Toronto Raptors
I don't follow sports a great deal. The last time I was truly a big NHL fan was back in Bobby Orr in Boston days. Then I had a period as a CFL, especially Edmonton Eskimos fan. (I remember some of the same games that Colby Cosh does). Living in Toronto I became a big Blue Jays fan beginning in 1983--before they were really a contender. Living in Minnesota during the 1992 and 1993 playoffs, I went crazy.
We became friends with some basketball fans when we lived in the States, and I watched more basketball from 1987 to 1993 than in any other period. T-Wolves and Gophers, neither of them doing very well at that time. March Madness.
Anyway, I've followed the Raptors a bit. Now, with Vince Carter back in good health, and the recent trade with Chicago, I'm getting interested. So are a lot of other people.
Carter is getting more assists than he used to--he has scorers he can pass to. Jalen Rose is getting to play point guard, and he is helping a number of players play their best. Donyell Marshall, who came over in the trade, can make 3's among his other skills. Of course, like other 3-point shooters, he can wax hot and cold.
Toronto gave up some size up front in the trade--there was some concern in the media that they would suffer in rebounding. Rookie Chris Bosh has had to step up, getting a lot more playing time, and he has risen to the challenge. There have been comments that he seems a bit spindly compared to other NBA big men, and he may wear out at his playing time, which will go far beyond what he has experienced before. So far, though, so good.
Some numbers: Before yesterday's game against the Celtics:
Rose had averaged 7.8 assists since the deal, while still drawing more than occasional double teams from the opposing D. And you know it is hard to double both he and Vince Carter, with only five players on the court. In two of the five wins, Rose averaged 20 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, two steals, and a block in 42 minutes.
Marshall had scored 20 or more points in four of the five wins since coming to Toronto, and recorded no fewer than seven rebounds in any of the five. Through all five wins, Marshall averaged 19.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 1.5 steals in 39 minutes.
Since the trade, Bosh had averaged 14.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 37.4 minutes, "cozying himself right up next to LeBron and Carmelo in the rookie watch".
Above all, they are an exciting team. I watched some of the Cleveland game, and the commentator was impressed at Bosh's compusure. He made an offensive rebound; but even better, he dished quickly out to Marshall at the perimeter, instead of rushing a bad shot. Marshall made the three.
In Boston on Friday, the win streak was broken. Rose had a terrible game: a total of 3 points, 1 field goal for 13 attempts (0 for 2 3's), 1 for 1 free throws. But he still got 14 Assists--most for the team. Carter led (naturally) with 35 points--5 for 7 on 3-point shots. He also had rebounds and 4 assists. Donyell Marshall was next with 31 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists. Bosh had 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Lonny Baxter, who also came over from Chicago, stepped up with 13 points and 3 rebounds.
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