Ahh crap, not the Boston Celtics (33-6) again! Well the good news is that this will be the last time the Toronto Raptors (22-19) have to play the Celtics during the regular season, but the bad news is that the Raptors havent been able to beat the Celtics in three attempts. The last time these two teams met was on December 16th, when the Celtics handed the Raptors a 90-77 loss. There was optimism in the Raptors locker room because “Raptor-killer” Ray Allen was out of the line up because of an injured ankle, but it was short lived. Kevin Garnett led the way, scoring 18 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists. Chris Bosh struggled from the field, shooting 4-12 for 17 points, but did grab 13 rebounds.
The Raptors are coming off a 99-95 loss to the Phildelphia 76ers. Willie Green tied a season high with 23 points and Samuel Dalembert had 14 points and 13 rebounds. Chris Bosh had a strong game, scoring a game high 25 points for the Raptors.
The Celtics have won three in a row after dropping back-to-back games for the first time all season. They beat up on the suddenly hot New York Knicks, 109-93. Kevin Garnett was the best Celtic on the floor, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
Starting 5:
Jose Calderon/Rajon Rondo
Anthony Parker/Ray Allen
Jamario Moon/Paul Pierce
Chris Bosh/Kevin Garnett
Andrea Bargnani/Kendrick Perkins
Key Match-ups:
Which one of the “Big 3″ do you try and shut down? History has shown that the Raptors cannot stop Garnett, Pierce or Allen. The “Big Ticket” averages 20.7 ppg and 9.7 rpg in 26 career games; Paul Pierce averages 22.0 ppg in 33 career games; Ray Allen averages 21.4 ppg in 36 career games. The Raptors can’t shut them all down, but if they focus their defence on Pierce, get a hand in Allens face and force KG to score from outside the paint, then they could be successful. This is a lot to ask for, but I think it’s the proper game plan against the team with the best record in the NBA.
Game Notes:
Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo is considering bringing in a tutor to help the struggling Andrea Bargnani with his game. El Mago is averaging 8.7 ppg and 3.4 rpg so far this season; the Raptors are one of the many teams interested in Grizzlies Damon Stoudamire if he is bought out of his contract. Stoudamire played 200 career games for the Raptors; at this time last year the Raptors had a record of 19-22 and went on to win 47 games; Raptors are 10-11 on the road this season.
Celtics head coach Doc Rivers will coach the Eastern Conference all stars in New Orleans this year. The honour is given to coaches with the best winning percentage; the Celtics are one of the other teams interested in Damon Stoudamire. It is also rumored that Sam Cassell could be headed to Bean-town; the Celtics are 18-3 at home this season.
Technorati Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Boston Celtics, Bryan Colangelo, Chris Bosh, Jamario Moon, Jose Calderon, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Toronto Raptors
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
damn right “ahh crap here come the celtics” at least this is the last time the raps have the play these powerhouses, because i dont like watching them shoot like crap and not play good defence. maybe just maybe they’ll pull one out against the best team in the NBA
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:09 pm
here comes the broken wheel:
i don’t expect a win, i expect them to compete, show some heart and grit, and make it tough for the celtics. a win would be bonus. i’m feeling moon to go off for 20pts/11/rebs/3blks.
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:57 am
Yeah, I know that there is a chance that the Celta qill overlook us (the way we did Philly), but I highly doubt it), factor in that Boston is @ home, and it looks like we don’t stand a heck of a chance.
As long as we compete, I’ll be encouraged. I hope either that Bargs actually has a break out game, or if not, then I hope he doesn’t start.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:10 am
you will know within the first 5 minutes what kind of game this is going to turn out to be.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
haha I started my post today out with CRAP!
hope it is close tonight and worth watching
http://cuzoogle.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/raptors-game-day-rapsceltics-2/
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:48 am
i have faith that tonight will be the night, the magic 8-ball says so.
kapono for 30+ points, and k-hump punches perkins in the face.
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
LOL!!! got a problem with perkins man?
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
cheungri > why not eddie house? something about the guy bugs me
lol
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
he bugs me because he hits all his shots against the raptors
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Wow. This is painful to watch. The only bright spot is Bargs so far. Calderon has checked out. AP commiting turnovers? JMoon shooting uncontested jumpshots and missing? So far the Raps are beating the Raps.
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
WTF is with AP 2night?
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:01 pm
i don’t believe it!
seriously, raps got lucky there but i’m grinning from ear to ear.
the punch will come in the playoffs i guess.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Wow, I didn’t see this one coming! What a game, great game for bargs with 7 boards and assists. Bosh was big down the stretch and how about Jose! The turnovers were horrid but hte shooting percentage, especially behind the arc was amazing. Love the reaction from Sam… I heard Jay Triano’s reaction (apparently a twirl on one foot, both hands raised) when Jose made the 3-point play was funny too. This made my day!