A Tale of Two Cities

The Raptors need a closer.

Last night, it was Andrea Bargnani.

For those that have actually tuned into every game so far, you know that this year's version of the Raptors play differently. The obvious stats don't show it, but there's something pleasantly refreshing about this team on both sides of the court. Ask the opposing coaches and they'll tell you, the Raptors are not a team you can sleep on.

The Raps have been in every game up until the home stretch. Suddenly, we're unable to get easy baskets, things slow down, and the other team goes to their closers to make buckets.

In Orlando, their unique perimeter approach had players like Reddick, Anderson, and Turkoglu finish the game out, while New York went to Melo down the stretch.

We were unable to overcome it against Orlando, but thankfully Bargs was able to come through at Madison Square Garden.

I'm now convinced the Raps will keep this up, and be in a lot of close games this year, and if the playoffs are a goal - then Andrea will have to get used to this.

Tidbit N Tweet of the Night: Raptors are now 1-0 on the second game of a back-to-back. We'll keep track of this all year, especially in a shortened season.

This is the first time #Raptors have held NY under 90 points since January 19, 2005 (W, 99-81) - @RaptorsPR

What caught my eye? I'm one of DeMar's biggest fans, but even his loyalists can't help but notice certain trends that are occurring with him in regards to the defensive end. Both in the last possession of the first half against Dallas and the end of the game against New York, Anthony Carter was subbed in for DeMar. On top of that, New York felt like it was more important to place Fields on Jose instead of DeRozan down the stretch, meaning they were totally cool with hiding Douglas on him too.

Fantasy Friday - A Bench Gem In Both Worlds

Every Friday, we'll be bringing you some fantasy notes and tidbits exclusively from a Toronto Raptors perspective. We're well aware that not many people were sweating bullets on draft night, hoping that a Raptor wasn't picked before their pick came up, but the Raps do have that sleeper potential that could be the difference maker in winning your fantasy league championship.

This week, we've got to bring up the man that best represents the change in culture the Raptors are trying to undergo - James Johnson. The athletic wing was probably left undrafted in just about every fantasy league, but he's absolutely stuffed the stat sheet the first two games.

At the moment, he has lofty small forward averages in most categories with 5.5 pts, 7.0 reb, 3.5 ast, 4.0 stl, 2.0 blks, 45% FG.

The fact that he's also logging in heavy minutes despite coming off the bench means he'll have the opportunity to keep racking up the stats. The only knock on him is you'd like to see him put up a few more points, but considering fantasy basketball is won on categories, Johnson is a gem if you have room on your bench.

If you're in a 12+ team league, definitely pick him up and use him in spot situations late in the week, when you're trying to catch up or protect your rebounds, steals, or blocks.

DeMar Tebow

In the last two games, for the Raptors, quite a few things have been consistent. For starters, the effort has been there. The Raps may not be the most talented, but that's two straight games where I've seen dives to the floor for a loose ball. Secondly, the improved help defense, especially by James Johnson and Ed Davis.

And then there's DeMar DeRozan, who has been consistently inconsistent. In the first three quarters, DeMar has shown a lack of confidence, and at times, looks completely lost. He's been a big part of why the Raps are unable to get their offense going early. And when the only other scoring option in the starting line up gets in foul trouble like Bargs did last game, even an improved defense can't save the team,

Here are DeRozan's averages in the first three quarters in comparison to the 4th quarter.

QRT 1-3

5/15 FGA

33%

Average Amount of Pts In First Three Quarters Combined: 6.0


QRT 4

11/ 13 FGA

85%

Average Amount of Pts in Fourth Quarter: 12.5

We'll see if this small sample size turns into a trend for Mr. No Props Needed.

What caught my eye? The Raptors opened up the game with six straight stops on the defensive end. Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on it on offense due to poor offensive sets and moving screens, but it was a nice change to see us work hard on the defensive end.

Raptors Revisited: The Bargnani Effect

On Monday, January 26, 2011, the Toronto Raptors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-96.

Like noted in yesterday's post, the duo of Jose and Amir were able to pick apart Cleveland's interior defense with a healthy dose of pick and rolls. However, a big reason why it worked so well (besides the fact that the Cavs paint D isn't the most intimidating) is because of the dynamic Bargnani brings to the table.

Let's take a look at two plays that begin with a Calderon-Johnson pick and roll and end with an easy bucket partly because of where Bargnani positions himself on the court.


Jose and Amir initiate the pick n roll, while the Raptors keep both corner 3s occupied, establishing proper spacing. The key thing to watch is Jamison on Bargnani.


Irving goes over the screen due to Jose's hot hand, causing Varejao to leave Amir and switch to Jose. At this point (and due to Cleveland's lack of a shot blocking big), Jamison as the 4 man is caught between switching to Amir or staying on Bagrs



Jamison decides to stay near the perimeter with Bargnani, allowing Amir an easy uncontested basket.

Here's the second play, same concept, same result.


A switch is caused for Varejao on Jose, and Amir again rolls to the basket. Again, Jamison as the Cavs' 4, is assigned with shading Bargs near the top of the 3 point line.


As mentioned by Leo Rautins last night, Irving incorrectly commits himself to Calderon even though Varejao did a good job of leading Jose to the sideline on the hedge. This makes Jamison's job even more difficult when deciding between a wide open Amir or a wide open Bargnani.


Jamison decides to stick with Andrea at the perimeter, allowing Amir to get yet another easy bucket over the shorter Anthony Parker..

Jose-Amir 2K12 Lead Pass Cheese And Accountability

First off - WELCOME BACK RAPTORS BASKETBALL.

With Dwane Casey preaching a culture change of a defensive mentality, Raptors fans can expect a team that won't necessarily be the most talented, but will always try to out work the opposition.

Last night against Cleveland, we saw just that. Make no mistake, this team doesn't look like it will challenge for a playoff spot, but it was great to see some of our players compete. Two that stuck out the most to me were Amir Johnson and Jose Calderon. Amir looked like he was serious about his Defensive Player of the Year goals, and Jose looked like TJ Ford was on his tail again.

And then of course, there was that pass...Anyone who's ever played a game of NBA 2K knows the way to a win is to abuse the paint with some lead passing. Check out 4:30-5:30 of this video to see what Jose and Amir had perfected last night.



What caught my eye? At 4:40 of the 3rd quarter, Bargnani gave up yet another offensive rebound, and at a critical point of the game as well. Immediately, Coach Casey subs in Ed Davis and puts Bargs on the bench. Accountability will key in truly changing the culture of this franchise.

Basketball Never Stops? Nike Explains.

Even while in the midst of a lockout, Nike is capitalizing on their superstar roster and unleashing their "Basketball Never Stops" movement. The company decided to release a follow up video for their commercial to explain what exactly they meant - perhaps to avoid any sticky situations with the current labour dispute. Check out both the follow up video and the actual commercial below.

Mayor John Henry Knows His Power Basketball

Oshawa Mayor John Henry was able to place the proverbial cherry on top on a historic night for Oshawa and Canadian basketball. With a convincing 107-80 win over the Moncton Miracles, John Henry can now look forward to seeing pictures of Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc sporting an Oshawa Power jersey at the next Moncton Council Meeting. This is all due to a friendly wager that involved Henry having to sport a Miracles jersey at his own meeting had the Power lost. But you know what they say, there are gamblers, and there are those who take calculated risks, and then there are those who just know their basketball.

Props to Mayor John Henry for showing support of the Power in my class' lecture yesterday morning. There was genuine pride in his eyes as he repeatedly mentioned the home opener to a lecture hall full of journalism students.

On that note, we hope to have members and players of the Oshawa Power as guests on Hoops N Hip-Hop this year.

Power Up.