Things started off slow for the Raptors but by the time the final buzzer sounded … Toronto took care of business with a 107-85 thumping of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minny got off to a 12-2 lead against the Raps … and though T.O. trailed by only two heading into the 2ND quarter … the T-Wolves were shooting a blistering 68.8% from the field.
And then reality set it.
Whether it was the inexperience of a young team or some tight “D” from a pretty solid Raptors’ unit … Minnesota opened up the bakery with a TON of turnovers in the 2ND quarter. Fourteen miscues led to 18 Toronto points in the 1ST half and as a result, Toronto was able to storm back and take the lead heading into the break … 51-43.
TJ Ford had a fantastic first half … coming off the bench for 13 points (including 7 of 7 at the free throw line). He was the spark the Raptors needed after their slowly start against the lowly T-Wolves. And Chris Bosh was on a roll - as usual - tallying 12 points and 4 boards after battling with Al Jefferson for most of the half.
Bosh kept it going in the 3RD … and Toronto never looked back. The 3-time All Star put up 14 points in the quarter … as the Raptors shot 15 of 22 from the field … busting open a 19-point lead heading into the 4TH, 84-65.
Bosh finished the game with 28 points and 7 rebounds. Ford finished with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
For the first time this season the Raps are 8 games above .500 (32-24) as they get set to host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night at the ACC.
After dropping a disappointing game in New York last week, Toronto has bounced back to care of business against the Knicks, Pacers, and Timberwolves. They’re winning the games they’re supposed to!
We’ll see if that trend continues on Friday - and then Sunday in Charlotte.
E. Smith
What was with that fashion show thing during one of the breaks? Talk about a popularity contest… there is no way on god’s green earth that Moon dresses better than Delfino.
Sorry, Jamario. The truth hurts.
- K-TownNothing much to talk about really. It’s never good to get off to a slow start but there was no way that the T’Wolves could sustain their early effort for 48 minutes. Gotta take care of the Pacers at home and we’ll end the month at 8-4. Would’ve liked to see a NY sweep and a 9-3 record but oh well.
- ArsenalistWhy the Raptors will never be a great Teams?
TJ Ford was brilliant but he could not stop shooting and he never can.
TJ Ford had to take two threes he is a 26% 3 point shooter.
TJ went from a brilliant Game to 4 for 11 in shooting.
Against a lousy team it works but not against a great one.
TJ is a great passer and a good shooter on a limited basis but he thinks he is Chris Paul.
Andrea once again stunk from the three but he showed he has great footwork.
He had two great drives.
He has two great assists.
He had decent rebounds and would get more if he played closer in?
From the three point line it is hard to drive.
From the three point line it is hard to get assists.
If he took a shorter narrower range of shots he would shoot better?
Andrea has great potential but need someone with a brain to give him direction.
Jose Calerone a brilliant shooter.
He has lost cofidence so he stops shooting.
I would think you can only be a great shooter if you shoot?
The only good new is if TJ coming back messed up Jose’s head it means we will get Jose for less?
I did not count because I only watched part of the game but I am willing to bet Moon shoot more threes than he drove. He is a 26% three point shooter but a brilliant driver who appears to be afraid of missing a drive but not afraid of missing a three.
Sam has always let his teams take the open shot.
It has never been about the quality shot.
Everybody does their own thing on a Mitchell team.
I will never forget James shooting till his arms fell off.
Popovich, Parker and silly Sam
I went crazy when Sam sat Andrea and that he does not play Humphries. Brezec is 29 in his prime and is a journey man. Humphries is 21 and could be a great player for us when we need him in a year or two. He is good now.
I will always remember the Coach of San Antonio after Parker got the MVP in the play-offs saying. ” When I got Parker and he shot I knew he would miss. And he shot and I knew he would miss. To my surprise enventually he hit. The difference between Sam and the Legendary Coach of the San Antonio spurs is Popovich knew where his team was and knew what they needed. They needed to develop Parker and they paid the price and won.
Duncan did not even talk to Parker the first year because he said he did not think he would make the team.
When Sam sat Andrea and does not play Humphries he shows me two of the many reasons I have to sell my seasons tickets. I faxexed every newspaper and emailed every radio station saying unless Andrea because a star we will never go anywhere and he will never become a star on the bench. It was not my idea. It was Popovich. It was obvious Mitchell had no plans on playing Andrea until Collangelo told him to. Now I wish somebody would tell Mitchell how to play him. If we are playing a team we cannot beat I can see Andrea shooting threes but if we are competitive I want each player knowing what their job is and doing it. I have never seen that on a Sam Mitchell team. Lastly and worst I hate listening to him blame the players for losses.
- Miles HershbergCurious, Hershberg, is it possible for you to proofread your posts? “Collangelo”? “Calerone”? “Popovich”?
If I worked at these newspapers and radio stations and received faxes with such unintelligible garbage I would have used your fax as a paper airplane. Ridiculous.
- jjdynomiteWell put jjdynomite!
- MikeK-Town, I saw that. But I agree with the fans.
Jamario won because he worked it.
*brush the dust off* *popped the collar*.
Calderon and Delfino have nothing on that. Lol
- MaryMike Hershberg, if you are unhappy with Mitchell’s coaching why do you bother watching? He’s here for another 3 years and doing a good job with a young (NBA experience) team. Bargnani is the key to team growth, but is 1/2 way through the 1st yr in a 2/3 year learning curve as a Center.
- Johnn19Patience is required, Andrea will be an excellent NBA player in the future.
Miles, everytime you blog you sound like you’re going on a rant (hence the spelling mistakes and illogical comments). Just enjoy the Raps. They’re one of the most exciting teams in the NBA right now. I love watching their games. In your blogs, you’ve questioned BC and Sam. I don’t know, I’m guessing you think you can do a better job coaching than Sam because you criticize him all the time and suggest what he should do. Have you ever played professional NBA basketball or been a part of a coaching staff or front office? You seem like you have the answers. Their should be a spot opening up in NY soon. You should go after it. I’m sure you can do better than Thomas anyways.
- Mike