6-3 | TOR | NU.Time | Crash (probably finished)

[hova-]

Oh man, what a shot by Gallinari. Belinelli also did very well, kind of the Italian night.

Eddy Curry had one heck of a game. I wish he would step up like this for me.

[kibaxx7]

You need Bosh to step up, man.

[john26]

@




Above: DeMar DeRozan blocks Ben Gordon's layup :: A dejected Sam Mitchell after the Raptors-Pistons game

Pistons send Raptors to third straight loss with runaway fourth quarter

Recap | Box Score | Shot Chart | Team Stats

It was deja vu again. The Raptors were again limited to 94 points at home, reminiscing the bad memory of the season opener against the Bobcats, as the Pistons beat the Raptors 104-94 at the Air Canada Centre. The Pistons outscored the Raptors 47-22 in the final quarter and went 6-6 from beyond the arc in the second half to help themselves to the victory.

Ben Gordon led the Pistons with 21 points on 3-5 shooting from downtown. The Pistons were only down by 6, 76-70 with 8 minutes remaining in the game after Will Bynum made a three at the top of the key. Ben Gordon made another one as the Pistons grabbed a 83-81 lead, after being down by 15 at the end of the third quarter.

Raptors' forward Chris Bosh paced his team with 19 points and 7 rebounds while Rashard Lewis had a game-high 21 points shooting 3-3 from beyond the arc. The Raptors were 5-5 on three-pointers from the first half, and went as far as 7-7 until Marco Belinelli's miss with 2:50 remaining. Bosh started horribly for the Raptors, and went 1-7 from the field in the first quarter, while Lewis fouled out of the game with a minute and a half remaining in the game.

phpBB [video]

Ben Gordon
Points: 21
Rebounds: 2
FG: 6-11
3PT: 3-5
FT: 6-6

[Mark.]

Interesting roster, somehow I doubt the Magic would have let Lewis go in that trade, he is key to the way they play however he deffinately suits the Raptors offense. Hope you get a win soon

[hova-]

Another loss. Another 19 points from Bosh. Give him the ball and try to get an inside outside rhythm i.e. start hitting easy shots and then you can take jumpers and he will hit them.

[Martti.]

The record doesn't reflect your teams potential. You should dominate the East.

[kibaxx7]

Man, this isn't good.

[john26]

The Inside of My Mind - A Story of a Raptors GM

PART 2: A CLOSE SHAVE
4 November 2009, 3:11 pm

Juan Carlos Navarro hasn't played a game for the Raptors this season after averaging about 10 ppg last season. The main reason was that he would stunt the development of the young players in the squad, in Belinelli, DeRozan, and Green.

Navarro, alongside with his agent, arrived in the Raptors office to speak to BC. Both dressed in cream-coloured suits, they went to find BC. As they entered his office, BC was in shock to see Navarro as he had promised him a trade if he doesn't get his playing time this season. He said to give him a week to do so.

"Mr. Colangelo, do you still remember our conversation from last time?" asked Navarro's unpleased agent.

"Yes, I still do. Look, can you give me another week? I still have a lot of work to do," BC responded in a nervous manner.

"Venticuatro horas," Navarro inserted himself into the conversation. "Yes, as my client said, venticuatro horas," Navarro's agent supported.

"But I haven't talked to any teams interested yet," BC answered, hoping it would satisfy the two of them. Navarro's agent flashed a semi-automatic pistol tucked in front of his slacks, just under the jacket he was wearing. "Que estas diciendo?" Navarro's agent asked.

BC fumbled to reach the phone on his desk. He went to make the most meaningful call of his day, the one that would save his life. He speed-dialed the number for the general manager of the Denver Nuggets, Mark Warkentien.

"Hello, Mr. Warkentien. This is Bryan Colangelo, the general manager for the Toronto Raptors. I was wondering if you would be interested in one of our players, Juan Carlos Navarro..."


------------------------

RAPTORS, NUGGETS AND THUNDER AGREE TO THREE-TEAM DEAL
Nov 4, 2009 12:14 PM EST



The Toronto Raptors have announced that they have completed a three-team deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets yesterday afternoon.

The Raptors would send Juan Carlos Navarro to the Denver Nuggets and the draft rights of Omri Casspi to Oklahoma City, who is expected to immediately sign, for the draft rights of the rookie AJ Price (Denver Nuggets), who is also expected to sign immediately with the Raptors. The contract of Desmond Mason will go in the hands of the Raptors but he is expected not to report to the team and will be placed on waivers.

The deal was approved yesterday morning, an hour immediately after it was applied for approval.

"We are happy to include a young talent in AJ in our squad. He is from Connecticut and we expect him to play with heart for our team," Raptors head of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo said in an interview. Price was drafted by the Nuggets in the second round of the 2009 NBA draft. Price will join rookies Danny Green and DeMar DeRozan in the Raptors. He is expected to be the third-string point guard playing behind Jose Calderon and Marcus Banks.

Omri Casspi, who was originally drafted in the second round by the Nets, was received in a draft-day deal by the Raptors that also netted them Rashard Lewis from the Magic.


Via Press Release
Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder

[john26]

@




The highflyers did the job for Toronto last night

Raptors nab first win in Marion's first trip back to Toronto

Recap | Box Score | Team Stats

Rashard Lewis found an open Chris Bosh for a free-throw jumper. Chris Bosh knocked it down flawlessly to give the Raptors a 109-104 lead late in the fourth.

The Toronto Raptors, who were on a 7 game losing streak since last season, grabbed their first win of the season against the Washington Wizards, 113-106 at the ACC. This game was former Raptor Shawn Marion's first trip back to the ACC since being part of a sign and trade deal last offseason that sent him to the Wizards for Caron Butler.

Bosh and Lewis led the Raptors in scoring with 28 and 21 respectively. Lewis shot 5-6 beyond the arc, while both combined for 18 rebounds. Bosh, who missed his first five shots of the game, quickly found his groove and finished the game shooting 12-22.

The acquisition from Washington, Caron Butler, was solid but unspectacular with 13 points, also adding 5 assists. The Wizards were in control of the game, holding a 82-79 lead. But the Raptors took over thanks to off-the-bench production from Belinelli, DeRozan and Andersen.

Belinelli scored 7 of his 10 points in the fourth, including a fastbreak 2-handed jam from a steal by DeRozan early in the fourth. The Wizards led by as much as 6 at 88-82 in the fourth. DeRozan made a free throw to give Toronto a 97-95 lead, and a miss by Marion on the other end left David Andersen wide open for a three-pointer that he calmly swished to stretch the lead to 5.

Marion missed 2 crucial 20-footers that he hoisted, while Foye and Arenas had 3 turnovers each in the final quarter, which let the Raptors crawl their way back into the game.

phpBB [video]

Rashard Lewis
Points: 21
Rebounds: 10
Assists: 3
FG: 8-13
3PT: 5-6

[john26]

Mark., well I threw in a pick that forced the trade...but you're right because Lewis is a better offensive player and defensive player than Carter, especially when Carter's jumpshot isn't falling

hova-, Martti., Thierry., thanks for dropping around.

[hova-]

Finally your two guys stepping up, especially Bosh. Good win and some nice highlights.
I don't know much about Price, but another PG would not be too bad I guess. I hope you can build a streak now.

[kibaxx7]

Bosh is slowly going back to his natural numbers.

[john26]

@





Raptors down Heat with Bosh's 22 despite late surge

Recap | Box Score | Shot Chart | Team Stats

Chris Bosh had 22 points and 6 rebounds to help the Toronto Raptors down the Miami Heat on the road, 104-99. Bosh got some help from his teammates, as Marco Belinelli added 17 points, Caron Butler flirted with a triple-double at 10 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists, and Rashard Lewis had 15 points off the bench. Nicolas Batum started in his place.

The Raptors controlled the game from start to finish, building a 15 point lead going into the second half. The Heat struggled early and were 0-6 from downtown in the first half. But they recovered in the fourth quarter, and they helped themselves get back into the game.

Meanwhile, the Raptors were hot early, shooting at a high clip of 61% from the field. They also made 5 of 11 from downtown. But in the second half, they were ice cold from the three ball, making only 4 of their 15 attempts.

Dwayne Wade's 3-point play cut the lead to 93-82 with 7:50 left. Caron Butler followed with a miss, and Wade took advantage as he knocked a three-pointer from the top of the key to cut the lead to 8. A 3-pointer by Mario Chalmers at the 5-minute mark made it a 5-point game at 97-92.

phpBB [video]

Dwayne Wade
Points: 29
Rebounds: 5
Assists: 13
Steals: 1
FG: 10-15
3PT: 2-5
FT: 7-10

[hova-]

Good win, another balanced peformance and a sweet statline from Butler, although he did not shoot the ball very well. You seem to get it going - finally.

[kibaxx7]

Good all-around night by Lewis.

[john26]

Good win, another balanced peformance and a sweet statline from Butler, although he did not shoot the ball very well. You seem to get it going - finally.

Good all-around night by Lewis.

Thanks for following guys.

Well, I've decided to keep Desmond Mason on my team because right now I don't have any IR. I was planning on waiving him but the team could use a little more depth.

-------------------------

RAPTORS KEEP MASON FOR REST OF THE SEASON
Nov 8, 2009 12:14 PM EST



Desmond Mason will be staying in Toronto, despite the reports of the Raptors waiving the veteran swingman. Mason was acquired by the Raptors in a recent three-team trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets. Mason was extended to a non-guaranteed deal from last season, and the Raptors did not place him on the waivers on the deadline of his deal being guaranteed for the rest of the season.

Mason was traded to OKC last season, having previously played with the Milwaukee Bucks. He played sparingly last season, thanks to the improvement of youngsters Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, both forwards. The acquisition of defensive specialist Thabo Sefolosha further limited his playing time.

But the Raptors will be placing Mason on the Injury Reserve list, and will be in street clothes for their home games, with the Raptors having no other players for the Inactive List. Mason will dress when the Raptors get hit by the injury bug.


Via Press Release
Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder

-----------------------------

SUMMARY OF TRANSACTIONS (OCT 27-NOV 8)


Oct 27 2009 OKC signed Serge Ibaka to 1-year $6.15m deal.
Oct 31 2009 NYK signed Jamal Tinsley to 1-year $943k deal.
Oct 31 2009 PHX signed Brevin Knight to 1-year $3.74m deal.
Nov 1 2009 OKC send 2010 2nd round pick to UTH for Eric Maynor (received in draft-day from NYK) and the contract of Matt Harpring. Harpring will not report to OKC. OKC placed Shaun Livingston on waivers to free roster spot.
Nov 4 2009 TOR send JC Navarro to DEN, Omri Casspi to OKC, receive AJ Price from DEN. OKC send Desmond Mason to TOR, receive Omri Casspi from TOR. DEN send AJ Price to TOR, receive JC Navarro from TOR.
Nov 4 2009 LAL signed Shaun Livingston for rest of the season.
Nov 8 2009 TOR keep Desmond Mason for rest of the season.

[john26]

@





Lewis scores 23 off the bench as Raptors stun Jazz in late fourth quarter run

Recap | Box Score | Shot Chart | Team Stats

The loss of power forwards Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap to free agency for the Jazz could significantly affect them for this season. The Jazz struggled to get any rhythm on their offense as the Raptors feasted, 114-97.

The Raptors built a 83-75 lead coming into the fourth quarter and rested Calderon, Butler, Lewis and Bosh on the bench. Coach Sam Mitchell played a lineup of Belinelli, Green, DeRozan, Batum and Andersen, and the risk paid off for the Raptors as they went into a 16-5 run in the fourth to break away from the Jazz.

Deron Williams' 3-point play and 2 free throws from Ronnie Brewer cut the lead to 3, but Danny Green stopped the Jazz momentum with a jumper on the left corner. Salim Stoudamire's 3-point play made it 90-85, but the Raptors went into a 16-5 run with DeRozan, Belinelli, and Green leading the surge.

David Andersen started with a backdoor layup that stretched the lead to 7. Williams tried to answer with a 3-pointer but his attempt was blocked by DeRozan which got the fans into the game. DeRozan led the break and found a wide-open Danny Green on the right corner for a jumper. On the next possession for Toronto, Marco Belinelli found DeRozan in the same corner for a 3-pointer to make it a 97-85 lead. Belinelli stretched the lead further to 15 as he knocked down a 3-pointer from the top of the key, running a screen play with Nicolas Batum that sent Deron Williams slamming to Batum's body.

Green capped the 16-5 run with 3 consecutive jumpers, giving the Raptors a 106-90 lead. Lewis, who scored 23 points off the bench as David Andersen started at center and Chris Bosh at the 4, hit 2 more 3-pointers that made it 112-94, while Caron Butler's driving layup was the dagger as it stretched the lead to 20.

Jazz guard Deron Williams committed 8 turnovers while Salim Stoudamire had 12 points in the second quarter alone.

phpBB [video]

Rashard Lewis
Points: 23
Rebounds: 4
FG: 8-16
3PT: 6-11

[kibaxx7]

Man, great win.

But when DeRozan gets more rebounds than Bosh, something's wrong.

[Mark.]

Yeah get your big men crashing those boards! Good win though, man those Jazz look weak!

[john26]

@





Bosh notches first double-double of the season for first win in Dallas

Recap | Photos | Shot Chart | Team Stats

Chris Bosh felt like he won a championship as he led the Toronto Raptors past the Dallas Mavericks, 123-116, with his first double-double performance of the season.

The Raptors' forward, drafted out of Dallas, Texas as part of the excellent 2003 draft class, has never won a game in his hometown during his professional NBA career since last night. The Raptors last won in Dallas about 10 years ago, a 109-104 win by the Raptors at Dallas on December 30, 1999. In six career games at his hometown, Bosh has averaged 22.3 points and 10.3 rebounds.

The Raptors used a strong third quarter to overcome a slim 3-point lead from the Mavericks going into the second half, with Caron Butler and Jose Calderon combining for 24 points in the third.

Calderon made all of his 6 shots from the field on the third quarter, which included a 20-footer from a screen play, a 3-pointer on the fast break, and a buzzer beating layup. Calderon was 7-8 in the game, his lone miss was a 3-pointer early in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, Caron Butler made a 3-pointer from the top of the key over Josh Howard as the Raptors tied the game at 65. The Raptors controlled the game from that moment. Butler had 10 points in the third quarter and finished the game with 16.

phpBB [video]

Chris Bosh
Points: 22
Rebounds: 12
Steals: 3
Blocks: 2
FG: 11-20

[kibaxx7]

Finally! Nice game by Calderon too.

[hova-]

Very good two wins. DeRozan's doing very well. And it's right, you need to be more active at the boards, good first step though.

I really hate how Calderon just bulldozed his way for this buzzerbeater

[john26]

Thierry., Thanks

hova-, Thanks. Yeah that layup was unreal. But did you see the more finesse layup where he uses speed then slows down to get an open look. That's the real vintage Calderon. (it's in the last 8 secs)

[hova-]

Yeah that was sweet. Nice movement a bit like up and under.

[Mark.]

Great wind dude, good to see Bosh hitting those boards. Some sweet plays on that video too, classic Bosh posterizing Dirk