Another boring game, especially without Bosh and Lebron. The Raptors played pretty good, until they went up by 20 in the 4th with about 8 minutes to go. Then the Cavs scored 5 in a row. Normally, a timeout would be called, to stop the momentum, even though you’re up. Not in this lifetime it seems. I haven’t seen the proper use of a timeout during Mitchell’s tenure, and I don’t suspect I will. Very frustrating….
Anyways, the Cavs came back after a garbage Raptor possession, and hit another three to cut the lead to 12 in a span of about 2 minutes, max. Seems to be a recurring nightmare. Luckily, the Raptors were able to hold on for the win, a much needed one. Can’t be expending too much energy on a James-less Cavs team on the first night of a back-to-back.
Bargnani and Delfino had career games. Delfino especially, what a champ. He is the best perimeter defender we have, hit’s his shots, and has put together a solid run of about 4 games where his contribution has been exceptional. He is really making a case for himself to start at the 3. As good as Jamario has been playing, I really believe he isn’t a starter. His energy and defense would be better suited coming off the bench. It may not be the best time to tinker with the lineup, since the Raptors are playing much better together, but maybe some thought should be put into a proper strategy.
Calderon is actually starting to make me sing a different tune. Granted TJ hasn’t played for four games, but he was erratic. I am sure he will work himself back into game form, but Calderon…wow, really growing on me to stay starting point guard going forward…again, I apologize about the lame post. It is all I can muster after a lame game.
Technorati Tags: Chris Bosh, Lebron James, Andrea Bargnani, Carlos Delfino, Jose Calderon, TJ Ford, Sam Mitchell, Jamario Moon
November 30th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Delfino is making a case for the 3 spot, but i think Moon is a better fit right now. Moon has been guarding some serious scorers since he was put in the starting 5 and he contests so many shots in the paint. Delfino is to the raptors as Manu is to the Spurs. obviously he isnt the same type of player, but his energy on both ends of the floor is crucial off the bench. The Raps are way too packed at the 2/3 spot. Moon, Delfino, Kapono, Parker, Graham and Garbo. Moon and Garbo can play at the 4 spot as well, but maybe the raps need to think about moving someone and pick up a rebounding 4? j
December 1st, 2007 at 12:32 am
man, i dont think you can put graham in that sentence. dude has played like 12 minutes the whole season…and garbo is done, poor guy.
i’d kill for a rebounding 3/4 who can score in the post…kill!
December 1st, 2007 at 7:34 am
I think he was just saying that Graham and Garbajosa can play those positions and they are on the roster. A trade would be welcome for a 3/4 rebounder/post player, but the Raptors are playing well right now so i dont think a change is needed
December 1st, 2007 at 11:27 am
i actually disagree pete. the raptors are built pretty decently for the regular season, but not the playoffs. defense gets tighter, and the rotations need to get tighter in the playoffs. one of the things that killed us against the nets last season was interior scoring. we couldn’t generate anything, and the nets aren’t even a good low post defensive team.
December 1st, 2007 at 11:42 am
The raps need to have more players flashing to the basket off of penetration; I rarely ever see that. Watching Phoenix last night, I noticed that instead of standing around the perimeter and waiting for a dish from Nash, guys like Amare and Marion are hovering around the basket, which usually leads to an easy layup or dunk. Even our Centres and Forwards hang around the three point line or in Rasho’s case the far baseline.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:43 pm
that guy bargnani showed some intensity last night. must be ‘coz bosh was out !
December 1st, 2007 at 2:03 pm
he did play his best games last year with bosh out…interesting (taps fingers like monty burns)