Open Thread: Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards, Regular Season Game 18
by Mike Prada on Dec 4, 2009 4:18 PM EST
in Game Threads
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PrintToronto Raptors at Washington Wizards, Dec 4, 2009 7:00 PM EST
The Essentials:
Raptors (7-13) vs. Wizards (7-10)
7 p.m.
Verizon Center
TV: CSN
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
Notable Raptors numbers this season
T25th in expected winning percentage (.325)
10th in pace (93.8 possessions per game)
4th in offensive efficiency/offensive rating (112.4)
30th in defensive efficiency/defensive rating (118.3)
Notable Raptors numbers last season
23rd in expected winning percentage (.403)
14th in pace (92 possessions per game)
22nd in offensive efficiency/offensive rating (107)
22nd in defensive efficiency/defensive rating (110)
Pre-game links
Raptors HQ, SB Nation's Toronto Raptors blog
Raptors Republic, Toronto Raptors blog
RaptorBlog
Doug Smith's Toronto Raptors blog (Toronto Star)
TSN's Court Surfing with several awesome Canadian writers
Court Surfing: Is Toronto's Ship Sinking?
Raptors Republic game preview
Raptors HQ game preview
GameDay Toronto
| Tonight's Projected Starters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Raptors | vs. | Wizards |
| Jose Calderon |
PG | Gilbert Arenas |
| DeMar Derozan |
SG | Nick Young |
| Hedo Turkoglu |
SF | Caron Butler |
| Chris Bosh |
PF | Antawn Jamison |
| Andrea Bargnani |
C | Brendan Haywood |
Since we last saw the Raptors on Tuesday, their defense has fallen to an even further low after surrendering 146 points in a loss to Atlanta. Yuck. They're all apparently sniping at each other too, per the second Court Reporters link above.
So they're ripe for the picking. But ... Raptors-Wizards games are always close, and this one should be too.
The key to the game tonight? Get to the basket. Atlanta slashed their way to the hoop, and Toronto couldn't stop them. They didn't settle for the open 17-footers - they attacked the rim. They also got out and run. The reason the Wizards didn't light up the scoreboard against Toronto last time is that they settled for jumpers too much. Attack the rim, forget the calls. Do it.
Same goes for you, Caron Butler. The Milwaukee game was a great start, now keep it up. Don't shoot jumpers all night. Because, see, that's what Toronto wants you to do. You shoot a 17-footer that's slightly contested, you've allowed them to not work hard on defense. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that Toronto does not want to work hard on defense. Don't let them get off easy.
Also, Brendan Haywood, tonight's a night to be ready. Chris Bosh didn't forget what happened last game. He's probably studied you extensively and has a new bag of tricks he'll use. It's on you to adjust.
I'll be in Section 104 at the media table once again. Should be a good one. They always are when these two play.
GO WIZARDS!
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Comments
Yea, I was thinking the same thing ...
About Haywood vs. Bosh Round 2.
Hope to ask Brendan about it before the game
Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.
I am pretty worried about the game tonight
Just feel like Toronto is due for a big game, and while we have been winning, it has not been pretty. Still way too many turnovers, missed free throws, and long periods where we abandon the offense.
Really would like to see Caron have a big night tonight and Gil to shoot well.
just defend the 3
that is the key, i think, to not letting the raptors get going
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 5:07 PM EST reply actions
Don't think
You are absolutely correct. If we deny the three and not let Calderon have all those easy drives he had last time then the Toronto " Euro League " raptors are going down.
well both would be ideal, yes.
i just think they have so many shooters that can get hot from 3 – that’s how i’ve seen them this season.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions
seen them *win* this season
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
Hard to imagine....
…..that this will be a well-played game on either side of the ball by either team.
In the bigger picture though, Blatche, McGee and Young have all improved this year, which was a requirement for a better seed and deeper run in the playoffs.
However, Flip hasn’t found a strong rotation yet (other than Arenas/Foye/Miller at the beginning of the season).
I'm not sure what everyone sees in Randy Foye that I must have missed
He played pretty well in the first game against Dallas, with 19 points (57% shooting) …. but everyone on the Wizards played well that night… Then against the Nets, he had 17 points (58% shooting) and 8 assists… easily his best game of the year – but look at the competition.
I know he’s been hurt part of the time – but take away those two games and he’s only shooting 34% from the field, with paltry assist numbers and a ton of turn overs (14 Assists, 16 turn overs in 15 games played)… Add to that, the fact that his defense has not been especially stellar, and I just don’t see the attraction to Foye.
Perhaps others have seen something I have not…. and certainly, 15 games is not a huge sample size, but I remain a skeptic.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Am crossing fingers that ...
(a) Wiz win
(b) Randy redeems himself
Hope you're right...
I’m an optimist when it comes to the Wizards…. but a pessimist about Foye.
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Update on Javaris Crittenton's status
http://www.bulletsforever.com/2009/12/4/1186184/javaris-crittenton-participated-in
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Good news for Javaris
but it might be too late for him to crack the rotation this year….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
WOW – Toronto looking really energetic and focused…..
Wizards settling for 17-foot jumpers (Like Mike Prada said they SHOULDN’T do)
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Wasn't it predictable that
Toronto would come out with a burr up their butt after getting embarassed by Atlanta.
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 7:31 PM EST up reply actions
hello wiz.
the game has started -
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 7:17 PM EST reply actions
This is really ugly
Wizards are settling for jumpers on offense and can’t identify and find Toronto shooters in transition.
Flip was saying something to Nick as he left the court
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
this is infuriating
did they not watch what atlanta did? go to the M-FING HOOP!!!!!
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 7:28 PM EST reply actions
Gilbert was clapping after that drive
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
and intensity
great to see
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions
That take by Butler woke everyone up, I think
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I like how quickly Caron is making decisions tonight
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
That was my first thought as well
Toronto went to their bench, not sure why. They could have totally demoralized the Wizards if they kept to their normal rotation.
Blatche, Butler playing well. Otherwise, yikes.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
anyone on this thread know who sheilds and brooks are?
just curious. completely off topic i realize
by DarrellWalkerFan on Dec 4, 2009 7:41 PM EST reply actions
Blatche went for that pump fake pretty bad
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I keep watching Arenas on the bench
I’m pretty shocked how into the game he is, especially when Boykins hits a bucket. He must have a lot of respect for him.
if we had gotten out to a ten point lead
toronto would have just folded. That 1st quarter gave them hope now we have a 4 quarter dog fight on our hands.
by ccrun1800 on Dec 4, 2009 7:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Earl's gotten them back in, but man, he dribbles a lot
I wish someone would come up with a “dribbles/minute” stat.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
At least he gets the ball across the half court line quickly – The Wizards are typically getting in to their plays with 19-20 seconds left in the shot clock….
Huge difference between that and Antonio Daniels – who would come across the half court line with a second left….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Watching toronto is like watching the wizards 3 weeks ago
they have skill, however, once things go bad they panic. No set plays. No order. It Awesome
Foye was shouting for the ball from Earl on that last possession
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
since when did amway start advertising?
by DarrellWalkerFan on Dec 4, 2009 7:53 PM EST reply actions
That was a bad call
Gilbert, drive to the hole so we can get the makeup call.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Gilbert and Flip were arguing before that timeout about that defensive rotation
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
what's gilbert's side of the argument?
by DarrellWalkerFan on Dec 4, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions
I mean I didn't hear, I'm not close enough
My guess is that it went something like this.
Flip: Why’d you double down.
Gil: I was guarding DeRozan. He can’t shoot
Flip: But there was no weakside help if he cut
Gil: But he can’t shoot.
Flip: Okay, but he could have cut.
Gil: Alright, alright, you’re right.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Yeah, that was bad
He has Hedo on him, don’t shoot a three
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
He wasn't even that good last season, except for the playoffs
He’s had one year where he’s been significantly above-average in his career.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Gilbert needs to drive if he's going to go into Takeover mode
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I know its a lot to ask
but old gil would of planted that left foot and made good attempt at a three point play. I am not complaining. I just think he needs to be at that place by playoff time if we are going to be competitors
Dodged a bullet there
Caron didn’t get over that screen well.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Down by 7 at the half...
Playing much better now… Especially the bench
Toronto getting nothing from their bench…
Blatche with only 4 points, but 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block
Boykins wtih 11 points, 2 assists, and 3 rebounds….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Now – Toronto is in trouble…
Jamison is gonna be ticked off… watch for him to take over the 3rd period
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
I hope he takes it over by driving and not shot-jacking
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Haywood with 9 rebounds already -
Bosh is hitting the shots that he missed the last time these two teams played…. Contested jumpers, and contested baby hooks and short inside shots. He was missing those the last game. He’s dialed in…
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
As long as he's working hard
He will wear down late against Haywood and he’s not a good post passer.
whoa
wiz shooting 31%? that’s bound to improve at least a little bit.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 8:27 PM EST reply actions
Shot 5-25 in the first quarter
That’ll do it.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Nice play by Antawn to pass up the three to drive
DeRozan had a clean block there though.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Jamison has the right approach
He’s taking it to the rack. He’ll make those floaters more times than not.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
he is jacking shots, apparently
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 8:47 PM EST up reply actions
Big momentum boost
Way to get it in before the buzzer!
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 8:51 PM EST reply actions
nice!
jack is playing poorly from what i’ve seen
by DarrellWalkerFan on Dec 4, 2009 8:51 PM EST reply actions
It's because he is not a good basketball player
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
We have to get over the hump now and take the lead
I think it is really important we get this lead. I’ve seen too many games like this…
blatche is plastic man
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 8:56 PM EST reply actions
NY for 3!
I am taking quite a liking to him!
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 8:56 PM EST reply actions
They dared him to shoot…… LOL
Like he wouldn’t !?!?!?
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Nick's played way better since Zierden talked to him during that timeout
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
i officially buy into blatche's
new self. nice work, ’dray.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 8:59 PM EST reply actions
the best thing about it
is even if he is not scoring he is still contributing.
by Carlos Returns on Dec 4, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
exactly
this is what makes me believe it.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 9:02 PM EST up reply actions
Jamison playing SF in a Big front line
Haywood, Blatche and Jamison
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
Let's see if Gilbert actually takes the ball tonight, considering how well he's played
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
jamison not taking smart shots now
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 9:05 PM EST reply actions
Wow
The refs have been awful tonight – on both sides. So many missed calls.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
that kind of crap makes me hate the NBA -
call it, or don’t. don’t wait to see what happens.
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 9:08 PM EST reply actions
Hate to say it, but it was a foul
and i think missed calls is just the NBA. They miss calls, play through it, watch through it.
yeah it was a foul
just don’t like the way they decide to call it or not
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
Gilbert's attracting a ton of attention
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Rough night for AJ
Quite a few open misses, that one hurt.
Wow
The refs didn’t blow the whistle on Arenas, who got whacked really bad, but call the foul when Jamison rebounded even though he wasn’t touched.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Arenas not getting calls inside any more…. I think that’s why he’s not driving like he used to….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
I think he’s gonna have to re-establish his All-Star status before he gets any respect from the Referees….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
The Gil of old
exploded to the hole looking for contact. He still looks very tentative to me when he drives which is giving the refs an out.
side note -
GO NETS!!!!
"a crab dribble is when you travel" - caron butler
by little stevie colter on Dec 4, 2009 9:18 PM EST reply actions
Can you dribble after you get stripped like that?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I'm honestly wondering. I thought you couldn't
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
If they feel like he lost possesion sure
by BayAreaBullet on Dec 4, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
But the ball never hit the floor
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
With what you and Kyle have been saying about the refs
I’m not sure I’d trust what just happened to have been correctly called.
it was really weird play.
ball got stripped and recovered in mid air.
by Carlos Returns on Dec 4, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
At least Chris Bosh missed the free throw
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 9:22 PM EST reply actions
Good take Gilbert
now hit those foul shots!
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 9:23 PM EST reply actions
Wow
Wow.
Give Gilbert the ball, please.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
I think they should put Young in and take Boykins out
I’m sure they won’t, but that would make sense. Give Gil the ball and flatten out the court with shooters.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
That can't be the play Jay Triano called
That was horrendous!
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
Eddie Jordan phoned it in from Philly
by BayAreaBullet on Dec 4, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I am an Eddie Jordan fan
But I am laughing and nodding my head in agreement!
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions
OVERTIME!
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 9:33 PM EST reply actions
I can't believe they didn't go to Bosh
And let him shoot/drive or pass to the foul line like they had been killing us with all game.
That damn . . .
Calderon and Turkoglu, I am tired of them killing us.
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 9:39 PM EST reply actions
How does Gil always end up switched onto Hedo?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
he watches the ball and does not watch his man.
They had someone else open too in the corner
by Carlos Returns on Dec 4, 2009 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
Swweeeeeeeeeeeeettt!!
Can we get one more stop?
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on Dec 4, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
Everyone in the building knew that was going in
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
Wiz got lucky
Really well-designed play there – made you think it was all Hedo, then Calderon got the ball and nearly made a huge play.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
it was a great look. the put back didnt go in anyways.
good clock management in my opinion. just a missed buzzer shot.
by Carlos Returns on Dec 4, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
It would be great management if it was tied
when you are down you want to get the most opportunites as possible. If we had 4 nmore seconds Blatche could have caught it or we could have fouled. Especially if he missed a free throw. You don’t neccesarily jack the first shot possible but if you get an early look you take it. Stupid play by Gilbert.
by BayAreaBullet on Dec 4, 2009 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
Actually , Gil put up the shot with plenty of time for TWO tip attempts by Blatche….
Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......
point being he could cath it not try a tip
plus I think the second one wouldn’t have counted. My point is if he’s just gonna iso he might as well do that early. It’s not like they used that time to run a play.
by BayAreaBullet on Dec 4, 2009 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
really disagree
gil just missed the shot. you do not want to give toronto more time to come back. Blatche had time for put backs. he was not necessarily going to get a clean board
by Carlos Returns on Dec 4, 2009 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
Blatche had time for a last second desperation tip attempt not a catch and strong move.
we can disagree though not trying to belabor it especially since it’s not a Zorn type debacle but I feel like if your just gonna iso you go early so you can get a second shot attempt or can foul after a missed FT if you draw a foul. I understand your point about giving them time I just feel like if your down you make sure you get tied first and then sub in your defensive line-up if you do have to defned again.
by BayAreaBullet on Dec 4, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
I guess I can take that
but if your gonna play him that long might as well stick with him at that point
I was speaking only about the very last offensive play but I'm sure that's whyy he got pulled
by BayAreaBullet on Dec 4, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
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