Published: November 5, 2009
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While most of the headlines in Toronto tomorrow will be over Jose Calderon’s struggles or Charles Oakley and his entertaining quotes, the real story tonight was the job Toronto’s bench did in securing a big win. Toronto got a huge boost when Jarrett Jack and Antoine Wright triggered a 24-8 run in the first half to break open the game.
Published: November 1, 2009
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One of the things that caught my attention this afternoon was the growth and maturation of Redick as a complete player rather than being just a shooter. Most basketball fans will be drawn to his career-high 27 points, but what caught my attention was the six rebounds he grabbed and five assists he dished out.
Published: October 31, 2009
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Coming into this game, the Wizards were without Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, which meant that someone had to step up tonight besides Gilbert Arenas, and tonight that person was Andray Blatche. In just 26 minutes of play, Blatche had 30 points, and he shot a blistering 83% (15-18 from the field).
Published: October 29, 2009
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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.
Published: October 18, 2009
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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.
Published: October 15, 2009
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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.
Published: October 11, 2009
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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.
Published: October 10, 2009
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After the first preseason game that saw Gilbert Arenas score only five points and dish out ten assists, Flip Saunders mentioned that he wanted him to be a bit more aggressive on the offensive end of the floor. In nearly 10 minutes of play in the first half of tonight’s game, Arenas still did not look to shoot at all, but he did dish out four assists. At one point in the first quarter, he drove the ball two feet from the basket, stopped and turned around in the lane, then kicked it back out to the perimeter. It was a completely different story in the third quarter. Arenas was much more aggressive, as he shot 6-for-6 and scored 12 points to go along with four assists. Unfortunately, he also had four turnovers, and on many occasions he neglected open teammates.
Published: October 7, 2009
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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.
Published: August 27, 2009
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Alex Garcia has never been the man in the spotlight, especially after his buddies Anderson Varejão, Nenê, and Leandrinho Barbosa went to the NBA, signed multi-million dollar deals, and became world stars. His short stints with the Spurs and the Hornets, consequences of an NBA career filled with injuries didn’t help much, but one can’t disagree that the power guard is one of the most passionate players in the Brazilian national team.