Toronto Not Content After A Big Win

You would think Toronto would be in the mood to celebrate after a big win against Cleveland, right? Not a chance.

Despite pulling off an upset that is sure to catch the attention of the rest of the NBA, the players and coaching staff brushed off the win as the first of many during a grueling 82-game schedule.

Game Notes: Cleveland vs. Toronto

After what I saw from DeMar DeRozan in the preseason I anticipated he would come out a bit nervous tonight but his play was anything but. Early in the game he hit two free throws and got a bit of swagger going. He followed that up with a nice jumper and then he had a steal on Cavs next possession.

DeRozan finished the first quarter with 4 points, 3 boards, 1 block and 1 steal in 9 minutes of burn. While his final numbers won’t jump out at you - 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in 23 minutes - it was an impressive debut for the Raptors lottery pick.

‘Sheed Fitting In Seamlessly

After averaging 15.0 points and 6.9 rebounds over 33.9 minutes per game, you’d think Rasheed Wallace would have signed with a team this summer that provided him with an opportunity to start.

Not Wallace, he’s just searching for a chance to win some more Championship bling and is more than happy to do that by providing a spark off the bench. Just call him the next Robert Horry.

Jack Mentoring DeRozan And Weems

Last Sunday I walked into the Raptors locker room before the game to see Jarrett Jack talking with Sonny Weems about what he’ll do on the defensive end based on specific offensive sets the Wizards run.

This kind of tutelage wasn’t a one time thing.

Game Notes: Boston vs. Toronto

Kevin Garnett looks like a ghost of the player I’ve seen the past few seasons.

One play that sticks out came in the first quarter when Garnett was camped under the basket for an easy rebound but Andrea Bargani was able to drop down from the foul line and steal the rebound. Not only that, but in a couple fluid movements Bargnani was able to spin by Garnett and finish the play off with an impressive dunk.

There’s no way either of these things would have happened last season.

Game Notes: Houston vs. Toronto

Pops Mensah-Bonsu got a warm reception when he entered the game midway through the first quarter. The former fan favourite turned in an inspired performance with 13 points, 7 boards and five blocks in just 23 minutes of burn.

Exclusive Interview With Caron Butler

This past weekend Hoops Addict was able to talk with Caron Butler about how great it is to finally have everyone on Washington’s roster healthy again, his goals for the upcoming season, if he’s hungry to be named to the All-Star team this season, the new emphasis he’s put on what kinds of food he consumes and the three coaches the Wizards have had over the past 12 months.

Game Notes: Washington vs. Toronto

One of the big players today for the Raptors was Amir Johnson with his great hustle. After the game I talked with him about his block on Nick Young, his 12 rebounds and how each time I see him he has a new battle wound somewhere on his face.

Exclusive Interview With Lou Williams

Lou Williams chats with Hoops Addict about whether he is feeling any pressure heading into this season as a starter for the first time in his pro career, what learning the Princeton offense has been like, being a vocal leader on the Sixers even though he’s a young player and his goals for the upcoming season.

Game Notes: Philadelphia vs. Toronto

My evening started off with a laugh as I spotted the Raptors preseason media guide. What was so funny? Turns out the PR team has a great sense of humour because the cover of the media guide is a “Hello, My Name Is…” sticker with all the players names due to the team having such a large roster overhaul this summer. Genius.

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