Still have to keep things in perspective (being the pre-season and all) but the Raptors held it down against the Knicks. Mitchell kept the bench on the floor down the stretch while the Knicks played most of their starters and it worked out.
As weird as it was to not have Swirsky calling the game (don’t get me wrong, the change is welcome), it’s good to know things haven’t changed all that much…
Mitchell: “we made some plays down the stretch”
Lil Willie followed up his debut with a solid performance, dropping 12 (4-6 shooting) and dishing out 5 dimes. He looks like he can run the point for 10 minutes a game, but it is still to early to tell given it’s the pre-season.
Bargnani seemed to force things on the offensive end, but seems to be much more comfortable out on the court. He must have been working pretty hard this summer as he has bulked up, and doesn’t hesitate on offense to make a move. I can’t remember how many times last season he got the ball, ate time off the clock, and did something mind-numbingly upsetting. If he can do 15/5 for the season, it will change everything for this team.
Perimeter defense is still an issue, the Knicks moved the ball around far too easily, and always found a WIDE open player on the wing, who more often then not, clanked a jumper off the front of the rim. Worked out tonight, but going forward isn’t a good strategy. Can’t even call it a strategy as it is more a lack of defensive talent, strategy and execution. Looks like Bosh/O’Neal will be rotating to stop the penetration more then they should be.
Next up, Philly on Sunday, get your tickets Here or Here.
Technorati Tags: 2008 Raptors Pre-Season, Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh, Chuck Swirsky, Jermaine O’Neal, New York Knicks, Sam Mitchell, Will Solomon
October 9th, 2008 at 12:56 am
I am starting to have Hakim Olajuwon flash backs. I really hope it is something different. Like Grant Hill in Orlando.
October 9th, 2008 at 7:32 am
I know what you’re talking. Im just hoping it’s a ore-season thing.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I only caught the last third of the game, but the Raptors transition defense was awful. It seemed all NY had to do to score was punt the ball up ahead and they had a layup or open jump shot. The Raps could have killed the game early in the fourth if they just hustled back on defense, instead they allowed NY to hang around and made it a game.
I enjoyed some of the Raptors player and ball movement though. I thought Bargnani looked very comfortable on the floor, especially when attacking the defender, that’s encouraging. Early signs are good on Andrea.
Can’t wait for the real games to begin …. see the starters play real minutes. Especially Jermaine, only 18.5 minutes over the first two games.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:55 am
a lot of that terrible transition defense can be attributed to having the second unit running around. i hate pre-season games. i never usually watch them, no heart, no sense of urgency…those are crucial factors for me to enjoy a game.
October 9th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Hum. Bargnani again. I need to see what he’s actually doing before I get too excited. But the numbers look great so far.
October 9th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Is it me or does JO look like a jelly-donut?
October 9th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
well he’s not in peak game condition, so that will come with some playing time. i assume he isn’t exerting himself very much since it is the pre-season, but MY expectation is that he will be ready to rock and roll come the regular season.