LEWIS TO COME OFF THE BENCHHead coach Sam Mitchell is happy of the effects of Rashard Lewis coming off the bench for the Toronto Raptors. The standout from Alief Elsik HS came off the bench in the Raptors' blowout home win over the Jazz.
Mitchell, who was on the verge of being fired and replaced by assistant Jay Triano last season after a subpar start, said in an interview, "We still can't fit him in the starting lineup permanently because we will be forced to playing Bosh at the 5 and playing small at the start of the game, which will lead to fatigue to the starters as they try to outrun the other team. 'Shard coming off the bench is a great role not only for him but for the whole team as he gives the bench some much needed offensive production."
Lewis came off the bench in the win over Utah and scored 23 points, making 6-11 from downtown. Lewis has been terrific in his role in Toronto, shooting over 50% from the 3-pt line since that 0-6 from downtown debut against the Bobcats in the season opener.
When I asked Lewis about his new role, he said, "I can come off the bench if it's necessary for the team. All that matters to me is to win some games for the team."
Lewis was a second-time all-star last season, playing with the Orlando Magic.
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ALL DAY LONGIt has been a phrase frequently heard from Raptors' play-by-play commentator Matt Devlin. Whenever Rashard Lewis hits a three, Devlin spastically yells, "ALL DAY LONG" from the booth.
But there is no reason for Devlin to stop. Lewis has been making 27 of his 45 attempts (over 50%) from downtown after that depressing 0-6 debut on 3-pointers. If anything, he shouldn't stop.
Lewis is also averaging 4 makes per game, and nearly 7 attempts. He's quickly found his groove fitting perfectly well with the offense of the Raptors.
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CALDERON STOPS HETLER SKELTER PLAYCalderon has started the season cold and un-organized. His helter-skelter play forced Raptors coach Sam Mitchell to give more of his minutes to the pesky on-ball defender Marcus Banks and rookie PG AJ Price.
But after the last two back-to-back games against Texas powerhouses Spurs and Mavericks, it's safe to say that the careful point guard is back to his flow.
Calderon helped the Raptors notch a win against the Dallas Mavericks in a fast-paced, high scoring game as he finished with 16 points (his best output of the season) on 7-8 shooting from the field.
He sat out half of the final frame and only added 6 assists, but his play in the third quarter, where the Raptors took over, was a vital part of the win.
Add to that his near double-double performance against the Spurs. Calderon is simply a terrific, traditional floor general that is here to stay.
