2... game is in second quarter. :)

[angel_luv]

Better posted late than never :
http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/ulmer_041907.html

April 19, 2007

(TORONTO) -- The idea is to leave Vince Carter seeing red.

When the Raptors face the man who still holds the club record for points, field goals and free throws, they are hoping home court advantage will help rattle the New Jersey Nets ace.

It is, after all, the first Raptors home playoff game since they beat the Detroit Pistons in April, 2002.

E-mail photo | Buy photos


Mo Peterson knows Vince Carter's game as well as anyone. (NBAE/Getty Images)


The Raps are coming off a staggeringly successful 47-35 season. A host of new heroes, T.J. Ford, Anthony Parker and Andrea Bargnani are among those who have suddenly taken root around star forward Chris Bosh.

Patrons to Saturday’s game (12:30 p.m.) are encouraged to wear Raptors’ red.

“It’s going to be crazy here come Saturday,” said veteran forward Morris Peterson, the only holdover from playoffs past.

“I remember our last playoff round in 2002 and I can only imagine now with us being division champs and what we’re playing for, who we’re playing against, how it will be. I could tell you but it’ll probably be 10 times more than I’m trying to explain.”

Carter, of course, remains a lightning rod for criticism because of his his trade demand and what seemed half-hearted performances he turned in before he was dealt to Jersey.

He has been booed virulently here, never more so than Valentine’s Day when a torrent of boos seemed to throw him off. On December 15, he hit on only four of 17 shots for 12 points in a 102-92 Raptors win. On Valentine’s Day he was just five for 15 for the field. The results: 17 points and a 120-109 Raptor win over the Nets.

“He’s a veteran guy. I don’t think that’ll bother him too much,” said Ford. “If they can, let’s see if it works. It worked once earlier in the season, let’s see if it happens again.”

“It’s the post season and he is still Vince Carter; he can still play,” said Raptor star Chris Bosh. “If you like him or you don’t like him, he is still an awesome player in this league.”

And while the Raptors can point to two home games in which they shackled Carter, the Nets can say the same things about Bosh.

On November 1, Bosh hit only five of 13 shots for 14 points. The next time in New Jersey, Bosh could garner only 12 points and nine shots in a 101-86 loss.

“You can go down the list of every great player in the NBA and they don’t play great every night,” said Raptors coach Sam Mitchell. “Is it something they (the Nets) did? I don’t think so.”

Bosh knows what he is up against come Saturday’s opener.

“Mikki Moore and Jason Collins. They play good defence. Every time I touch the ball, they’re going to try to put four or five people in the lane.”

There are, of course, a ton of side angles. Carter is far from the only offensive threat on a Nets team. Jason Kidd drives the club offensively and he has a four-inch height advantage on Raptor point Ford.

Mitchell was sanguine when asked about Kidd’s height advantage.

“They want to post Jason Kidd up all night throughout the series…I’ll take my chances.”

“I’m going to meet the challenge,” Ford said. “This is a time where everybody, individually, has to meet the challenge of who they are going to guard.”

Meanwhile, the conditioning of rookie Andrea Bargnani remains an issue. Bargnani hit for 17 points in the season finale against Philadelphia, but it was his first game in a month because of appendicitis and illness and he was inconsistent on defence.

The series could also hinge on the defensive prowess of Raptors swingman Anthony Parker. Parker knows he will spend plenty of time trying to handle Carter one-on one.

“It’s obvious one of the plays they run, they isolation on the post. Especially in crunch time, that’s what’s going to happen.”

[ploto]

Itching for Game 2
Posted by Chris Bosh on April 22, 2007, 9:27 p.m. ET


I'm watching the Spurs and the Nuggets right now and I realized something. I've never watched a playoff game at my house in Toronto! I like it though because I got tired of watching everyone play on TV back home. I mean, I still watch all of the games now, but it's different when you're a part of the post-season. That's all I can think about right now! We lost Game 1 to New Jersey and I could barely sleep! Game 2 isn't until Tuesday so I have to wait to get back at 'em. Until then, I'll be up all day and all night thinking about it.
Bosh's Blog (http://www.nba.com/chat_and_mailboxes/chris_bosh.html)

[ploto]

A couple of nice pictures from practice. It is nice to see the team is still having fun-- that has been Sam's mantra this year-- play hard, but have fun!

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070422/capt.2083fd07ada94533acb8e65411211e88.raptors_prac tice_basketball_cpth101.jpg http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070422/capt.5d60779f53de4706a9790fee6e6f310f.raptors_prac tice_basketball_cpth102.jpg

And for Angel- see Rasho is actually there:
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070422/capt.f9debdf5880349c2ba4b9ebbab286bf6.raptors_prac tice_basketball_cpth109.jpg

[ploto]

NBA award to be announced tomorrow and all signs point to Raptors' bench boss


Apr 23, 2007 04:30 AM
Doug Smith
Sports Reporter

Sam Mitchell was once voted the worst coach in the NBA in an unscientific poll of players. Tomorrow, he could be named the best coach in the league by a panel of media experts.

All signs point to the Raptor coach being named the league's coach of the year for 2006-07 and being honoured before Game 2 of Toronto's Eastern Conference playoff series against the New Jersey Nets.

The league announced last night it would announce the coach of the year winner tomorrow and the league likes to allow the various winners their moment in the sun in front of a home crowd.

League and team sources were mum on the topic last night.

However, in a straw poll of writers and broadcasters who vote on the award, Mitchell had a slight edge on Utah's Jerry Sloan and Avery Johnson of the Dallas Mavericks.

In the past, the league has made sure the winner of any significant post-season award has been honoured before his team plays.

Neither the Jazz nor the Mavericks play tomorrow night.

If Mitchell wins, it will cap a stunning turnaround for the 42-year-old, who is in just his third season as a head coach.

Saddled with teams with limited talent and hamstrung by the loss of his then-best player (Vince Carter) two months into his tenure, Mitchell has turned around the perception of him from excitable rookie coach prone to public emotional outbursts to a coach able to get the most out of emerging players.

This season, he took a team with nine new players coming off a 27-win season and, working without the safety net of a contract that extends beyond this summer, turned it into a 47-win team.

He guided the squad to its first division championship in franchise history and opened a playoff series at home for the first time.

The award could still go to one of the other candidates because the league – mindful of a leak that announced Steve Nash's second MVP award days before it was official – could alter the way it announces award winner.

Mitchell, if he wins, would be the first Raptor to win a significant non-player award.

And with president and general manager Bryan Colangelo a virtual lock to win executive of the year honours, it would give the team a sweep of off-the-court awards this year.

Mitchell- Best Coach (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/206089)

[Texas_Ranger]

It woud be great if Mitchell will get the reward.

[velik_m]

Lets just hope that's not all the Raptors win tommorow.

[angel_luv]

Lets just hope that's not all the Raptors win tommorow.

Amen! :)

Won't it be great win they win both?

[angel_luv]

And for Angel- see Rasho is actually there:
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070422/capt.f9debdf5880349c2ba4b9ebbab286bf6.raptors_prac tice_basketball_cpth109.jpg

:lol :)

[RashoFan]

Rasho with 10 boards is impressive.
Mitchell prob should've played him instead of Humphries.
I am all for Rasho playing as many minutes as possible, but Humphries did have a couple of great plays....

[angel_luv]

I am all for Rasho playing as many minutes as possible


Fixed. :)

[angel_luv]

Holy Cow! How fantastic!


http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=25d0d4da-5bb3-47ec-bdf6-b71669c24125&k=76522

Raptors' Mitchell to be named NBA's Coach of the Year
Bruce Arthur, National Post
Published: Monday, April 23, 2007
TORONTO — It was a little more than a year ago that a Sports Illustrated poll of 248 NBA players named Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell the worst coach in the league. But Tuesday, National Basketball Association sources have confirmed Mitchell will be named the NBA's coach of the year.

The Post has learned that Mitchell has edged other strong contenders such as Utah's Jerry Sloan and Dallas's Avery Johnson for the league's top coaching honour.

The Raptors posted the biggest single-season improvement of any NBA team this season, going from 27 to 47 wins. Mitchell seamlessly blended nine new players, overcame numerous injuries, and steered the Raptors to the first Atlantic Division title in franchise history.


Mitchell came into this season with a 60-104 record over two campaigns and was seen to be in serious jeopardy when new general manager Bryan Colangelo took over. But Mitchell overcame a 2-8 start with his group of international players, rookies, and just one established star and tied Toronto's all-time record for victories in a season.

"We had a lot of [new] guys, we had a language barrier at the beginning of the year, we had so many obstacles that we had to overcome," Toronto's lone All-Star, Chris Bosh, said Monday before the results of the vote were revealed.

"We had to gel quickly as a team. And for Sam to put us in an environment where we could function, and create an offence where everybody can touch the ball and share the ball and get open shots, that was tough on his part."

Mitchell's three-year contract expires at the end of this season, and he will be a sought-after free agent in the coaching market. Both Charlotte, which employed Mitchell as an assistant before be was hired by Toronto in 2004, and Indiana have been mentioned as possible destinations should Mitchell decide to leave Toronto.

Colangelo, meanwhile, has indicated that he intends to try to sign Mitchell to a multi-year extension.

When contacted last night, Colangelo could not comment until the official announcement. "Like I've said, I hope he gets it, and I'll be disappointed if he doesn't."

––
Read Bruce Arthur’s column on Sam Mitchell’s award-winning season, as well as his preview of Game 2 of the playoff series with the New Jersey Nets in Tuesday’s National Post.

[angel_luv]

Apr 24, 2007 10:41 AM
Doug Smith
Sports Reporter

Sam Mitchell has completed a shocking three-year rise from rookie head coach to the best in his profession in the NBA.

After helping engineer a startling turnaround in the fortunes of the Raptors, Mitchell has been named the league's coach of the year in balloting by a 128-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.

Mitchell earned 49 first place votes to easily out-distance Utah's Jerry Sloan and become the first Raptor coach to earn the honour.
In this third year in Toronto, Mitchell took a team coming off a 27-win 2005-06 season with nine new players and helped guide it to the first Atlantic Division title in franchise history with a 47-35 record.

Toronto's 20-game improvement from last year to this was the best in the NBA this season.

Mitchell totalled 389 points, Sloan received 301 points (39 first-place votes) and the Dallas Mavericks' Avery Johnson was third with 268 points (28 first-place votes). Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote received.

In January, Mitchell became only the second coach in Raptors history to earn Eastern Conference Coach of the Month honours after leading the team to a 10-5 record.

[angel_luv]

Preview - Box Score - Recap - Series Breakdown

Game Info: 7:00 pm EDT Tue Apr 24, 2007
TV: NBA Add to Calendar
Buy Tickets


TORONTO (AP)-- The Raptors understand adversity all too well.

They started the season 2-8 and survived. They lost forward Chris Bosh to a knee injury and survived.

So they see no cause for alarm after losing Game 1 of their playoff series with the New Jersey Nets.

"When we take a step back we always take two or three steps forward," Bosh said Monday, leading to Game 2 Tuesday night. "We pick up our intensity in the next game, we don't make the same mistakes we did before. We're a fast-learning team, and in Game 2 we're going to need that."

ADVERTISEMENT


The players credit their resolve to Sam Mitchell, who will learn Tuesday whether he's been honored as NBA coach of the year. Utah's Jerry Sloan and Dallas' Avery Johnson also are in the running.

"He's done a great job with the ball club," forward Morris Peterson said. "He's really grown a lot over his first couple of years coaching. If anybody in the NBA deserves it, it's him. He's proved a lot of people wrong."

Like Bosh, Peterson said Mitchell's leadership has helped Toronto become a team that can bounce back.

"Our coaching staff has done a great job this year in making adjustments after we've had tough losses," Peterson said. "One of the biggest things is that we've been ready to play after a loss."

Guard T.J. Ford said Mitchell puts his faith in the players.

"He's going to give us the structure offensively and defensively, but it's up to us to go out there execute," he said. "He puts it in our hands and lets us control it. He's been great in that aspect."

Bosh said Mitchell is "constantly teaching the game."

"He always pulls guys to the side to tell them what they have to do or where they need to be and he gets on guys when they don't take open shots or don't play their game," Bosh said.

Mitchell, who is reluctant to talk about possible coaching honors, knows how to keep basketball in perspective.

"I don't have an aunt or an uncle," he said. "I never met my grandparents. My brother died at 24. So I've been through a lot tougher things in life. I've learned I can't go home and worry, cry and complain."

With the nervous energy of the 96-91 loss in Game 1 behind, Mitchell wants his Raptors to attack more.

"We need to be aggressive within our offense with ball movement," he said. "We need to run the break and run the lanes better, be more aggressive that way."

New Jersey will try to counter by changing its defense.

"Toronto is one of the best offensive teams in the league and a great jump shooting team," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said. "We have to continue to give them different looks defensively during the course of the game. A team like that can get in a great rhythm and they've put up some great numbers against us in the past."

New Jersey will hope for another big night from Richard Jefferson, who scored 28 points in Game 1.

"He brings out the best in all of us," Vince Carter said. "He was aggressive and a step quicker than he has been. He's a great player and when he gets out in the open, he gets everyone going. His confidence is really soaring right now."

Frank called Jefferson "instrumental to our success."

"We're a better team with Richard," Frank said. "His game is attacking the rim and finishing and he's improved his perimeter jumper. But his strength and power is getting to the rim."

A big edge in fast-break points helped the Nets withstand a fourth-quarter rally. Ford said the Raptors won't let that happen again.

"We've really got to stop the transition baskets," he said. "If we prevent those little bitty things that we didn't do in the first game, I think we're going to be fine."

[lefty]

i'M SOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY :elephant :elephant

I've always thought he was a great coach, even when Raps were struggling during his first seasons in TO.

Hard-working coach, a winner.
Also likes to challenge his key players, and doesn't hesitate to congratulate them when they show some cojones in clutch situations.

[angel_luv]

I am going to be out watching the game tonight. I'm wearing Raptors red for good luck.

Dajmo Raptors! :)

[ploto]

Great press conference with Sam today. He had a lot of wonderful things to say about the entire organization and team-- and about his wife and children and the sacrifices they have made for him.

It's slow to load.
http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/index.html

[mardigan]

Hope they dont blow it again, TJ needs more minutes. And the Nets are wearing red again Angel, so maybe you dont want to wear red

[ploto]

Once a grinder, always a grinder

Frustrated with his team's bottom-of-the-league defence late last season, Sam Mitchell interrupted an otherwise unmemorable practice to demonstrate the art.

The coach, more than four seasons removed from his 13-year playing career, shooed away the human sieve who'd been guarding Mike James, the resident high-scoring guard, and assumed the best defensive stance his then-43-year-old legs could muster. When play resumed, James, a speedster in his prime, blew past his coach like the wind. And the team broke out in laughter.

But the moment wasn't over. As James waltzed in for what he thought would be an uncontested layup, Mitchell rose from the dust and exacted vengeance.

"Sure enough, Sam tackled him," said Darrick Martin, the Raptors guard, having a good chuckle at the memory yesterday. "I said, `Guys ... do you understand the point he's showing us there? That (basketball) has to mean that much to you, that it's life or death when you step on that floor.'"

It's a fitting anecdote to unspool today, what with Mitchell expected to be crowned the NBA's coach of the year in the hours before the Raptors attempt to even their best-of-seven first-round playoff series with the New Jersey Nets. Mitchell established his name in the league as a self-made grinder; the only statistical category in which he ever led the league was personal fouls. And his three-year head-coaching career, all of which has unfolded in Toronto, has often been a back-alley struggle for survival.

But there was Mitchell yesterday – the guy who once, as a rookie, projected his listless squad as likely impersonators of the Washington Generals – holding court for a crowd of reporters on the Raptors' practice floor, piecing together the hows and the whys of an unlikely turnaround. Mitchell talked and talked; as a player he was nicknamed "CNN" for his penchant for delivering 24 hours of news and information.

Chris Bosh said that the coach hasn't yet been tuned out.

"He says things that are relevant – that's what's easy to listen to," said Bosh. "It's not like he's just being repetitive and saying old clichés. He gives some good information, and when he talks, there's substance."

Whether he'll be back as Toronto's coach next season, even Bosh isn't sure.

"Most likely," Bosh said yesterday. "I mean, I don't have any sense (of the situation). Only the future can tell. But in my opinion, everything's going well. He'll probably be back."

But don't cry for Mitchell, whose contract expires at season's end and who'll almost certainly find work, and a healthy raise from his NBA-low salary of $1.6 million (U.S.). Bryan Colangelo, the Toronto general manager, has said he wants to re-sign Mitchell. Surely the Raptors' success or failure in these playoffs will have an impact on the coach's asking price when other expected suitors, from Charlotte to Indiana, come knocking.

The in-house endorsements are many. Juan Dixon, the trade-deadline arrival from Portland, has marvelled that he has never felt so free as a player as he does in Mitchell's system – and his stats were taking a pleasant upswing until a recent wrist injury. Rasho Nesterovic, the starting centre who played with Mitchell in Minnesota, has nodded assuredly: "Sam understands the game like you need to."

In a league still rife with football-style micromanagers, Mitchell has given his players room to prosper. "No one's handcuffed," said T.J. Ford, the point guard. The coach likes to point out that basketball's not rocket science; that counterparts around the league who tell tales of spending endless days dissecting game video are engaged in make-work projects "trying to impress somebody."

There are, Mitchell said, but four established ways to defend a pick-and-roll.

"You're going to tell me you've discovered the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth way that Red Auerbach never thought of?" he said, laughing.

Surely the fifth way is the high tackle. Martin shook his head at the recollection of Mitchell's takedown of James a season ago. James, according to Martin, absorbed the contact with a laugh, if not a touch of disbelief.

"I said, `Mike, I told you he was going to tackle you. Just shoot the jump shot and you would have been okay,'" said Martin. "Sam is the same as the coach as he was as a player. He wants to win ... He's very loyal. He's a good person ... He's up-front and honest ... and he's going to work hard. That's why he played 13 years in the NBA and that's why I believe he's going to coach until he doesn't want to coach anymore."

Once a grinder (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/206430)

[ploto]

Hope they dont blow it again, TJ needs more minutes. And the Nets are wearing red again Angel, so maybe you dont want to wear red
With the way Jose was playing, I can't fault Sam for leaving him in. Obviously, Bosh needs to play more, and Parker need more touches in the first quarter.

[ploto]

Parker was the key-- like I have said all along. Raptors win 89-83. Rasho with 6 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes-- for a total of 18 rebounds in 41 minutes these 2 games.

[Kobulingam]

Vince needs to grow a pair.

[lefty]

:elephant :elephant

[angel_luv]

Raptors win! Raptors win! Raptors win!
:fro


I missed blogging with you guys. :)

[angel_luv]

Hope they dont blow it again, TJ needs more minutes. And the Nets are wearing red again Angel, so maybe you dont want to wear red


I think the red is lucky. Last time I had on a red necklace but my shirt was not red.
This time it was and we won. :)

Also the seat cushions at the pub I watched the game were red. I was hoping that was a good sign. :)

[ploto]

I really loved how Sam called the players out to share in his award tonight. He said today that you need players that allow you to coach them.

Note to Angel- see the top of Rasho's head.
http://www.nba.com/media/raptors/sam_stern_year.jpg

[Kobulingam]

I really loved how Sam called the players out to share in his award tonight. He said today that you need players that allow you to coach them.

Note to Angel- see the top of Rasho's head.
http://www.nba.com/media/raptors/sam_stern_year.jpg

Rasho is the highest paid scrub in the league.

[ploto]

Rasho is the highest paid scrub in the league.
Tell that to his 18 rebounds in 2 games.

[angel_luv]

I really loved how Sam called the players out to share in his award tonight. He said today that you need players that allow you to coach them.

Note to Angel- see the top of Rasho's head.
http://www.nba.com/media/raptors/sam_stern_year.jpg


:lol

I saw this on television and was scolding Sho for staying so much out of the shot.


I think it was so sweet and telling as to what a caring coach he is, that Coach Mitchell called all his guys to be in his Coach of the Year picture with him.

[ploto]

Better photos:

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/fb/fullj.getty-73901445da006_nets_raptors_8_56_06_pm.jpg

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070425/capt.69ea4a6a2432487f9029ca69ede12c2c.nba_coach_aw ard_basketball_ajw103.jpg

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070425/capt.b4ce7fe3610c44b8a79ae5837f6a085c.nba_coach_aw ard_basketball_ajw102.jpg

[velik_m]

Nice win by the Raptors.
http://www.nba.com/media/vc15_700_070424.jpg

The nets still have HCA, so raptors will have to dig hard.

[Kobulingam]

Tell that to his 18 rebounds in 2 games.

My point is,
Rasho = scrub.
Rasho = earning a lot of money
Rasho = one of the highest paid scrubs in NBA

[Slomo]

Your point is wrong.

[angel_luv]

Slomo!!!! :) Now this thread is super cool. :fro

[angel_luv]

http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/quotes_042407.html

SAM MITCHELL
Thoughts on the play of Anthony Parker?*
He was jus great, I mean defensively, offensively, getting to the corner scoring the basketball, we need AP to continue to play like that, he was just unbelievable. He competes, he shoots the ball well, he got into the paint tonight which is what we wanted him to do, and put the pressure on the defence. I thought Chris, he had 25 (points) and thirteen (rebounds), he had been sick, he didn’t have the energy, he was laboring a little bit but in that fourth quarter when we needed him he stepped up, made some baskets. I thought T.J. just getting into the paint, getting to the free throw line and defensively he was just all over the place.

Are you proud of the way your guys played and competed? *
Yeah, but this is the playoffs, you can’t quit, no matter what’s the score, no matter how you’re playing, you may get down a little bit but your not going to quit. I’ve been proud of this team all year. I have no complaints with our effort, never have I’ve never walked into the locker room after a practice or a game and said we didn’t play hard, we didn’t compete.

Is this your proudest day as a coach?
Yeah, I would say that but it’s a little bit embarrassing to make too much out of me, it’s more about these guys in the locker room because like I said this morning none of this could of happened without those fifteen guys in the locker room. The best part other than winning the basketball game was when the presentation and those guys came out because we really care about each other. I work them hard but they also know how much I care about them.



CHRIS BOSH
Thoughts on getting your first playoff win under your belt?
It’s really good, it feels really good. We came out and we did the things we were supposed to do. We relied on our defense today and I think we played great. We played great team defence, made them shoot a lot of contested jump shots, we got back in transition defence today and we got a lot of easy buckets.

Similarities on tonight’s win and the way Coach Sam Mitchell played in his career…
I think so, we knew that these games are going to be hard to win, and to be willing to win you have to grind it out. We knew that Sam, he wasn’t the prettiest player but he got the job done and that’s kind of how the playoffs are, you just have to get the job done no matter what happens. Neither team shot the ball well but we had to continue to play good defence.

Thoughts on taking over in the fourth quarter…
Well, that is kind of my job. That is what everyone was telling me all the time to try to take over the game. I just wanted to be aggressive, I knew that I could get a jump shot at any time but I wanted to work on getting to the basket.

Does this win tonight show the team’s versatility?
You have to be versatile. We have to be able to play defence. You can’t just be all offence because this caliber isn’t going to allow you to just run and gun all game. We knew that we were going to have to come in and play tough defence, we didn’t shoot the ball as well as we wanted to but we didn’t let that affect us because we continued to play good team defence and we kept our guys in front of us.



ANTHONY PARKER
Thoughts on game…*
It’s win number one but It’s just one game. It’s a great feeling to get one, these fans deserve it and we played a hard battle and these fans were behind us one hundred percent both games and it’s a big one for us.

How hard was it to grind it out today?*
It’s tough you know, we weren’t making shots early, I think we played great defense we just weren’t getting those shots to go our way and they executed, they hit some big shots down the stretch, but you know we made some big plays ourselves and we were able to pull it out.

What does it mean to win and help Sam Mitchell to get his first playoff win?
It’s big, it’s big for our coach, it’s big for our organization but it’s just one game. We got to go to Jersey with the mindset to get two more.

How hard was it to grind it out today?*
It’s tough you know, we weren’t making shots early, I think we played great defense we just weren’t getting those shots to go our way and they executed, they hit some big shots down the stretch, but you know we made some big plays ourselves and we were able to pull it out.

Thoughts on your play tonight…
Sometimes you don’t play as good and you don’t score as many points but you try and do the right things to win. Fortunately for me tonight I got good looks and got into a good rhythm and was able to knock some shots down.

Thoughts on your year in perspective…
I think that is definitely a question for me after the season, right now we are in playoffs and It’s just one game, we got two tough ones in New Jersey so that is what we are focused on. After the season we can look back as a team and think about those kind of things.



LAWRENCE FRANK
Thoughts on game…*
It was a heartfelt game. You’ve got to give Toronto a lot of credit. In the fourth quarter I think they scored nine of their last 11. The whole game offensively we just weren’t able to make shots. You’ve got to give Toronto a lot of credit. They played extremely hard, there is a reason why we missed shots, they affected them and so it’s unfortunate. We wanted to get both (games) but we got a split so now we have to continue to look at what we need to improve. We were right there, we had some great shots to tie it but we go back home to game three.

Thoughts on Nets missing shots…
Well, that’s what happens and that’s why, especially in playoff basketball, your shooting percentage typically goes down. So, that is why defensively, you have to be rock solid. So, us in that fourth quarter, to give up not really 31 points, but let’s just say in the end, in the high twenties, it’s hard. When we had an option to get the top scorers out they hit a huge dagger three…the things we evaluate are the good shots. If they are good shots and you miss them then it’s hard to complain about them, but then defensively is where you have to build your margin for error.

Did you get what you wanted from this road trip?
Well, I mean we came here to get two wins and we got one. At the same time we have to give Toronto a lot of credit and we’re going to go back home and Toronto is going their going to try and get game three and we have to be able to protect home court and just be able to just get back and be able to find a way to win. Like I said, they are the Atlantic Division champs and a great team and they played like that tonight.



VINCE CARTER
Did you feel you let this game slip away?
Definitely. I think in the end we had a wonderful opportunity. We had a lot of good shots that just didn’t fall down for us. Bostjan Nachbar, had a wonderful look at a three but they (Toronto) just kept playing, kept coming, and they got the job done.

Thoughts on the shots you got tonight…
Clean looks. The one thing about it that I feel good about is that my shots were long so you can adjust to that. I just know that I was shooting the right shot, shooting them correctly, but they just didn’t fall.

Thoughts on the Raptors playing with more intensity tonight…
They are supposed to. They lost game one and they didn’t want to go down 2-0, they understood that so they stepped their level of play up and intencity was a little higher so they made it fun basketball game. So we had to match their energy, not only just because its playoffs game two, but because their coach just received an award so we knew they were going to be juiced up a little bit. So we had to first and foremost maintain the early energy in the run and then make it basketball game which we did, gave us chance to win the game but we just couldn’t pull it off.




JASON KIDD
Thoughts on game…
I think coming down the end they made plays, made the free throws when they had to. I think they were a little more relaxed, but again we came out here trying to win game two. We put ourselves in a great position to do that. Bostjan (Nachbar) has the same look that he had in game one, if that goes in (Nachbar’s shot) then it’s tied up and it's anybody’s ball game at that point. We had a lot of great looks, but it didn’t go in for us. But we knew they (Toronto) were going to come out and give us their best shot. And I thought we did a pretty good job, but you know, they were the better team and they won tonight.

Thoughts on Anthony Parker…
It was big. He's always on the offence end and puts pressure on you because he can catch and shoot, but he isn’t afraid to put the ball on floor and take it to the basket. He had a great game and he can also find the open guy, so he puts a lot of pressure on the defense and he has helped that team in a big way from the outside, but also on the defensive end.

Do you think Vince Carter needs to change his game in this building?
Well again, he had a lot of great looks. We’re going to ride him until they hopefully start falling in this building. But the good thing is we have two games in our place, so we don’t have to worry about this building until game five. So right now for him to keep being aggressive and keep taking those shots when they present themselves. As a teammate, I feel very confident with the decision making that he making out there.



RICHARD JEFFERSON
Thoughts on the game…
Tonight the ball didn’t bounce our way, we led at halftime, we led the game into the fourth. We had a couple open looks, our best three-point shooter had an open look in the corner and it just didn’t fall.

Thoughts on splitting the games in Toronto…
It is big, you look at the way we played and if you look at both games combined we probably dominated 80 per-cent of the two games. We were fortunate to come up here and get one, now we have to go home and protect our home court.

Thoughts on the Raptors run to end the game…
Primarily they hit their free throws. T.J. Ford hit a three, Chris Bosh hit some very, very tough shots and after that it was free throws. We had some good looks, Nachbar, I can’t stress enough how great of a shot that was, and we would take that from him every single night.

Vince Carter and Jason Kidd struggled from the field again tonight did that hurt you?
No, I wouldn’t say so, we had our chances. We all had our chances to win that game. We were up by one with a minute to go, that is what you are asking for, we just couldn’t get the stops we needed.

[ploto]

My point is,
Rasho = scrub.
Rasho = earning a lot of money
Rasho = one of the highest paid scrubs in NBA
A scrub does not start in over 500 NBA games-- or play in almost 60 play-off games-- or start for teams that make the playoffs every year.

[ploto]

TJ's interview after practice Wednesday is funny-- talking about all the guys who got traded to Toronto- who people gave up on.

http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/2007playoff_central.html

[ponky]

GO RAPTORS...dang, bosh looks like a lizard and so does tj ford

[angel_luv]

GO RAPTORS...dang, bosh looks like a lizard and so does tj ford


No- Bosh looks like Little Foot from " The Land Before Time"- in a cute way,
I used to love that movie as a kid. :)

[ploto]

For the Slovenians:

Slokar almost too happy

Mom always told me not to take candy from strangers, but when Uros Slokar of the Raptors offered me a Starburst candy and called it a Starbucks, it was so bloody cute, I had to take it.

You'd be excused if you didn't know who Slokar is. He's just above Yogi Stewart and Pape Sow in the NBA's towel-waving rankings. I mean, neither of those guys could wave a towel in three languages.

But, Uros Slokar is so much more than that.

Think Dr. Nick from the Simpsons.

"Hello everybody. The knee bone's connected to the something. The something's connected to the red thing."

That guy.

Slokar has the same childlike happiness of a Dr. Nick. His teammates say he's never in a bad mood.

MoPete calls him the funniest guy he knows.

T.J. Ford insists, "He's just different. He's like none of us."

When pushed for an example Ford says Slokar "carries a camcorder everywhere he goes, and I haven't seen him record anything yet."

Clearly he's not doing the up the skirt stuff, what with his height and all.

However, unlike Dr. Nick, Slokar is smart. He says he had a cousin who got him "into the whole computer situation eight or nine years ago." Over in Europe, he was head of the players' unofficial I.T. department, fixing their computers after "they downloaded some controversial content," as he so delicately put it. :lol

Slokar does get recognized, but insists it's only because he's tall. Often fans mistake him for Kris Humphries, or even MoPete. (That won't be a problem next season).

Slokar doesn't get a lot of court time or prime time, although he did lead the team in scoring in the second last game of the season against Detroit. As he put it, "Well, I had what, 80 games to prepare for it? "

Playing just a handful of minutes in a handful of games, he'd be easy to overlook if it weren't for that unbridled joy that oozes from the big 6-foot-11 Slovenian.

Oh, he loves to talk about the mother country. He tells me Slovenia was the first country to break away from the former Yugoslavia.

"Yugoslavia is no longer a country?" I think to myself. Next he'll try to convince me the continents used to be one land mass, then drifted apart.

This dude is funny.

I ask him if it was a peaceful break and he actually says, "Yeah, just I think, two people died and like one tripped over a stone and banged his head into a curb, and the other one, I think he got a heart attack cause a turtle jumped or something. I don't know."

A turtle jumped? I must go to Slovenia and behold these mystical jumping turtles.

I ask him about the women in Slovenia. His eyes light up.

"Slovenian women?" he says. "Oh beautiful, I mean of course. The girls are a little bit taller, a little bit skinnier. My girlfriend is Slovenian, so of course they're beautiful."

He quickly adds, "Canadians are beautiful, too. There's everything here. You've got Indian women, Chinese women, everything. It's a big melting pot, so whatever your preference is, you go to that part of the city and search."

I suggested a trip to the mall's food court as a time saver.

"The knee bone's connected to the something ..."
Slokar Too Happy (http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2007/04/26/4130946-sun.html)

[angel_luv]

TJ's interview after practice Wednesday is funny-- talking about all the guys who got traded to Toronto- who people gave up on.

http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/2007playoff_central.html


Can't wait to get off work so I can watch it. :)

[angel_luv]

Mom always told me not to take candy from strangers, but when Uros Slokar of the Raptors offered me a Starburst candy and called it a Starbucks, it was so bloody cute, I had to take it.

:lmao





T.J. Ford insists, "He's just different. He's like none of us."

When pushed for an example Ford says Slokar "carries a camcorder everywhere he goes, and I haven't seen him record anything yet."
:lol





Slokar does get recognized, but insists it's only because he's tall. Often fans mistake him for Kris Humphries, or even MoPete. (That won't be a problem next season).
:lol
How do you mistake him for Mo Pete?!?!?! :lol Guess it is like the reporter who mistook Rasho for ... who was it Ploto?




The part about Slovenian girls was cute. Smart to through in props to Canadian girls. :)


Uros is so awesome- one of the nicest people I have ever met. I am so glad he and Sho are team mates. :)

[ploto]

No- Bosh looks like Little Foot from " The Land Before Time"- in a cute way.
Have you seen this?

The Land Before Time And The Toronto Raptors

http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/04/24/the-land-before-time-and-the-toronto-raptors/

[ploto]

Can't wait to get off work so I can watch it. :)
He mentions himself and "Rash" first... how the team is full of players who people did not believe in.

[angel_luv]

Have you seen this?

The Land Before Time And The Toronto Raptors

http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/04/24/the-land-before-time-and-the-toronto-raptors/


:lmao :lmao :lmao x 10,000

That is the first I have seen of it. Hahaha! Laugh of the day that!

[angel_luv]

Sho as Spike- awww :lol

[angel_luv]

He mentions himself and "Rash" first... how the team is full of players who people did not believe in.


As well as people who have proved all us believers absolutely right. :)

[ploto]

SPIKE = RASHO NESTEROVIC

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/264/spikeys0.jpghttp://img239.imageshack.us/img239/5324/rashospikehk3.jpg

A big dinosaur with a big heart and an even bigger appetite. Spike may not say much, but he is always eager to lend a tail when one of his friends needs help. His spiked tail also makes him a great friend to have around when a nasty Sharptooth comes around, and there’s defending to be had.

[angel_luv]

I have been laughing over Little foot and Spike- that is so going to have to be one of Sho's nicknames- all morning.

:)

[ploto]

Nice article on Anthony Parker. I have been intrigued about how Bryan got involved in helping AP out of his contract in Israel, when he did not even have a buy-out in it. This gives the details...


The deal that landed Anthony Parker with the Raptors featured longtime contacts, coincidences, international connections and a whole lot of creativity.

This wasn't your typical basketball transaction and Parker isn't your typical player.

This is why the Raptors paid as much as they did for Bryan Colangelo and are getting every dollar's worth.

It all began with Marco Crespi, the director of international scouting for the Phoenix Suns. For the better part of two years, every time Crespi, an European basketball lifer, spoke to Colangelo he bugged him about Parker.

"He kept saying 'You've got to sign this guy,' " Colangelo said.

"When I went to the Final Four in Prague last year, I was in my new position with the Raptors and Maurizio (Gherardini) was there, but he was not working here yet. Anthony was unbelievable in the first game against Barcelona. He just dominated that game.

"Now if you fast forward a little, Maurizio is now working with us, we're looking at the available pool of free agents and Parker isn't one of the players available. He had another year to go on his contact (in Israel), but we had heard through some back channels that he had an interest in coming back to the NBA."

But how to get it done was the question.

Gherardini happens to be in tight with Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Shimon Mizrahi. He made some calls. Colangelo had a connection to Tal Brody, who played college ball with his father, and Illinois and was significantly involved with the Maccabi team. He made some calls.

Rather than take an end run at Parker, Colangelo decided to be straight up . "I think they appreciated we dealt with them directly," he said.

They also appreciated the relationship that had been built between Raptors ownership and the storied Israeli team. All that had to be accomplished was to negotiate a buyout.

Colangelo offered $1 million and then $1.5 million to try to get Parker out. He thought that would be enough: Under the terms of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, the most a team can pay to buy out a player is $500,000.

The rest of the money comes from the departing player.

In the end, as both a symbolic and significant buyout the Raptors offered $1.8 million to free Parker to sign in Toronto.

The 1.8 number comes from the Hebrew number 18, the number Parker now wears on his Toronto uniform: The Jewish symbol signifying life.

"I think they appreciated the figure," Colangelo said. "I've had others tell me that."

Parker, by himself, has had to relinquish $1.3 million of his $4-million salary this season in order to play.

So far, everyone has received value for their investment.

"We pencilled Anthony in as a key piece, the question was, was he going to be a starter or come off the bench? Was he going to be a 2 or a 3? All that had to work itself out," Colangelo said.

"He has played beyond our expectations. For a guy of his age (31) who had been outside the NBA for as long as he was (six years) to have accomplished this much is incredible. You're starting to hear it around the league, how he's one of the unheralded players, one of the heralded signings."

Even Gherardini, a longtime Parker believer, is amazed by what he has seen this season.

"You always wondered why he ended up with the MVP honours (in Europe) when if you look at the numbers, he was never the top scorer, the top rebounder, the top anything. But he was the key to the championship teams over there.

"Even the year he spent in the Italian League in Rome he came in and changed the face of that team by scoring 14-15-16 points a game. Not great numbers. He just has something."

It's almost ironic that Anthony Parker's coming out party in the NBA is occurring in a series against the New Jersey Nets, the team that first drafted him.

Parker lasted less than one day with the Nets, before he was traded to a Philadelphia team that already had Allen Iverson and Jerry Stackhouse. He played parts of two seasons in Philadelphia, 16 games in Orlando and was waived out of the NBA in 2000.

There are few stories like this one anywhere, of a failed player returning after a lengthy exile and making a difference. The Raptors found both a gem and a bargain in Israel as well as a humble, experienced and grounded player.

"It has been a journey," said Parker, the 26-point scorer in Game 2. "I have been waiting a long time for this."

Anatomy of Parker (http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Columnists/Simmons_Steve/2007/04/26/4130716.html)

[angel_luv]

That was a great article. I enjoy reading background stories about players.

I thought that Parker was younger than 31- not that 31 is at all old! :)

[angel_luv]

TJ's interview after practice Wednesday is funny-- talking about all the guys who got traded to Toronto- who people gave up on.

http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/2007playoff_central.html


:tu :)

Other teams lost is Toronto's great gain.

[Rosie O'Donnell]

Hopefully the Raptors win because they will be a lot easier to beat than the Nets.

[angel_luv]

:lol - now we know what Rosie is doing in her spare time.

[Rosie O'Donnell]

:lol - now we know what Rosie is doing in her spare time.

Im not busy :makeout

[angel_luv]

Game day! Dajmo Raptors!!!!!!!! :cheer

[angel_luv]

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/207823

Nets' Nachbar making a name for himself


Slovenian forward rising to the occasion and taking pressure off Jersey's big three

Apr 27, 2007 04:30 AM
Doug Smith
Sports reporter

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.–Vince Carter watched, Jason Kidd watched and Richard Jefferson watched as the decisive shots in each of the first two Raptors-Nets playoff games made their way to the rim.

But none were involved, a strange occurrence for a New Jersey team with those three big-game stars on the roster.

Bostjan Nachbar, who happened to be the right guy in the right place at the right time, took those game-deciding jumpers, a testament to how far the 26-year-old Slovenian forward has come this season.

"I definitely was hoping for a situation like this, whether it would happen or not I did not know," he said yesterday.

"I was doing everything possible to get in this position. I put a lot of hard work in and it's paying off."

It has paid off so much he's now almost as integral a part of how the Nets play as the big three themselves. At 6-foot-9, he can stretch defences with his shooting, is quick enough to get by defenders on the perimeter and is as hot as any shooter in the game.

In his past five games, he's shooting 58 per cent from the field and an astonishing 66.6 per cent from three-point range. In his two playoff games against Toronto, he's 11for22 from the floor, 6-for-11 from long range and a perfect 5for5 from the free throw line.

Not bad for a guy who was out of the rotation midway through the regular season.

"He knows if he's open I don't have a problem giving it to him – we established that from the beginning of the year," Vince Carter said yesterday. "I told him, `If you're open, shoot it' – even when he was struggling. I'll continue to feed him the ball and tell him to shoot it. It gets you back in your rhythm. He has done that, and he has been huge for us."

Nachbar is 1for2 in game-deciding shots in this series. They may not have come right at the buzzer, but the three-pointer he made in the dying seconds of the game sealed New Jersey's Game 1 win. But it was his miss with 15 seconds left in Game 2 and the Nets down by three that allowed the Raptors to hang on.

"It means a lot in the way that you see that your teammates have the confidence in you to give you the ball for the last shot, but it's not like they were actually looking for me, it's just the play," he said.

The Raptors need to contain Nachbar better than they have in the first two games of the series. Eventually, it makes sense that Carter's going to have a big game while Richard Jefferson already has. And if New Jersey gets production from Nachbar in the same game, it's going to be next to impossible for Toronto to win.

"I'm not making a big deal out of it," Nachbar said of his role. "I'm just playing the game. I'm not saying, `Oh, this is a big shot, they're relying on me.' I'm not a guy who's going to put that kind of pressure on myself.

"This is what I wanted since I came to the league – to be part of a team and to be a guy who can do big things on the court, not just being on the bench waving a towel."

[ata]

Raptors, it is time for road win!

[resistanze]

DAMN, New Jersey is empty.

Let's get it started :ihit

[resistanze]

Playing like crap early...good job Raps

[angel_luv]

It is my fault for not posting yet in the blog- am at a friends so am going back and forth.

Let's go Raptors!!!!!!!!

[resistanze]

They need someone who can shoot threes....the Nets just pile up the lane on D.

And VC is making a mockery of the Raps' D.

[angel_luv]

Sho and the and one! Whoosh! :fro


Hey team- rebounds. How about you get some! :)

[angel_luv]

Rough 1st quarter... Raps need to play our game and beat these punks. :)

[T Park]

Raptors are getting their collective asses waxed.

[resistanze]

I wouldn't know they're a playoff team if I was tuning in for the first time.

[resistanze]

I'll probably end up watching the Heat game :lol

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Come on Raps you can win this thing.

[Texas_Ranger]

It will be very tough to win tonights Nets whitch are playing great.
Props to Boki.

[Vinnie_Johnson]

It will be very tough to win tonights Nets whitch are playing great.
Props to Boki.
http://bias.blogfodder.net/archives/archives/frozen%20hell.jpg

So you think they have a chance?

[Texas_Ranger]

http://bias.blogfodder.net/archives/archives/frozen%20hell.jpg

So you think they have a chance?

On the start of the 4th quarter I thought, but now...I don't think so.

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Sucks I hate the nets Kidd wife beater Vince Carter Cry Baby RJ well you know sissy.

[resistanze]

Carter = 65% from the field
Kidd = Triple-Double, almost 20 assists

Raptors = out of playoffs if they don't man up

[angel_luv]

Watching Boki I feel an equal mixture of aggrivation and pride- the kid is just too good.

Next game is the Raptors win! And the next and the next! :)

[angel_luv]

Watching Boki I feel an equal mixture of aggrivation and pride- the kid is just too good.

Next game is the Raptors win! And the next and the next! :)

[ploto]

Rasho needs to play more. Unless the team is only interested in getting experience for next year and not worried about winning this one.

[ploto]

Hate to rain on your parade- Angel- but I thought I would warn you way in advance. Doug Smith is like the Raptors Johnny Ludden.


Q: Seems like everyone has Mo Pete leaving over the summer. Just wondering. Who else from this squad do you think won't be back next year, and are those spots going to be replaced by free agents, trades, or promotion from within (like maybe Uros Slokar)?
Illan Kramer, Boston

A: Next year's a long way off and we all know Bryan Colangelo loves to tinker so nothing's definite.

But I imagine Mo's gone, I think Pape Sow's gone, they would likely entertain offers for Joey Graham but Slokar's intriguing and I think worth keeping around. Other than that, they may look to move Rasho if they can get someone younger or if they think Bargnani's ready to be a starter but there isn't going to be any drastic change.

Colangelo's got the mid-level exception (likely about $5.8 million) and whatever he can do in a Peterson sign-and-trade so there is some flexibility.

Chat with Doug Smith (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/207507)

All indications are that Andrea is supposed to start next year. That was the plan all along. And with a 23 year old and a 22 year old as your 2 starting big men, there won't be alot of back-up minutes. Given the possibility of playing Garbo off the bench and the development of some of the young guys, the Raptors could try to use Rasho's salary to trade for a SF of which they have a desperate need. Now, Rasho's contract keeps looking better and better for teams who want salary relief. He has 2 years left, but summer 2008 is a player option.

Also of note is the fact that TJ and Bosh have huge new contracts kicking in for next season. Just how much will a team spend for a guy who comes off the bench and plays limited minutes for certain match-ups.

One of the big appeals of the Raptors trade for Rasho was that his deal was shorter than a free agent's would be and they were looking for a temporary fix while Bargnani adjusted. Now, if the Raptors hold onto Rasho, I would be in no way surprised if he opted out in the summer of 2008 and signed a new longer deal at a much reduced first year rate. But right now they have a much greater need at SF.

[ata]

You couldn't jackhammer a needle up the Raptor's ass right now.
.....


Raptors are getting their collective asses waxed.

What is with you and asses? Getting aroused?

[velik_m]

Kidd is just too god damn good.

FREE SLOKAR!

[angel_luv]

The reason a Rasho trade would bother me now is I hate the idea of his life being disrupted again.

I want Sho to be in a situation where he is playing and is happy. Toronto has seemed like that sort of place so I hope it works out for him to stay there.

As for the play offs, I still have faith for the Raptors. We need to get this next win and go back to the fired up Canada crowd and win that one too.
After that we just need one more win, and the momentum will already be in our favor.

Dajmo Raptors. :)

[angel_luv]

Rasho needs to play more. Unless the team is only interested in getting experience for next year and not worried about winning this one.


That's what I am always saying. :)

[boutons_]

"his life being disrupted again."

Rasho has tons of $$$ to insulate himself from the hassle of relocating.

[angel_luv]

"his life being disrupted again."

Rasho has tons of $$$ to insulate himself from the hassle of relocating.


Yes because adjusting to a new city and team mates and leaving behind friends has no effect whatsoever on a person.

[ploto]

I want Sho to be in a situation where he is playing and is happy. Toronto has seemed like that sort of place so I hope it works out for him to stay there.

That's the thing, though, just how much will he get to play next year. Look at these play-offs. Rasho is playing well- especially doing the main thing people have said he is weak at- rebounding. He is averaging only 19.7 MPG on a team desperate for some veteran presence, defense, and playoff experience. He is grabbing 7.3 RPG in those limited minutes. The Spurs would have salivated to have Rasho rebound like that and yet he still sits on the bench after the mid-third quarter of the 2 losses. The team looks more interested in the future and that is Bosh and Bargnani. As much as Rasho loves the city of Toronto, I don't know if he will be ready at the age of 31 to sit there and not play, except when Shaq and Curry come to town.

[angel_luv]

Whatever he wants- I hope that is what happens. :)

[ploto]

Whatever he wants- I hope that is what happens. :)
Well, it will be interesting to see. Priorities change and moving alot gets tiring, so if you are happy with your teammates and the organization... Players played for the Spurs later in their careers even though they played little because they were happy with the team- and wanted to be on a good team. And that is a huge selling point for Toronto now. Their future looks really bright, and Rasho helped contribute to that, and maybe he wants to stay around to be a part of its fruition. But it's a business, as we always hear, and if trading Rasho brings someone into Toronto that they need more, it will happen regardless. :(

[angel_luv]

Yes.
I just need to know where he'll be so I know which team I am rooting for. :)

Again, hope it is the Raps. I like this them. They're my adopted team- great guys all. :)

[ploto]

Mitchell calls for some Mago

I like this move- partially because Andrea has played some of his best ball this season alongside Rasho, and partially because it has been surprisingly effective when tried out during the season.

Also of note- TJ is the third player to get sick recently- both Andrea and Graham have been sick and Joey even lost close to 10 pounds in the past 2 weeks or so.


Andrea Bargnani, still not fully healthy after an operation and an illness, is expected to start tonight when the Raptors face the New Jersey Nets in the pivotal fourth game of their NBA playoff series.

Bargnani, who missed 15 of the last 16 games of the regular season after having an emergency appendectomy and a sinus infection, will replace the ineffective Joey Graham in the starting lineup.

Raptor coach Sam Mitchell wouldn’t confirm the move at this morning’s shootaround but Bargnani told reporters he will start.

Who starts along with him is still up in the air.

Point guard T.J. Ford, Toronto’s leading scorer in the first three games of the series, left shootaround early with an undisclosed illness. Mitchell said Ford would play unless his conditioned worsened over the afternoon.

The change to Bargnani is a bold one for Mitchell, whose team has had difficulty scoring against the Nets in dropping two of the first three games of the best-of-seven series.

The 7-foot rookie will not only have to provide some offence despite shooting just 5-for-18 from the field over the first three games but he’s likely going to have to guard either Richard Jefferson or Vince Carter at times.

With him, the 6-foot-10 Chris Bosh and 7-foot Rasho Nesterovic in the lineup, the Raptors may decide to play some zone defence to limit their liabilities against the quicker Nets and to clog up the lane and dissuade Carter from attacking the basket as he did so well in Friday’s Game 3 New Jersey win.

il Mago (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/208599)

[angel_luv]

All right A.B.

The winning begins in a few hours. Nets are going down and out!

I will be back after my pre game nap. :)

[resistanze]

The Raps are a joke.

[RashoFan]

The first quarter did not look good for the Raptors...
NJ 32 Raps 15

[RashoFan]

End of the 1st half
NJ 56
Raps 37
I hope the Raps find their rhythm and come back to win this game.

[himat]

Ouch. Raps are getting annihilated right now.

Kidd and Carter are on pace for triple doubles.

[boutons_]

Raps shooting 34%.

Their first trip to the playoffs. Raps were a weak 17-24 on the road while being tied with Cavs for best EC home record. Sorta like the Warriors, very strong at home, very weak on the road. Raps still have HCA. Nets, the same also 17-24 on the road.

[T Park]

Nesterovic clocking in witha STUDLY 2 points 1 rebound.

Wheres ploto at? :lmao

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Can't watch this is ugly. I feel bad for Bosh too bad Detroit didn't draft him.

[theMUHMEshow]

Gosh the Raps are getting their shit stomped

[angel_luv]

I love Manu but I hate Time Warner.

My internet has been down the entire game. :pctoss


Why in the world is Sho not in?
And, why why did I pick the play offs to decide to quit saying all three swear words I know.]
My tongue is bleeding I have bitten it so much!

[angel_luv]

Stop talking while I still like you Steve Kerr.

Ugh!

[Pistons < Spurs]

My internet has been down the entire game. :pctoss



:depressed

[angel_luv]

Thank you Piston. :)

[angel_luv]

Why is Sho not in! Coach Mitchell!

[resistanze]

I stopped watching this game 6 minutes into the 1st quarter :lol

[Pistons < Spurs]

The Raptors are just about out of the playoffs, but this has been a very solid year for them. Hopefully they've learned some lessons, and gained a little experience from this postseason, get healthy, and return next year bigger and better.

And we may actually get to see some Nationaly televised games from them next year!

[angel_luv]

I stopped watching this game 6 minutes into the 1st quarter :lol


How can you not watch?

:lol okay let me rephrase that.

I am watching this game in support of Sho- he shouldn't have to sit there and suffer alone. :)

[angel_luv]

The Raptors are just about out of the playoffs, but this has been a very solid year for them. Hopefully they've learned some lessons, and gained a little experience from this postseason, get healthy, and return next year bigger and better.

And we may actually get to see some Nationaly televised games from them next year!

That made me feel better- thank you! :)

And thanks Resistanze for inspiring my first laugh of the night

[angel_luv]

I want another win. The Raps are going to get me another win. I believe! :)

[angel_luv]

Kerr is getting on my nerves. Stop bad mouthing my team!

:blah :blah :blah
I'm not listening lalalalala

Kerr is so dead to me!

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Raps will win the next game I can feel it.

[resistanze]

Yeah they were not ready for the playoff season. I must say, it's shocking how bad they've been in the playoffs.

Kidd is good, but he shouldn't be averaging a triple-double in the series. They double and triple team Bosh and he's struggled to find the open man, while his teammate aren't shooting well.

The injury to Bargnani has apparently set him back 6 months, as he looks like the player he was in the first month of the season.

[angel_luv]

All right Golden state. I need them to help cheer me up by seriously whipping Dallas.

And I still say the Raptors get me the next game. :)

[Extra Stout]

It's very difficult for the Raptors to win on the road, because 100 Canadian points only equals 89 points in the US.

[resistanze]

It's very difficult for the Raptors to win on the road, because 100 Canadian points only equals 89 points in the US.

:lol:lol:lol

[angel_luv]

Raptors bench just showed Bargnani and TJ Ford- it's all right Petrie and Ducky. :lol :)

[angel_luv]

It's very difficult for the Raptors to win on the road, because 100 Canadian points only equals 89 points in the US.


:lol

[Vinnie_Johnson]

It's very difficult for the Raptors to win on the road, because 100 Canadian points only equals 89 points in the US.



:clap :lol

[angel_luv]

Next game I am going back to the Lion and Rose for good luck- worked game 2

[J.T.]

I called Nets in 6 so I hope Raps get one more.

[resistanze]

I'm throwing my support for the Pistons when the Raps get out. I supported them last year and i hate the Bulls for making us face the Nets. Cavs are lame and no way in hell root for NJ.

[resistanze]

I called Nets in 6 so I hope Raps get one more.
I can see them barely winning a must-win Game 5 then getting blown out in game 6.

[angel_luv]

That's it. I need to go Celtic Pride on the Nets. I'll kidnap Carter.

Whose got Kidd and whose got Boki? LOL

[angel_luv]

I want to root for Boki if he progresses. But he is the only Net I ever care to see succeed.
Okay so Jefferson is not so bad- but the rest boo!

[ploto]

Very tough to watch on several levels.

As I said before, it becomes more and more apparent that the Raptors are looking at experience for the future over winning now. When the guy on the court in the first quarter who is showing the most emotion is Rasho, your team is in for a long night. It seems like many of these players were happy to win the division and make the play-offs. But Rasho left the play-offs in the first round enough years in Minnesota, and he wanted more.

[ploto]

For Spurs fans who have continually gloated over not getting Kidd- boy would he look good on the Spurs this play-off run. He is still way better than Tony Parker at running an offense. It is fun to watch him and Steve Nash play- as long as you are not the opponent.

[angel_luv]

I wish Chris Bosh would get his nervousness under control. I heard in the broadcast that he had said his nerves were a wreck.
He is thinking too much about being in the play offs. He needs to just go out and play the Nets.

I thought Calderon would be the X factor tonight- he did really good there for awhile.

My eyes started to bleed near mid third ( :lol :( ) so I really can't say who did what after that.

Sho should have been in that game. I don't know why he wasn't. If Coach wants play off experience for the guys, they need to win some games so they get to play in more.

[CubanMustGo]

When the guy on the court in the first quarter who is showing the most emotion is Rasho, your team is in for a long night.

I take it this would not be the same Rasho who registered 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 turnover, and 2 fouls in his ten minutes today?

[velik_m]

This series is over. There is no way nets will lose 3 in a row. :pctoss

This sucks. :depressed

[ploto]

I take it this would not be the same Rasho who registered 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 turnover, and 2 fouls in his ten minutes today?
Yes- it was. There was nothing wrong with the way Rsaho played. He had 2 fouls because there was a simple message- no one gets an easy basket- so when RJ blows by Andrea- he has to foul him. As for 2 points, well, he took one shot and made it. He never got to touch the ball on offense between TJ, Andrea, and Bosh-- the future of the franchise. Rebounding was all screwed up with 3 big giuys having to cover more perimeter oriented players, and that is part of the reason Sam switched to a more traditional line-up and Rasho unfortunately got few minutes because of it. Also, Sam never plays Rasho when the Raptors have a huge defiicit. Partially because he tries to increase the tempo at that point and patially because he sees no reason. I mean- the game was over last night early in the third quarter- why play Rasho? For the Raptors future, it is more important for Andrea to taste the NBA playoffs and play 40 minutes than for Rasho to play. And the stats in a box score tell you nothing about the player's emotion in the first quarter- while most of the Raptors continued to look shell-shocked, Rasho and Mo were the ones trying to fire them up.

[timvp]

Yes- it was. There was nothing wrong with the way Rsaho played. He had 2 fouls because there was a simple message- no one gets an easy basket- so when RJ blows by Andrea- he has to foul him. As for 2 points, well, he took one shot and made it. He never got to touch the ball on offense between TJ, Andrea, and Bosh-- the future of the franchise. Rebounding was all screwed up with 3 big giuys having to cover more perimeter oriented players, and that is part of the reason Sam switched to a more traditional line-up and Rasho unfortunately got few minutes because of it. Also, Sam never plays Rasho when the Raptors have a huge defiicit. Partially because he tries to increase the tempo at that point and patially because he sees no reason. I mean- the game was over last night early in the third quarter- why play Rasho? For the Raptors future, it is more important for Andrea to taste the NBA playoffs and play 40 minutes than for Rasho to play. And the stats in a box score tell you nothing about the player's emotion in the first quarter- while most of the Raptors continued to look shell-shocked, Rasho and Mo were the ones trying to fire them up.

:lmao

What a classic post. Maybe next time we can read how Rasho is actually better than Tim Duncan, but just the NBA doesn't allow him to dominate up to his capabilities.

[angel_luv]

L.J.'s post reminded me. :)


February 26, 2007
Timmy: “It’s Rasho (Nesterovic). Rasho’s awesome. I got lucky that’s all it was. He was wearing someone else out. He wasn’t wearing me out. We calculated and he scored two points on me and 14 on other people, not that I keep track, but that’s what I heard (laughing).”

:)

[dirk4mvp]

Vince Carter is amazing.

[Bruno]

L.J.'s post reminded me. :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOnsZAcYHYQ :)

[resistanze]

All I know is Coach Mitchell won't be back. He's been horrible with adjustment and lineups this postseason.

[dallaskd]

All I know is Coach Mitchell won't be back. He's been horrible with adjustment and lineups this postseason.

COTY.

[dallaskd]

Raps are gonna win it all.

[ploto]

Nesterovic says Raptors weren't quite ready for Nets


TORONTO — With 58 games of post-season experience and a championship ring, Rasho Nesterovic is one of the only playoff-tested players on a young Raptors team.

And after two lopsided losses in New Jersey in which Toronto looked nervous and overwhelmed, Nesterovic said his team might not have been mentally prepared for the challenge of playoff basketball.

"We just didn't play like we should," Nesterovic said at practice Monday. "If you're not ready, teams are going to jump on you early. That's what they did from the beginning.

"We were kind of thinking that we were ready, but we probably weren't."

As a result, the Raptors trail the Nets 3-1 and face elimination at home in Game 5 Tuesday. It would be a disappointing result for a team that tied a franchise record for wins (47) and made the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.

Nesterovic said the Raptors can avoid that elimination by playing the way they did in the regular season, where their smooth passing, team defence and ability to create — and make — open shots propelled them to a 47-35 record.

"We should do what we've been doing all year," he said. "You're not going to change a complete game in two days. You should do it based on what you've got in the regular season. Just (make) small changes and go from there."

That kind of veteran leadership led the Raptors to part with fan favourite Matt Bonner and forward Eric Williams to acquire the 30-year-old from San Antonio last summer.

The seven-foot, 270-pounder started 73 games at centre for Toronto this season. Though he averaged just 6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds, he freed up all-star Chris Bosh to start at forward and was a steady defensive presence, averaging 1.1 blocks.

He has had less of an influence in this first-round series. After hauling in 18 rebounds in the first two games of the series, Nesterovic seldom saw the court in Games 3 and 4 in New Jersey. In an ugly 102-81 loss Sunday, he played just over 10 minutes and picked up two points and one rebound.

But he didn't blame head coach Sam Mitchell's division of playing time for the losses.

"It's everybody's fault, coach's and (players'), together," he said. "We're in this together. We are here together for almost 100 games, including the pre-season. It's not my fault, his fault, it's the team's fault. It's a team sport, it's not tennis or golf."

And Toronto hasn't looked much like a team, failing to execute its offence or match New Jersey's defensive intensity.

Still, Nesterovic thinks the Raptors have a chance at doing what only eight NBA teams have done in the past — come back from a 3-1 series deficit. He thinks so partly because he's almost done it before.

He was with the San Antonio Spurs last year when they fought back from a 3-1 deficit against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference final.

The Spurs brought the series back to San Antonio for Game 7, which they lost in overtime.

So, Nesterovic says, the Raptors are far from out.

"I was in this situation last year. We came back," Nesterovic said. "So anything's possible. . . .

"You have teams that are down 2-1 and come back or 3-1 and come back to tie it, so it's not over yet. There's definitely a chance, but we have to work on our mental approach to the game."

Nesterovic says (http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070430.wsptrasho30/GSStory/GlobeSportsBasketball/home#)

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Nesterovic says Raptors weren't quite ready for Nets



Nesterovic says (http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070430.wsptrasho30/GSStory/GlobeSportsBasketball/home#)

LMAO :lol They weren't ready :lol

[ploto]

Raps search for magic elixir


The predicament the Raptors find themselves in can largely be attributed to a stagnant, unproductive offence. They are making one last, desperate move to create some change.

Facing elimination tonight in Game 5 of their NBA playoff series with the New Jersey Nets, the Raptors will once again present a different look as they try to jump-start their struggling scorers, with alterations to a starting five that was abysmal in both incarnations during consecutive road losses on the weekend.

"We're just trying to work on our offence, figure out how we can score better, get better quality shots," coach Sam Mitchell said yesterday. "Open the court up a little bit more."

While Mitchell wouldn't give away the state secret ("I'm not going to tell you guys," he repeated at least twice under the usual probing) there is but one logical assumption: In order to space the floor and create more room for shooters and the struggling Chris Bosh to operate, taking 7-foot Rasho Nesterovic out of the lineup and replacing him with a smaller swingman like Morris Peterson makes sense.

That would presumably force the Nets to guard 7-foot Andrea Bargnani with one of their big men where the rookie operates 20 feet from the basket, leaving Bosh more room. Putting Peterson on the wing with Anthony Parker would, in theory, give Toronto another shooter on the floor and finding someone to score has been the Raptors' downfall.

The Nets held Bosh to 11 and 13 points, respectively, in the last two games with a consistent and aggressive double-team and he found it difficult to get the ball to open teammates. Having another shooter out there – even one who is more a threat than a reality – can't hurt.

"Andrea got some looks, but they're taking some things away from us," Mitchell said. "We have to figure out a way to open the court up and then when we get shots, we have to make them.

"Guys have to understand. If you're Anthony Parker and guys are running at your jump shot, being very aggressive ... he knows what he's supposed to do (pump fake and attack the basket).

"Now he has to do it."

The troubling aspect of another change to the starting lineup – Bargnani replaced Joey Graham on Sunday in the first tweak Mitchell gave his starters – is not only unfamiliarity with each other but the possibility that a new point guard will be getting the bulk of the minutes.

T.J. Ford, laid low by a flu bug Sunday, was absent from yesterday's practice because he was still sick and no one can say how he'll feel when game time arrives.

"He's sick, he hadn't eaten in three days, he came in and I sent him home," Mitchell said.

A concern?

"It's my starting point guard," deadpanned Mitchell. "I would think so, if I've got to send him home the day before the elimination game."

The whole "elimination game" situation has put the Raptors in a rather loose frame of mind.

"I've learned you have to improvise in the game sometimes," Bosh said. "You have to make smart plays. I think at certain times we weren't doing the best thing for the team.

"We weren't moving the ball, we weren't doing certain things that got us a lot of wins in the season.

"You have to pay a lot of close attention to detail and we have to focus a little more."

Mitchell doesn't think there are any energy-inducing speeches he can give. The players have to find their own motivation.

"I can't repair (shattered confidence). That's something they have to do," he said. "All we can do is make technical changes to what we're doing, but that's something each individual player has to do.

"You have to go sit down and find it within yourself."


Magic Elixir (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/209079)

[Texas_Ranger]

Rasho will surprise everyone and score 40 points.



:lol

[CubanMustGo]

That kind of veteran leadership led the Raptors to part with fan favourite Matt Bonner and forward Eric Williams to acquire the 30-year-old from San Antonio last summer.

Yeah, Rasho was known for his leadership in SA. :rolleyes

[ploto]

Yeah, Rasho was known for his leadership in SA.
No one is claiming that-- he is the veteran leader on the Raptors team-not only helping players adjust to the NBA but serving as a conduit between the players and Sam. The need to come in and bash him when you have no clue about what has happened in Toronto this season is unfortunately not surprising.

[angel_luv]

He was with the San Antonio Spurs last year when they fought back from a 3-1 deficit against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference final.

So, Nesterovic says, the Raptors are far from out.

"I was in this situation last year. We came back," Nesterovic said. "So anything's possible. . . .

"You have teams that are down 2-1 and come back or 3-1 and come back to tie it, so it's not over yet. There's definitely a chance, but we have to work on our mental approach to the game."

Word! :) I believe. :)

No fishing for us- I know for a fact Sho doesn't like it, in the play offs or otherwise. :)

[angel_luv]

"We should do what we've been doing all year," he said. "You're not going to change a complete game in two days. You should do it based on what you've got in the regular season. Just (make) small changes and go from there."

Sho's and my mind are on the same track. I was telling someone yesterday that the Raptors, I mentioned Chris Bosh in particular but all of them, need to forget that they are in the play offs and just go out there and play the Nets.

The Raptors can beat the Nets. And they will! :)

[ploto]

"We should do what we've been doing all year," he said. "You're not going to change a complete game in two days. You should do it based on what you've got in the regular season."

Sho's and my mind are on the same track. I was telling someone yesterday that the Raptors, I mentioned Chris Bosh in particular but all of them, need to forget that they are in the play offs and just go out there and play the Nets.

Unfortunately, the Raptors are NOT doing what they have done all year and what brought them their success. And unfortunately for Rasho, this means that he will end another play-offs watching from the bench.

[angel_luv]

Unfortunately, the Raptors are NOT doing what they have done all year and what brought them their success. And unfortunately for Rasho, this means that he will end another play-offs watching from the bench.

Not necessarily.
( Darn it- cute Airman in uniform just walked by and I totally lost my train of thuoght. :oops :lol)

Oh I remember, hehe.
I know it is late in the series but tonight is a new game and anything can happen.
Tonight I want the Raptors to play their game and to play it great- winning is secondary, though I certainly hope we do.
Also, I have been sending subliminal messages to Coach Mitchell all week- willing him to play Sho. Fingers crossed that it worked. :)

[RaptorsFan]

Bad news Angel, Sho's out of the starting lineup.

Tonight's starting lineups will be:
C - Bargnani
F - Bosh
F - Peterson
G - Parker
G - Ford

[angel_luv]

Bad news Angel, Sho's out of the starting lineup.

Tonight's starting lineups will be:
C - Bargnani
F - Bosh
F - Peterson
G - Parker
G - Ford

Seriously?

I wish all our guys well, but I want to see Sho play!

Coach should send Sho in like Pop sends in Gino. :) The Slovenian Sensation will save the day. :)

[angel_luv]

I'm trying so hard to be good and supportive- but why on earth would you bench Sho? He needs to play more not less.

What the...why ... just ugh! :pctoss

[resistanze]

Wow coach Mitchell is an idiot. Switching lineups again in an elimination game? He really wants to leave T.O. after this season.

They aren't losing because of their lineups, they're losing because their stagnant offense and their inability to figure out NJ's zone, and their defense has been just laughable. At least every other NJ possession has been an open look.

[Bruno]

I guess Rasho doesn't start because Nets haven't a decent big man on the offensive end and Rasho man to man defense is quite useless in this serie.

[leemajors]

I guess Rasho doesn't start because Nets haven't a decent big man on the offensive end and Rasho man to man defense is quite useless in this serie.

ding ding ding. who exactly is he supposed to guard?

[ploto]

I guess Rasho doesn't start because Nets haven't a decent big man on the offensive end and Rasho man to man defense is quite useless in this series.
That is understandable, but the alternative leaves no rebounding, especially on the offensive end, and when the Nets get a defensive rebound, it is off to the races. The best line-up for the Raptors has been: TJ, AP, Mo, CB, and Rasho. I think that would have been a better starting choice, but Sam has been in love with spreading the defense all-season. It has been part of the problem this series that he has not used Rasho the way he has all year- setting screens and rolling to the basket. They have relegated Rasho to being another jump shooter in this focus on spreading the defense. I think it has alot to do with getting experience for Bargnani for the future.

I also have said that I would not be surprised if Rasho is traded this off-season because he has fuflilled his purpose for the Raptors- and quite well, which unfortunately renders him less valuable to the team. He knew all along that the more Andrea progressed, the less the team would have a role for him. Rasho did all he could to help Andrea and ultimately prepare Andrea to take his starting job.



ding ding ding. who exactly is he supposed to guard?
He guards Collins but that doesn't really require much- quite frankly.

[Bruno]

I don't think it's in Rasho best interest is to be traded.

Next year he will likely have less playtime with Raptors but he should be able to play 15-20 mpg because he is the only true center on Raps roster.
Honestly, Rasho isn't a very good player and I have a hard time to find an average nba team where he will be able to play 20-25mpg. So what will be the best for him :
Playing 15-20 mpg with Toronto ?
Playing 15-20mpg with another good/average nba team ?
Playing 20-25mpg with a crappy nba team ?

I go with the Raptors choice because Rasho seems happy in Toronto and because playing with a team that isn't in the playoff race isn't a funny thing at all.

[velik_m]

When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the Storm there's a golden sky
And the sweet, silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone.
You'll never walk alone.

We're not going down tonight.

[ploto]

I don't think it's in Rasho best interest is to be traded.

I go with the Raptors choice because Rasho seems happy in Toronto and because playing with a team that isn't in the playoff race isn't a funny thing at all.
I am not saying it is in HIS best interests- I am saying that I think it could happen. Toronto needs a SF big time and may not want to use that salary for a back-up big man.

Personally, I believe if the Raptors hold onto Rasho through next season, he will opt out next summer and sign a longer term- much cheaper up front deal to stay in Toronto- if they want him.

[angel_luv]

When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the Storm there's a golden sky
And the sweet, silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone.
You'll never walk alone.

We're not going down tonight.


Preach it brother. :) I'm with you! :)

[Bruno]

I am not saying it is in HIS best interests- I am saying that I think it could happen. Toronto needs a SF big time and may not want to use that salary for a back-up big man.


http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1611788&postcount=1354


As much as Rasho loves the city of Toronto, I don't know if he will be ready at the age of 31 to sit there and not play, except when Shaq and Curry come to town.


I don't think Rasho will be traded this summer. He is quite useful to Raptors and his 2 years contract is less atractive for other teams than an expiring one (especially if the team that has the SF don't need a center).
Dixon, Humphries and Graham have all expiring contracts and could be used in a trade for a SF to match salaries. Calderon could too be traded if Raptors get a great deal for him.

[angel_luv]

Let's go Raptors! :cheer

[angel_luv]

There's my Raptors! :)

[angel_luv]

Yes! :cheer :spin :elephant

[lefty]

Strong start for Raps so far

C'mon, kick some VC's ass !!!!

[angel_luv]

I am loving this- my day is getting so much better. :)

[angel_luv]

I have had enough of Steve Kerr's :blah :blah :blah .

[angel_luv]

Ouch- poor Ford! I already said a prayer for him. That looked painful!

[kingsfan]

Awful start by NJ http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/madrun.gif They need to get their shit together. Come on Kidd!!

[angel_luv]

This is some fun we're having. :)

[boutons_]

Wow, Anthony Parker finally shows up. 11 pts and 5/5 FT in 1st qtr.

[angel_luv]

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I just saw Sho in his suit at the Raptors' Red Party.

He looked soooooooo handsome! :makeout

[Vinnie_Johnson]

That sucks Ford is hurt. Bad sign neck not quite right.

[lefty]

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I just saw Sho in his suit at the Raptors' Red Party.

He looked soooooooo handsome! :makeout
:drunk

[angel_luv]

:lol Mo Pete lost his shoe.

[angel_luv]

:drunk


I knew you guys wouldn't care. :lol

[dallaskd]

Toronto is hott!!

[angel_luv]

Yes, yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!!!! Sho!!!!!!!!!!!!! :elephant :elephant

[angel_luv]

Least I got to see him for a little bit. :)

[kingsfan]

NJ trying to come back :hungry:

[kingsfan]

2 point game now, nice comeback from the Nets. They have not looked good most of the game.

[Pistons < Spurs]

oh oh......

[angel_luv]

My room mates think I am nuts... with my no, no... Yes, yes! :lol

They did it!

Whoosh!!!!!!!!!!!! :elephant :elephant

[angel_luv]

Gotta run to GTG--- be back later.

High fives all! :)

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Good job Raps wining game 5 so I can get the Nets in 6 v-bookie.

[FromWayDowntown]

How many steps did Vince get on that last play?

[resistanze]

The Nets are some cold motherfuckers, wasting clock to go for the last second killer win.

Well, it goes without saying that the Nets should destroy the Raps in game 6.

[ploto]

Proud of the way the team survived- with injuries and foul trouble.

The good news is that TJ's tests are all fine and he should be able to play Friday. The bad news is that now Jose is at the hospital for tests on his ankle.

Great first quarter by Andrea-- but again, my key- like the entire season- Anthony Parker. Nice to see the Raptors come out intense and ready to go from the start. They have to take that up even another notch in New Jersey. Nice to have that extra day off with being really banged up.

At least they came back fighting.

http://www.nba.com/media/joseC_300_070501.jpg

[lefty]

Raps almost choked :lol :lol

[Pistons < Spurs]

How many steps did Vince get on that last play?
LOL! So I wasn't the only one.....

[ploto]

A win is a win at this point, especially when both your PG's get hurt.

[RaptorsFan]

This is why Toronto shouldn't have become overly excited after winning the worst division in the NBA.

A division where, if healthy, New Jersey would have won with ease.

Enjoy the playoffs, Toronto and use this ass-kicking as a building block for the future.
You're not very intelligent are you. You do realize that every team in the Eastern Conference plays nearly identical schedules. You don't play identical schedules and then win 2 fewer games than Chicago, 3 fewer than Cleveland and 3 more than Miami by accident. People who dismiss the Raptors as a fluke because they won a poor division, clearly have no grasp of the scheduling in the NBA and are in no position to make ludicrious statements like that.

[velik_m]

We're not going down tonight.

Well, there you go.

[angel_luv]

:tu :)

I knew your posting that was a sign. :)

[ploto]

Nice article

Raptors keep their heads above water


TORONTO - For most of four games, the Toronto Raptors were flailing their limbs, thrashing away, drowning by degrees. It pushed them to the edge of elimination. We wondered whether we, and the NBA, had been fooled all along.

And then last night, instead of going down, the Raptors remembered they could swim.

This 98-96 thriller might have just been one final stand for an increasingly besieged team. New Jersey still leads 3-2 with Game 6 at home on Friday, and Toronto lost both starting point guard T.J. Ford to a neck stinger in the first quarter and backup point guard Jose Calderon to a nastylooking sprained ankle in the fourth. Ford's skin, apparently, was extremely sensitive after the incident -- "You couldn't touch him," said one team insider -- and Calderon's ankle bent unnaturally. Maybe this team is all but done.

But as of this morning, the Raptors are still breathing. And if nothing else, they proved that this is not the team that melted down so miserably in Games 3 and 4 in New Jersey. They remembered who they were.

"Toronto's obviously feeling better about themselves," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said.

In the first four games of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series against the New Jersey Nets, Toronto looked every inch the stage-frightened kids, forgetting their lines and staring, motionless, into the spotlight. A 47-win dream season was melting away. This wasn't how was supposed to end.

And then last night, everything changed. Finally, with nothing much left to lose, the Raptors just played. They played like the team that had recaptured this city's affection after years of neglect.

Oh, they very nearly screwed it up. Chris Bosh's inexplicable attempt of a reverse dunk off an offensive rebound with 1:36 left might have been the craziest, dumbest play of the season. And of all the open three-pointers they allowed in the second half as New Jersey sliced a 17-point lead down to one, the one at the buzzer, when Bostjan Nachbar had a three to win, was pretty hard to stomach.

But Nachbar missed. Toronto survived. And with a season on the line, that's all you can ask.

"We needed everything and everybody," Toronto coach Sam Mitchell said.

Mitchell increasingly has been killed for his coaching in this series, even if it was his players freezing in their tracks. But last night, Mitchell gambled masterfully. He benched the guy with the most playoff experience on the roster, centre Rasho Nesterovic, and replaced him with the youngest guy on the roster, rookie Andrea Bargnani. He added the guy who barely played down the stretch of the regular season: Morris Peterson.

Bargnani -- "A fearless kid, growing up before our eyes," Darrick Martin said -- scored Toronto's first seven points, and 17 in the first half, which was the kind of shot-making Toronto needed to repair their confidence. And Peterson hit a succession of big shots to fend off New Jersey in the third quarter while hustling for some important rebounds in the fourth. The pair of them energized Toronto's reborn defence. Mitchell's contract negotiations might go smoothly, after all.

But it was more than that. Calderon was simply brilliant with 25 points and eight assists. Anthony Parker re-appeared, and even Joey Graham resurfaced. On a night where Bosh was sidelined by both foul trouble and indecisiveness, and the Nets never stopped coming, the Raptors proved that this regular season was not a mirage, and that these players were not flukes. There was something here, after all.

That might be all this means. If Ford and Calderon cannot play, the point will fall to the 36-year-old Martin, who, as one Raptors wag quipped, "is under 24-hour surveillance." :lol The last time Martin started a playoff game, it was in similar circumstances -- with Minnesota in 2004, he was pressed into duty in the Wester Conference finals after Sam Cassell and Troy Hudson were hurt. Minnesota fought hard, but lost.

"I'll be ready to play," said Martin simply. "When Jose went down, I kind of went, 'Here we go again.'"

That's not the only hurdle. Toronto might have conquered their nerves for a half, but they would have blown this in about another 30 seconds. They will be without the restorative powers of their home fans.

"In everybody's first series, you struggle because when you're young, you don't know what to expect," Kidd said before the game. "And before you know it, the series is over."

Well, the series isn't over. New Jersey will play better at home. Toronto is still reeling, and trailing, and green. But for one game, the Raptors rediscovered themselves. That might not mean anything right now. But this is a team building for the future. And one day -- maybe even one day soon--it just might matter.

Heads Above Water (http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=6dc2c67d-3359-4c26-b2ab-557fb22c8334)

[angel_luv]

Got one win. Next! :)

[ploto]

Point well shaken for Raptors
May 02, 2007 01:23 PM


Jose Calderon limped out of the Raptors practice gym Wednesday and pronounced his right ankle sore and swollen.

Around the Raptors these days, that's good news.

The availability of Calderon and T.J. Ford for Friday's Game 6 of their playoff series with the New Jersey Nets is still very much up in the air.

"I feel better this morning, it's just a mild sprain, nothing more than that," said Calderon on Wednesday, who rolled his ankle in the dying seconds of Tuesday's 98-96 Game 5 victory.

"With a little pain I am going to play for sure," he added.

"Right now in my mind, I'm waiting for that day; if I have to have treatment five times a day, I'll do it because I want to play."

Ford walked gingerly into the team's Air Canada Centre practice facility Wednesday about 45 minutes after the workout began and spent about five minutes watching his teammates.

He offered no real insight when asked whether he'd be able to play in Friday's Game 6.

"We'll see," is all he said before heading back down to the locker room with a member of the team's medical staff.

The absence of both Ford and Calderon would be a crippling blow to the Raptors.

Darrick Martin would presumably get the start but how many minutes he could play is a huge question. Juan Dixon, little used so far in this series, has some experience playing point guard but he's had no chance to work at running the Raptors system.

And with New Jersey's Jason Kidd operating at near peak efficiency every night, playing two seldom-used guards would be deadly for the Raptors.

Point Well Shaken (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/209719)

[angel_luv]

Okay God heal the ankle and please no more injuries. :)
Feel better Jose- we need you!

[ploto]

ESPN will televise a First Round Game 6 matchup when the Toronto Raptors and Chris Bosh visit the New Jersey Nets and Vince Carter Friday at 8 p.m. ET. Mike Tirico will call the game with analyst Hubie Brown and reporter Lisa Salters.


Sunday’s ESPN on ABC lineup will feature a potential Game 7 between the Raptors and Nets or a Conference Semifinal Game 1 with the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James hosting the Nets at 1 p.m. Tirico, Brown and Salters will provide commentary for either Eastern Conference matchup.

The second half of the ABC doubleheader will be a Conference Semifinal Game 1 with the Phoenix Suns and Steve Nash hosting the San Antonio Spurs and Tim Duncan at 3:30 p.m. Mike Breen will provide play-by-play with analyst Mark Jackson and reporter Michele Tafoya.

This weekend’s telecasts:

Fri., May 4
7:30 p.m.
Kia NBA Shootaround
ESPN, ESPN HD
Fred Hickman, Greg Anthony, Michael Wilbon, Tim Legler

8 p.m.
Toronto at New Jersey, Game 6
ESPN, ESPN HD
Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters


Sun., May 6
12:30 p.m.
GMC NBA Sunday Countdown
ABC, ABC HD
Dan Patrick, Jon Barry, Wilbon

1 p.m.
New Jersey at Toronto, Game 7 – or –
New Jersey at Cleveland, Game 1
ABC, ABC HD
Tirico, Brown, Salters

3:30 p.m.
San Antonio at Phoenix, Game 1
ABC, ABC HD
Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Michele Tafoya

ABC/ESPN Schedule (http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_05_may/20070503_NBAPlayoffsContinueThisWeekend.htm)

[ploto]

Love the caption!

http://www.thestar.com/images/assets/221180_3.JPG
As Andrea Bargnani, left, gets in touch with his inner Raptor, Darrick Martin
fires a pass during a workout at the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday, May 2, 2007.

[ploto]

Mitchell hints at a 'surprise'


May 03, 2007 04:30 AM
Doug Smith
Sports Reporter

Sam Mitchell's exasperation grew with each question and the answers became more facetious.

The Raptor coach is faced with the very real prospect of playing the biggest game of the season without either of his two primary point guards and his efforts to figure out what he'll do – and with whom – wasn't something he was going to discuss publicly.

"We'll come up with something, it might even surprise you a little bit," he said after his team – such that it is – worked out at the Air Canada Centre yesterday.

"We might even know what we're doing a little bit."

Neither Jose Calderon nor T.J. Ford did anything of substance yesterday.

Calderon spent the day getting treatment for what he called a "mild" right ankle sprain, while Ford, knocked out of Tuesday's 98-96 win with a painful "stringer," made a brief appearance walking, as one observer said, "like he was balancing a book on his head."

Calderon said he thought he might be able to play with pain; Ford just gave a weak "we'll see" when asked about his availability.

Hardly reassuring news for a team headed into Game 6 of a playoff series in an arena they've had no success in this season.

Mitchell's options if neither can go are limited.

He's got Darrick Martin and Juan Dixon to choose from, and while both are legitimate NBAers, they are not Ford and Calderon.

"I'm not going to tell you what I'm going to do. I haven't done it all year, so stop asking," he said.

That's why most of yesterday's workout – conducted while the older Nets were enjoying their third off-day since the series began – was all about instruction and improvisation. Mitchell and his staff put in a couple of new plays and the coach grew a tad snarky when asked – again – if he was preparing others to handle the point guard duties.

"What do you think?" he said. "I'm just going to sit here with my fingers crossed and hope that Jose and T.J. can play and if they can't, then we'll try to figure it out? Of course we did."

While that instruction and those new plays were mainly put in to help ease the transition to a different point guard, they were also aimed at trying to make things easier for Chris Bosh.

No Raptor has struggled more in this series than the team's all-star. He can't get going offensively facing consistent double-teams, he's been in foul trouble that ruined two games for him and he's been more of a role player than the dominant big man he has to be.

While Toronto has survived – barely – so far without a big Bosh game, the Raptors aren't going to win the series now unless he makes a major contribution.

"It's been hard," he said. "I'm kind of earning my stripes right now. I'm sure that guys have had harder experiences but for me, it's tough, but I have to go through it.

"This is a part of my career where I have to just learn from it and just make sure I remember it when I come back down this road."

What he'll have to remember is to relax. At points in the first five games – when he wasn't nailed to the bench in foul trouble – Bosh has looked too emotional, too hyped up and his decision-making with the ball has been bad.

"He's got to stop pressing and let it come to him," Mitchell said of Bosh. "But we're going to try to do some things to try and open the court up a little more and get him some more space. I think having Andrea (Bargnani) on the court and the fact that Mo (Peterson) shot the ball the way he did (in a 17-point Game 5) is going to help him."

Raptors' Surprise (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/210028)

[velik_m]

Parker will play point.

[ploto]

Jose got treatment today and shot a little and walked around. He is definitely better, but he will see how he is in the morning possibly to try some running at the shootaround.

[ploto]

http://www.thestar.com/images/assets/221180_3.JPG

I forgot to mention that Martin in the black means he practiced with the starters.

[ata]

Go, Raps, go!

I want game 7.

PS: If Bosh doesn't step up tonight, please trade him for Gasol. (Gasol-Garbajosa-Calderon)

[timvp]

Rasho > Dirk

[ata]

Rasho > Dirk
:lmao :lmao :lmao

So, what is new? :drunk :drunk

[velik_m]

Rasho > Dirk

Naturally. Kg > Dirk and Rasho > Kg, therefore Rasho > Dirk.
Not to mention Rasho has more rings than both of them combined.

[angel_luv]

Naturally. Kg > Dirk and Rasho > Kg, therefore Rasho > Dirk.
Not to mention Rasho has more rings than both of them combined.


Word! :fro You rock Velik. :fro

[ploto]

All eyes turn to Bosh for deliverance in crucial game


EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The benefits of being a franchise player are most obvious on payday. Next season, when Toronto Raptors all-star Chris Bosh enters the first year of his four-year contract extension, he'll earn $12.4-million (U.S.).

It's a healthy raise for a 23-year-old who was managing quite nicely on the $4.2-million he was paid this season, his fourth in the National Basketball Association.

But being a franchise player isn't just about having a swollen bank account. It's about having the expectations of a franchise, city or even country placed on your shoulders. It's about raising your game in the postseason. It's overly simplified and not entirely fair, but with crazy money comes crazy expectations.

And to do the job right, you have to meet them.

"It's very tough," Bosh acknowledged. "People have high expectations when they really don't know how the playoffs are. That's how it goes. I know that's a part of the job. I have pretty thick skin so I don't worry too much about it."

Bosh has met the challenge admirably so far. A two-time all-star already, he proved he can be the go-to player on a winning team. His professionalism and work habits have set the kind of tone that any franchise would be pleased to get from their best player.

But, you know, that was sooo regular season.

Now, comes the fun part. With the Raptors heading into Game 6 of their first-round, best-of-seven Eastern Conference playoffs series with the New Jersey Nets tonight trailing 3-2 the question is: What Will Chris Do?

For like it or not, as a franchise player Bosh has become the most secular kind of saviour, relied upon to deliver what in basketball terms would be an everyday miracle: a win over the Nets in New Jersey, something Raptors haven't done this series.

With point guards T.J. Ford (neck) and Jose Calderon (ankle) questionable for tonight, both in terms of participation and effectiveness, the time is about right for Bosh to play like Bosh.

So far, he hasn't.

In five games, he's averaging 16.4 points and 9.4 rebounds, while shooting only 40.6 per cent from the floor and getting himself in some overeager early foul trouble on a regular basis.

It's a far cry from the 22.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 49.6 per cent shooting he delivered so reliably during the Raptors' franchise-best-tying-47-win season.

Why? The Nets having bet their season on stopping him is one pretty good reason, showing him not only a variety of double teams but typically a third defender to keep him thinking rather than slashing.

But it may also be that as good as Bosh is, only by failing a little will he know what he needs to do to succeed. With only one season of U.S. college basketball and three losing seasons in the NBA, he lacks the kind of competitive history (a deep run in the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament or some early playoff exposure in a supporting role, for example) that he could have drawn on this year.

This series, the good and the bad, are all part of his postgraduate education.

"He's 23 years old playing in his first playoff series," Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell said yesterday. "Can Chris play better? Yes, he can. He knows that. Do we need him to play better? Yes, we do. But, it's his first time around. He's 23 years old."

To Mitchell's point, there is plenty of precedence for Bosh's plight.

Vince Carter was 23 when he was the Raptors' star of the moment in 2000, when the New York Knicks swept Toronto in a first-round series. Carter stubbed his toe to the tune of 19.3 points on 30-per-cent shooting -- compared to 25.3 points on 49 per cent in the regular season. A year later, Carter jumped to 27.3 points a game on 44-per-cent shooting as he led the Raptors to within a game of the Eastern Conference final.

Comparable big men -- the Indiana Pacers' Jermaine O'Neal and Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett come to mind -- also saw their postseason production improve with experience.

Which is good news. Given Bosh's meticulous approach, it's hard to imagine he won't figure it out as he goes along.

Unfortunately, the Raptors' season has come down to one game. Win that and it will come down to one more, Game 7, on Sunday.

And even if it's not entirely fair to put the Raptors' fortunes on Bosh and Bosh alone, that's part of the job.


All Eyes Turn to Bosh (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070504.GRANGE04/TPStory/Sports)

[ploto]

Raptors try to keep Nets guessing


There is good news and bad news on the Toronto Raptors' point-guard front.

Jose Calderon, who was hobbling severely on Wednesday, practised yesterday despite his ankle injury, and looked far more natural walking around the team facility. He took some jump shots -- or, more accurately, hop shots -- and even did some shuffling side to side.

Though he hasn't tried to run yet, Calderon was pleased with his overnight progress, which included six different treatment sessions for what the team is calling a mild right-ankle sprain.

Calderon's opinion remained consistent, as he said he would try to play.

"I feel great and I can walk better," he said, adding his plan was to attend morning shoot-around and test the ankle yet again. "From (Wednesday) to now, it is much better. I can walk with almost no pain. I'm going to try, and we'll see how it goes."

Now the bad news: Ford missed practice yesterday to visit with team physician Dr. Paul Marks. He continues to suffer from a neck stinger, the result of a collision with New Jersey's Vince Carter in Game 5.

Mitchell said he expected Ford to join the team on its flight to New Jersey yesterday afternoon, and the guard is no longer sensitive to the touch.

Still, given that stingers generally don't linger and given Ford's injury history -- he fractured his neck during his rookie year and missed 1 1/2 seasons -- there are greater considerations than just Game 6.

"I'll worry about it (today)," Mitchell said.

Mitchell has wanted to keep his point-guard situation in the dark, for fear the Nets become too informed. He explained Wednesday his contingency plans could surprise some people, and that he wanted the Nets wasting time preparing for all possibilities.

However, the coach has hinted that Juan Dixon, a shooting guard in a point guard's body, might be the defender he matches against Nets' Jason Kidd. The Raptors want to pressure Kidd at all points on the floor, and Dixon, not 36-year-old Darrick Martin, the third-string point guard, seems best equipped for that role.

"Juan can pick up and pressure, so we've got some options," Mitchell said.

Whoever starts at point guard, it is clear Toronto needs a quicker start and an all-around performance to stave off elimination for the second time in successive games.

The Raptors trailed by 17 points after the first quarter in Game 4, and by 12 in Game 3. Neither game was close.

But in Game 5, the supporting actors stepped up and helped overcome a middling performance from Chris Bosh. Rookie Andrea Bargnani netted 17 first-half points and provided perimeter shooting. Morris Peterson hit some clutch shots in a 17-point performance and pestered Carter on defence.

Anthony Parker added 18 points and made all eight of his free throws.

Keep Nets Guessing (http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=e6397c88-f900-4d11-8c61-3f0b0838bdd2)

[ploto]

Q: I don't know if the Raptors can win in New Jersey or not, but Game 5 was a revelation. In the first quarter we saw the future of this team. Bargnani can guard the 5, he can work in the block, and he can work under pressure.

The last one was a given, but without the first two it wouldn't matter with Bosh at the four. I'm looking forward to a few years of dominating front-court play.

Brian Keats, Mississauga

A: See what I've been talking about? Regular readers – and I hope you're one of the dozens who are – will realize that the plan all along as been for Bargnani to be a centre. He's a matchup nightmare and once he learns to defend big men without getting into foul trouble, it's off to the races they go.

It probably doesn't mean much good for our boy Rasho, who has two years left on his deal, but for the team, having two bigs who can shoot with range, handle the ball and also work in the post is something this team has never had and few in the NBA today have.

Seems Bargnani wasn't such a bad pick after all, was he? He's no Rudy Gay, I know, or, heaven forbid a Rajon Rondo, but he's going to be special when it's all said and done.

Mail Bag (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/210488)

[ploto]

Injury report on Ford takes another twist


May 04, 2007 11:38 AM
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J–T.J. Ford is no longer feeling stinger he suffered Tuesday night in Game 5 of the Raptors playoff series against the New Jersey Nets, but a whole new problem has popped up that will likely keep the Toronto point guard out of tonight's Game 6.

Ford also sprained his left thumb in Game 5, at the same time he suffered the stinger in a collision with New Jersey's Vince Carter. Ford didn't realize how serious his wrist was injured until the tingling sensation left by the stinger faded from his arms.

Jose Calderon, the other injured Toronto point guard, won't know until right before game time whether he'll even dress Friday night.

Calderon did have a light workout at Friday morning's shootaround, but said he's yet to make a hard cut or try to move side-to-side on his sprained right ankle.
Toronto trails the best-of-seven playoff series 3-2.


Friday injury update (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/210511)

[resistanze]

Quite frankly, I don't expect them to win even with both in the lineup. They shouldn't jeopardize their health if they're less than 75% healthy.

[angel_luv]

Dajmo Raptors! :cheer

[velik_m]

Aut viam inveniam aut faciam.

The Raptors will win tonight.

I don't hope we will win.
I don't think we will win.
I don't belive we will win.

I demand that we win.

[Kamnik]

i almost feele a traitor here :)

go Boki, go Nets!

[dallaskd]

Lets go raptors!! then i can slam it in vinnie's face.

[angel_luv]

Aut viam inveniam aut faciam.

The Raptors will win tonight.

I don't hope we will win.
I don't think we will win.
I don't belive we will win.

I demand that we win.


You've been a posting King lately, Velik. Major Props.

Dajmo Raptors! :)

[angel_luv]

i almost feele a traitor here :)

go Boki, go Nets!


Nah, we like you. :)

I agree- go Boki, go Nets... go :fishing!


:)

[angel_luv]

Calderon and Ford are in for tonight. :elephant :elephant


Ford says he feels really guy- is pain free.

Calderon says he is only about 60% tonight- is having trouble with lateral movement- but it is an important game and wants to go.

[angel_luv]

Oh no- my internet is acting as if it wants to go out- why always before a Raps game??? :pctoss

So far so good though. :)

[angel_luv]

I wish I could get a hold of someone on the Raptors team right now.
I want them to tell Chris Bosh what Jefferson said before the game- how the Nets whole strategy has been to shut Chris down.

I want Chris to find a way to go out there and own the Nets in every aspect of the game.
That'll teach them to mess with us. :)

[lefty]

C'mon keep it up Raps !

Fingers crossed

[angel_luv]

Won the first half. Second half is when we take it! :)

[angel_luv]

Believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lefty]

Raps up by one with 0:36 to go

[lefty]

Fuck down by one

[lefty]

Raptors out

[boutons_]

NOT a great defensive play, but a sucky weak entry pass, too low.

Congrats. Raps had a great year (for the Raps). Next year, they'll be back and better.

[ploto]

I'm very proud of the way these Raptors played tonight. They should be proud of their season. Most experts said they would not even make the play-offs. It is apparent the potential future for this team-- all you had to do was watch the second half tonight with Andrea and Chris.

Obviously, I became a Raptor fan when Rasho got traded, but I will remain a fan of many of these guys for the rest of their careers.

See you guys in September for Eurobasket.

[Rosie O'Donnell]

was rooting for the raptors they would have been much easier to beat. :cry

[velik_m]

The Raptors did not deliver. :depressed


This series is over. There is no way nets will lose 3 in a row. :pctoss

Sadly i was right.

As much as i dislike Vince, i will root for the nets on the east from now on, cause i really really like Boki.

[lefty]

Aaaarh, horrible pass from Calderon
But he's been terrific for them

Raps almost forced a game 7, after being down 3-1 ; not bad for a young, inexperienced team ; very impressed.

Raps win the East in 2 years.

[angel_luv]

Oh my gosh! Lefty your avatar!!!!!!!!!! Love it! Awww! :)

My internet has been out since my last post. Time Warner and I are not friends right now. But enough about me.

My Raptors, my raptors- what a game, what a season, what a team! I am so, so proud of them.

Calderon and Ford were amazing last night. Andrea was sensational. I was so happy to see Bosh finally get into his groove in the 5th.
I really wanted a game seven for his sake, so he could have more time to impact the series.

The Raps did so good- exceeded everyone's expectations, even mine and mine were really high from the get go.

Yea Raptors!

Congrats to Boki. I am glad our series with him is over because now he isn't the enemy anymore. Best luck to him next round.
I wish there was a way that Boki could win and the rest of the Nets- especially Carter, boo!- could lose.

Am going to post this before my internet dies again. :)

[angel_luv]

See you guys in September for Eurobasket.


Bring on the Slovenia National Team Thread- go for three! :)
Edition 3 at least. :)

See you. :)

[dave]

omfg
all calderon had to do was pass it higher, and bosh would've had a open basket

torontos chances in game 7 would've been higher as well...damnit