The Raptors came into Orlando for the first of two road games in Florida. The Raptors came into tonight’s game looking to avenge some of the hurt from last season’s spanking at the hands of the Magic. Even with the addition of Jermaine O’Neal, this was not the Raps night. Just like 7 months ago in Orlando, the Raps fell short. The glaring need of Jose Calderon was present tonight. Some might describe this game with three words: Turnovers, Turnovers, Turnovers. I would choose one word: 3-pointers.
The Raps came out strong to start the game, and took it to the Magic. The Raps scored at will, including JO, who was fantastic, with 10 pts and 5 rebs. The team shot an astounding 61% from the floor while holding the Magic to 33% shooting but could not capitalize, and thus only led 26-21 after 1 quarter. The Raps out-rebounded the Magic.
The Raps continued to play strong and opened up a double-digit lead in the second quarter. But it’s the turnovers that are killing the Raps. These eventually led to the Magic getting back into the game, as the Magic got going on a run to erase the Raps 10 point lead to end the quarter tied with the Raps 45-45.
The 3rd was where the wheels fall off. Dwight Howard gives the Magic their first lead of the game with about 10 to play and they did not look back. After being up 10, the Raps are outscored by 20, giving the Magic a ten points lead with about 6 to play in the quarter. The Raptors finish the 3rd quarter down 6 points, 83-77. The Magic had 5 players in double-figures (including JJ Reddick) at the end of the frame. Bosh, and Bosh alone, kept this Raps team in the game, finishing the 3rd with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Game note: The Raps had just 8 assists as a team at this point and no 3-pointers made.
The Raps came out flat to start the 4th, letting the Magic increase their lead to 10. The Magic kept pace with the Raps. The Raps played tough down the stretch and Bosh carried this team on his back, but each time that they made a run to cut the lead, they turned the ball over. Even with all the turnovers and sloppy passing, the Raps were down 6 with 5 minutes to play. Kaps finally hits a 3 with 3 minutes to go to keep their consecutive games with a 3 pointer streak alive. Final score 103-90, Magic. The Raptors turned the ball over 24 times leading to 22 Magic points versus 17 Magic turnovers for 22 Raps points. The Raps out-rebounded 44-37, but the most decisive stat that the raps went 2-14 (14.3%) from 3 land and 44% overall, while the Magic were 11-23(47%) and 45% from the field overall. If you take out Bogans’ 1-4 from 3, the Magic starters shot 10-19 from 3 or 52%.
POG:
Toronto- Chris Bosh was a one-man show. He played 45 minutes scoring 40 points (14-19), grabbed 18 rebs, 4 ast, 2 stls, and a block. WOW!
Orlando- With three players finishing with 22 points (Lewis, Turkoglu, and Nelson), they all killed the Raps. Combined these three were 19-43 for 66 points, 15 rebs, 13 asts, 9 steals.
Magician of the Night (The Raptor that was so magic, he disappeared): I shall award this to both Bargnani and Parker, as both were completely ineffective offensively. Parker was 2-6 for 4 pts in 38 minutes (3 rebs, 2 stl and 2 to) and Bargnani played 23 min going 2-9 (1-4 from 3) for 5 pts and 3 rebs. They not only did not contribute offensively, but their defensive assignments both scored in double-figures.
Coaches Corner: What really could he do? His start player goes off for 40, JO finished with 16 pts and 10 rebs on 6-12 shooting, but gets no production from anyone else. He needs to tell Solomon that he cannot, under any circumstance, shoot the ball 13 times(where he only made 5 shots and was 0-5 from 3). He is not that type of shooter.
Need to Work On: Sam’s team could not hold on to the ball. He needs to tell his point guards that they need to protect the ball, not throw it away. Roko Ukic had 2 turnovers to 1 assts and Will Solomon had 7 turnovers to 4 assts.
Surprise of the Night: The surprise of this night is that the Raps were never out of this game, despite all the turnovers. They had a chance to come back but they just kept shooting themselves in their feet.
Report Card:
Offence: A+ for Bosh and O’Neal, F (the rest went 15 for 49 or 30%) and they turned the ball over 24 times. Enough said.
Defence: D+(They let yet another team shoot 45% from the floor and 48% from 3. All 5 Magic starters went off for double figures.)
Coach: C (I’ll go nice on Mitchell. His point guards killed him. If it were not for Bosh, this would have been much worse. Your team takes 14 3 pointers, only makes 2, and Kapono shoots 1, which he made. I see a problem with that.)
Things That Make You Go Hmmm: Even though they throw the ball away as if the ball was a smelly diaper, they still had a chance to win this game and came close on a few occasions to take over. The Magic did not blow this game out despite the 13-point margin of victory. The Magic guards exposed the Raps backcourt, like so many other teams this season, and even with 40 from Bosh, it wasn’t enough. The Magic starting backcourt was 22-44 for 54 points. Calderon is not known for his defence, nor has his offence been something to write home about. Yet, this team needs Calderon back to take care of the ball, but on a shooting night like tonight, would it have been enough?
Reporting from my armchair at the end of the bench, this is the Hollywood Gino, waitin’ for the coach to point my way
[tag]Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Hedu Turkoglu, Jameer Nelson, Jason Kapono, Jermaine O’Neal, JJ Reddick, Jose Calderon, Orlando Magic, Rashard Lewis, Roko Ukic, Sam Mitchell, Will Solomon[/tags]
November 19th, 2008 at 8:28 am
I would like to bring up the same point I brought up a few weeks back…. I think there are many teams with a glut of 3’s… I think at this point, anybody is better then the cast we have…. My opinion:
1) Jamario Moon should not be in this league! Globetrotters, D League, whatever….
2) Joey Graham should be traded to the Russian League for a bottle of Smirnoff and for a player to be named later.
3) Andrea Bargnani and Jason Kapono should be traded for a good 3….. They have market value, and we can get a something decent if not good….
I can’t watch the Raptors get burned every night with the same strategy. It ruins me…. I’m sure Bryan Colangelo watches the game and prays for a rope and a rickty chair….
I’m sure Sam Mitchell prays that one of his 3’s even casually acknowledge his existence… How come an NBA coach can’t get his NBA players to drive the ball?
It seems Very simple to me:
“Jamario Moon, if you don’t take it to the rack, I’m going to force you to wash my shoes with your tongue… And you know I don’t change my socks…”
I can’t tell you how dissapointing this year is going to be if Bryan doesn’t pull the trigger…… I will go as far as saying this …. one player.. .Pietrus, Wallace, and I don’t care who….it will be worth 10-15 games……It’s Bosh and Jermaine against the world….. It’s not right!!!
VERY FRUSTRATED
November 19th, 2008 at 8:32 am
WE HAVE A VERY GOOD TEAM (Exclude Will Solomon from the previous statement, who by the way reminds me of Chauncey Billups according to NBA Inside Stuff)…. WE MISS A 3….. I don’t sleep at night over this fact, Bryan, how can you?
November 19th, 2008 at 9:06 am
If Bargnani’s calling card is his offensive game, why does he get no plays called for him. He scores on the first play of the game, then everyone shys away from him until he has to sit with his fouls. He needs his offence to fuel his defence, not the other way round, so GET HIM INVOLVED. This time, I will blame smitch, but Solomon has no idea how to get the ball to bargnani or anyone. The offence only gets initiated when Bosh gets it in his hands as he is our best playmaker without Calderon (its that bad)
November 19th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Those turnovers in the first half were killer blows. Toronto had all the momentum and without those giveaways they would have been up 15-20 points at halftime. Instead they held only a small lead which any semblance of a run would eliminate, and the Magic did so right before halftime.
The minute that happened the rest of the game looked problematic.
It was just one of those games at halftime where you were already 96% sure of what the end result would be. It didn’t look good.
The Raptors were shooting 53+% and the Magic shooting around 38% at the time of the run (Magic run at the end of the second). The Raptors were dominating on the boards. The Raptors had limited Dwight Howard and kept Hedo at bay. The Magic’s bench had come up short. So many things were in the team’s favour …. yet it was a tie game at the half …. and they’d just been stripped of their momentum.
Then you look at it again and you notice there’s no help for Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. Sorry, no scoring help. None of their teammates have stepped up. You notice how well Bosh/Jermaine played with their 25 first half points, although only 4 in the last 10 minutes of the half. You wonder if Bosh/Jermaine can keep it up, you think probably not. If they can keep it up is that even enough to hold off a Magic run? Orlando played poorly in the first half and it’s a tie, what happens when they play well like they did over the final 2-3 minutes of the half? You look back at the lack of scoring from supporting cast again, and you note this offense is in all likelihood going to struggle at some point in the second half and make Toronto a victim of another Magic run.
You say first 6 minutes of the third quarter if nobody steps up this is going get bad, so you watch closely and nobody steps up.
Those turnovers in the first half ….. they were massive blows. Toronto were playing too well, and Orlando too poorly, for the Raptors not to capitalize on the situation. They needed to be up 15-20 points. The tie game at halftime was a huge blow.
It was one of those games at halftime where there were so many problems, it was like a pressure cooker overheating that was about ready to explode.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Well, our fears were realized last night! Jose Calderon is the piece that is holding this team together. Chris Bosh had a monster game and Jermaine O’Neal played a solid game on Dwight Howard and we get our butts handed to us. The Raptors can not continue to turn the ball over and for the third game in a row rack up 20+ T/O’s with 24. That, along with 12 steals and 2 – 14 from outside after missing the first 12 was just too many wasted chances to hold the 10 point lead they worked hard to get. Will Solomon scored 10 points but caused 7 turnovers with only 4 assists. That just won’t cut it in the NBA.
After being + 6 rebounds most of the first half as our front line played tough inside frustrating Dwight Howard and keeping him to 4 points in the first half, something happened and they forgot to stop watching CB try to win the game by himself as they became stagnant on offense with no ball movement at all. The Magic scorers began to just out play our pathetic play on the perimeter. Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis started to hit outside shots and create wide, and I do mean WIDE open looks from the corners. Andrea Bargnani was unable to create any problems as Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick moved the ball and scored at will.
A tough night for the Raptors, but it was good to see that we are getting solid play from our front as we had hoped. The biggest thing we saw last night was how tough it is for Roko Ukic and Will Solomon to step in and be a PG in this league. Redick has taken 3 years to develop from and NCAA star to an adequate replacement for Mickael Pietrus. A very good decision by Van Gundy to start Redick as we could offer him Anthony Parker who looks very tired these days. Jamario Moon and Jason Kapono look so out of place without Jose to create the open shot for them. Both have a long way to go to keep their playing time up as they are quickly becoming liabilities when they are on the floor.
Here’s hoping tonight they will not remember last night against the Heat.
November 19th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
embarrassing loss to a team that is truly better then they are. the raptors look good sometimes, but then they get away from what made them successful, not to mention the terrible TO’s. it’s one thing to turn the ball over, it happens to every player, but leaving your feet to pass and trying to pass into double coverage is going to hurt you more than benifit you.
November 19th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
takman: i’m not sure having jose in the lineup would have resulted in a win. although, turnovers would have been limited, which might have increased the lead. and you are right, jc would have created scoring opportunities for them, as they are unable to create their own. but without better support on the wing, there is no way we beat teams like the magic who have solid wings (minus pietrus)
dribble penetration was our achilles heel again. in the first half we didn’t see a lot of that, as there was no need. orlando was able capitalize on the turn overs (lead to easy scores).
the second half was a different beast. dribble penetration, the ineffective double, kick out for an open shot. it was routine for them. why they kept doubling from the strong side is beyond me.
dave: you are right, 96% sure the magic were gonna win at half. that’s what killed the game for me.
ron: if we trade both bargnani and kapono, i’d expect an all-star 3 in return. i’m kind of torn on trading bargnani right now, he has improved his play this season, and is slowly showing potential. i hate that word, but i’d hate to trade him then watch him drop 20pts 7rebs next season.
November 19th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
rapshater: i don’t know about embarrassing, i put orlando ahead of the raptors in the east this season. tough one to stomach tho…i hate that de ja vu feeling.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Any ideas on who the Raptors could acquire, or even target since those teams won’t necessarily deal, now for a Andrea Bargnani based trade?
The timing isn’t the best. A lot less players on the market in season versus the offseason.
I agree with the All-Star wing, although I’d describe it slightly differently - a borderline All-Star, someone who if he has a good year could make the festivities but most years does not get invited like Richard Jefferson or Jason Richardson - The reason I’d change the definition is because I think the club would be unlikely to get a true All-Star (or perennial all-star) like a Joe Johnson. I’d also be interested in either a two guard or a small forward. The other position can be acquired later to round out the team (role player).
Charlotte’s two wings - Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace
Dallas - Josh Howard? Probably not, next to Dirk not the best fit but possibly
Denver - JR Smith - not at that level, but not a bad option either
Miami - Shawn Marion
Milwaukee - Michael Redd
Not a lot of candidates pop into my mind.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
you think jefferson has dropped redd in milwaukees long term plans?
interesting you suggest a 2 as well. normally i would be open to either, but parker is serviceable for now. i would rather have a combo of:
parker + new 3
then
moon/kapono/bargnani + new 2
i’d require more offense/rebounding out of my three, so your list would be widdled down to wallace/marion (howard is probably untouchable).
Raps Fans last blog post..The Raps Turn the Ball and the Game Over to the Magic, Losing 103-90
November 19th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
SIGN ME UP FOR MARION OR WALLACE!!!! GOODBYE ILMAGO…
BEST REGARDS,
November 19th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
it’s only 10 games into the season so I wouldnt push the panic button yet, but if the raptors want to play with teams like Detroit, Boston, Cleveland and Orlando, then they’re going to have to make a move. If you can make a move now before the demand for a good player increases then do it.
i read that Richard Pettie gave the green light for BC to go over the luxury tax. something is going to happen.
what do you guys think about getting a vetern pg? with Calderon back, Solomons role will be reduced big time, but do they need more help? or maybe a vetern SF like Ruben Patterson or Darius Miles?
RonG- i dont agree with you that Moon shouldnt be in the league, not starting, but he’s an nba player. I would like to see him go to the basket 90% of the time. He’s fast, decent enough handle and can jump…take it to the rack
November 19th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Raps Fan,
Your response (SG+SF option vs SF alone option) interested me a great deal and brought the question to my mind - does it matter which position is acquired? If so or not, why?
So I wrote out a response to that question, but by the time I was done it was 1900 words so I haven’t posted it here in the comments section. Instead I posted it over at my website. I used a comparison of Gerald Wallace vs Jason Richardson to make my points. I think it’s an interesting thought process/argument/view of the Raptors, it’s worth checking out.
For some reason it’s not coming up as my latest post on CommentLuv here, but it’s the most reason one on the front page of my site.
————————————————
Anyway, on Milwaukee and Michael Redd.
I don’t think Redd has a secure long term future there, especially if they’re not in the playoff picture this season. I consider Redd more likely to be traded than RJ, mostly because RJ has just arrived. If it were the other way around, RJ the long term Bucks player and Redd the new guy it would be the opposite. Not much to do with the individual players really.
Daves last blog post..Notes On Jermaine O’Neal’s Rebounding
November 19th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Okay, I just needed to wait a few minutes, now it’s up on the CommentLuv link.
Rapshater,
I think the team is okay at the backup point. It’s their weakest position in the rotation but it’ll be difficult to be upgrade it without giving up something that the Raptors shouldn’t (limited trade assets, need to be used carefully).
I think it’s best to play it out with Solomon and look for a superior option next season - which could be on the roster already, Ukic by his second season might be exactly what the team needs.
If a talented veteran point guard became a free agent I think it’s something worth looking at then. Most of the current options are comparable or worse, when compared to Solomon.
If Calderon went down with a long term injury and was to miss 30-50 games, then I think the team would have to make a move …. or write off the season.
……………………………….
Veteran small forward? Again I wouldn’t right now. I don’t think there’s anyone available (free agency) that improves on Moon/Kapono/Graham.
On Darius Miles, I thought he looked very poor in preseason. It’s still early in his comeback so maybe he improves but the initial signs are that he’s now a perimeter based power forward. The decline in athleticism will make it difficult for him to his most effective while playing at small forward.
If a trade popped up I would consider it though, especially if it’s Kapono for an MLE type guy, or Graham for a 2-3mil type small forward.
……………………………….
On another note, Nathan Jawai, if he can’t play this season don’t the Raptors get a trade exception for medical reasons? They could then acquire a minimum contract from another team without hitting the luxury tax. Maybe get that extra big, possibly someone’s third string point or another wing?
Daves last blog post..RaptorsTalk comment
November 19th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
OFF TOPIC but …
i say screw the all star game, a super vet. vs. super youngunz = better than all star.. for instance…
vet team :
1-Nash
2-Kobe
3-Pierce
4-Garnett
5-Yao or Duncan
Reserve: Iverson/Mcgrady/Yao or Duncan(depends on start5)/Shaq
younguns team:
1-CP3
2-D Wade
3-LeBron
4-CB4
5-D Howard
Reserve: D Williams/Carmelo/L Aldrige/Bynum
wouldnt it be better than east vs west ?
November 19th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Nabz…that would be way more interesting! i like the thinking, make things more interesting.
dave: i will comment on your post rather then here. it deserves a bit more attention