Post Game: Indiana Pacers vs Toronto Raptors

Let’s NBA.

Another big lead in the 2nd quarter, another lead squandered in the third, welcome to Toronto Raptors basketball.

I am not sure what Triano said to these guys at halftime, but it isn’t working. Not only did the Raptors played horrible defense, they couldn’t even make free throws. You can feel the energy leaving the ACC.

It started with Granger schooling DeRozan in 3 straight possessions. The first 2 resulting in a score, and Granger who didn’t shoot the ball well up until then, start shooting lights out. I have said this before, DeRozan shouldn’t start for this team. I am not saying I don’t like DeRozan or he’s a disappointment, but this team needs someone who can actually play some defense and DeRozan shouldn’t be guarding the best player on the opposition every night.

In the end, the Raptors offense won despite Bosh’s struggle. Bosh shoot 5-19 from the floor, but his teammates picked things up and 7 Raptors scored in double figures. Even DeRozan picked up 8 points in 10 minutes. The Pacers defense is very pathetic as well, the Raptors have little problems picking their defense apart, they can get any shots they want and Rasho in the second quarter was wonderful against his former team. Jack was very good throughout the game and was +14.

One thing I like to say about Rasho, he is a pro, he isn’t getting much playing time, but he’s always been productive whenever he comes in. His line tonight: 12 pts and 7 boards.

Other notes:

– I am not getting used to seeing Tyler Hansbrough in a yellow jersey. It’s just not right.

– Every time I watched Danny Granger, I cringed because I know he should be a Raptor. Instead, Rob Babcock drafted Joey Graham. It’s no accident that Babcock isn’t a GM for any NBA team.

Keys to the win:

– The Raptors offense. What else can you say? The league’s best offense in terms of efficiency did it again. The Pacers offered little to no resistance in the first half, and by the time they tried to play catch up, it’s too late and they ran out of energy in the 4th quarter (maybe that’s the Raptors game plan all along).

– The Bench. With Bosh struggling, the bench stepped up, and scored 50 points.

– The PGs. Jack has another good game, and Jose has his best shooting game of the year. They combine for 39 points and 13 assists. I wonder what TJ is thinking right now.

The Raptors will be on the road for the next two games. Charlotte is a good defensive team, and well rested. Again the Raptors have been horrible in back to back this season, so let’s see how they are going to do in Charlotte. The starters didn’t play heavy minutes tonight, so there is no excuse here.

7-8

Tags: Toronto Raptors