BULLS SHOCK RAPTORS AND WIN SERIES OPENER ON THE ROAD

How do I change the topic title?

Edit the first post of the thread

Man, Bosh was unstoppable!! Shame the loss.

How is Thomas doing?

Martti., Yeah Bosh was awesome. Thomas has been going allright. In his first game against the Bulls he scored 8, then he went quiet for 2 games. Then against the Hawks Bargnani was shooting poorly so he played the whole 4th and lots of OT and managed 12 points and 6 boards.

This was a really good read and I like the pictures and simple layout. Keep it up man.

Sit, Thanks for the compliments

THE TORONTO TIMES

RAPTORS GO DOWN AGAIN

The Raptors faced the Rockets after a devastating loss to Atlanta. The lead changed hands all throughout the game and nobody could predict who would win. However in the 4th the Raptors failed to make shots when it mattered and the Rockets just seemed to have to much star power with Ming, McGrady and Ariza all having a good game. Honurable mention should also be given to Chase Budinger who scored a crucial 6 points late in the game. The Raptors head to Florida next on a two game road trip were they will face D-Wades Heat and D-12s Magic. Lets hope that the Raptors can stop this two game losing streak and get back to winning ways on the road.

FINAL RESULT: 97 - 93 (L)
TOR: 25 20 28 20
HOU: 23 23 23 28

MING WAS JUST TO DOMINANT FOR THE RAPTORS

CB4 TRYING TO INSPIRE HIS TEAM
SPRITE PLAYER OF THE GAME

I 14 PTS I 18 REBS I 3 AST I 2 BLK I 1 STL I 6 - 12 FG
POINTS
21 - TREVOR ARIZA
21 - AARON BROOKS
21 - HEDO TURKOGLU
REBOUNDS
18 - YAO MING
10 - ANDREA BARGNANI
7 - LUIS SCOLA
ASSISTS
8 - AARON BROOKS
7 - JOSE CALDERON
7 - DEMAR DEROZAN

THE TORONTO TIMES

THE HEAT TO HOT TO HANDLE

The Raptors went to Miami on a two game losing streak looking to get back to winning ways. Unfortunetly this was not to be and they were beaten by a better team. The Raptors stayed with the Heat most of the game but were blown out in the 4th for a second straight game. Poor coaching let Chris Bosh foul out in the 3rd which severly dented the Raptors chances. Turkoglu had a good game with 23 points and 14 boards but his efforts were not supported. The Raptors have now lost 3 in a row and face the strong Magic. The Raptors need to come up with a miracle and try and not go to 4 straight losses.

FINAL RESULT: 93 - 78 (L)
TOR: 24 18 21 15
MIA: 24 24 24 21

BEASLEY HAD A GOOD NIGHT WITH 16 POINTS & 9 BOARDS

TYRUS THOMAS WITH AN AWESOME DUNK
SPRITE PLAYER OF THE GAME

I 22 PTS I 6 REBS I 8 AST I 2 STL I 7-16 FG I 8-10 FT I
POINTS
23 - HEDO TURKOGLU
22 - DWAYNE WADE
16 - MICHAEL BEASLEY
REBOUNDS
14 - HEDO TURKOGLU
13 - CHRIS BOSH
11 - JERMAINE O'NEAL
ASSISTS
8 - DWAYNE WADE
6 - MARCUS BANKS
3 - OJ MAYO, MARIO CHALMERS

THE TORONTO TIMES

THE RAPTORS DEMOLISH ORLANDO

The Raptors went to Orlando on a 3 game losing streak and was yet to have defeated a big team in the East. It was also Turkoglu's first trip back to Orlando and he didn't dissappoint. The Raptors came out firing and were playing electric basketball. The Raptors dominated the game and had an amazing 18 blocks. Vince Carter along with Jameer Nelson suffered most of the wrath and were turned back on numerous occasions. This win has come at exactly the right time for the Raptors and has restored all their confidence. Lets hope this is a sign of things to come for the Raptors and that they can keep this magnificent form.

FINAL RESULT: 98 - 83 (W)
TOR: 27 29 23 19
ORL: 20 20 24 19

CARTER TURNED BACK

CARTER DENIED AGAIN
SPRITE PLAYER OF A GAME

I 16 PTS I 15 REBS I 3 AST I 2 BLK I 6-11 FG I 4-6 3P I
POINTS
22 - HEDO TURKOGLU
22 - JAMEER NELSON
20 - DWIGHT HOWARD
REBOUNDS
15 - ANDREA BARGNANI
14 - MARCIN GORTAT
10 - DWIGHT HOWARD
ASSISTS
8 - JAMEER NELSON
5 - JOSE CALDERON
5 - MARCUS BANKS

THE TORONTO TIMES

BANKS IMPRESSES IN STARTING ROLE

After a good win against the Magic Jay Triano made a very bold move by putting Marcus Banks in the starting role when Jose Calderon is of perfect health. Calderon has been poor this season and only shown slight glimpses of his best. Banks however has been consistent off the bench and the last 3 games espicially against Orlando has had lots of minutes off the bench. The Raptors supporters looked confused but by the time the whistle blew they could see that Triano had made the right call. Banks had a superb night against the Nets and was named Sprite Performer of the Game. Calderon did not seem pleased sitting on the bench but after Banks's big night he might find himself there against the Hornets. In the game against the Nets the Raptors dominated and it was a real team performance. Off the bench Tyrus Thomas was strong and finished with 14 points. The Raptors are now on a two game winning streak and look in blistering form. Lets hope that they can keep this up.

FINAL RESULT: 101 - 90 (W)
TOR: 28 19 29 25
NJN: 22 16 26 26

BANKS AS STARTER PROVED TO BE A GOOD DECISION

DEMAR DEROZAN ONE HAD DUNK
SPRITE PLAYER OF THE GAME

I 16 PTS I 1 REBS I 10 AST I 3 STL I 8-16 FG I
POINTS
26 - YI JIANLIAN
25 - DEVIN HARRIS
24 - BROOK LOPEZ
REBOUNDS
15 - BROOK LOPEZ
11 - YI JIANLIAN
7 - ANDREA BARGNANI
ASSISTS
10 - MARCUS BANKS
5 - RAFER ALSTON
5 - DEVIN HARRIS

Banks played great,if only he would play like that in Reality.

Banks played great,if only he would play like that in Reality.

So true

THE TORONTO TIMES

RAPTORS CONTINUE WINNING WAYS WITH BANKS

Banks for the second game in a row now has started at the point for the Raptors. This has forced Spain's Jose Calderon to come off the bench. Insiders say that Calderon is unhappy with this new roster change up and if he doesn't get enough minutes he will demand a trade! However this is only speculation however the Raptors dominance isn't. This is the Raptors third straight win and in all 3 games they have dominated. Analysts have attributed this to the teams ability to share the ball. The Raptors are playing unselfish and energetic basketball and this is allowing them to win games. Also the Raptors are winning at home and their fanbase in Canada is growing after their recent successes. The Raptors now have 2 games against the Pistons and coach Jay Triano stated that they are confident that they can win both.

FINAL RESULT: 110 - 95 (W)
TOR: 23 25 33 29
NO: 23 28 24 20

TURKOGLU HIT 3 OF 5 FROM BEYOND THE ARC

PEJA HIT 3 OF 4 FROM 3 POINT TERRITORY

A CHEAP RIGHT HOOK FROM EVANS TO THE BACK OF OKAFOR
SPRITE PERFORMER OF THE GAME

I 18 PTS I 11 REBS I 3 AST I 2 BLK I 1 STL I 9-16 FG I
POINTS
36 - CHRIS PAUL
27 - HEDO TURKOGLU
25 - PEJA STOJAKOVIC
REBOUNDS
12 - EMEKA OKAFOR
11 - CHRIS BOSH
10 - DAVID WEST
ASSISTS
7 - MARCUS BANKS, HEDO TURKOGLU
5 - JAMES POSEY, CHRIS PAUL, OJ MAYO

Lol at the Hook Punch to Okafor.

you should seriously suspend Evans a good 5+ games for that sucka punch

[sizTHE TORONTO TIMESe=150][/size]

RAPTORS OWN THE PALACE

The Raptors travelled to Detroit in what turned out to be an excellent match. The end score does not depict what actually happened as it was much closer than that. If the Pistons could replay the match they would definetly fix their poor shot selection near the end of the game, espically Tayshaun Prince who took 3 careless shots. However the better team won and the Raptors definetly deserved the victory. Marcus Banks again started over Calderon in what seems like now a pernament roster set up. Due to the suspension of Reggie Evans for striking Emeka Okafor Antoine Wright was put on the bench and was given his first minutes of the season. Due to Chris Bosh'sfoul trouble Tyrus Thomas got some extra minutes and used them very well by scoring 12 points and grabbing 7 boards. The Raptors now have a short break during the Christmas period and will face the Pistons again in a few days. From the Toronto Times we wish you a very merry Christmas and all the best for the holidays.

FINAL RESULT: 122 - 114 (W)
TOR: 29 31 25 37
DET: 26 31 27 30

BANKS CONTINUED HIS FORM WITH 12 POINTS & 9 ASSISTS

DEROZAN WITH A SOLID BLOCK OF HAMILTON
SPRITE PLAYER OF THE GAME

I 20 PTS I 13 REBS I 3 AST I 2 BLK I 7-11 FG I 6-6 FT I
POINTS
27 - HEDO TURKOGLU
26 - CHARLIE VILLANUEVA
22 - RICHARD HAMILTON
REBOUNDS
13 - ANDREA BARGNANI
9 - TAYSHAUN PRINCE, CHRIS BOSH
7 - TYRUS THOMAS, BEN WALLACE, CHARLIE VILLANUEVA
ASSISTS
9 - MARCUS BANKS
8 - RODNEY STUCKEY
7 - OJ MAYO

A Solid win,i really like that block of DeRozan.

Yeah those long arms of his are good lol. But his really impressed me a good shooter, dunker, rebounder and passer.

Yup,he's a pretty overall player.

Superb pic

Thanks for the comment and telling me how to change the topic title

THE TORONTO TIMES

RAPTORS BEAT PISTONS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 5 DAYS

The Raptors faced the Pistons for the second time in 5 days and like a few nights ago the Raptors defeated their oppenents. Unlike in the first match however the Raptors dominated the whole game and really controlled the tempo of the match. The Raptors were again without Reggie Evans who is serving a 5 match ban for striking. Mention should go to Antoine Wright who hit his first trey of the season and for taking advantage of the chance given to him. Jay Triano was critizised when he put Marcus Banks at point after Jose Calderons bad form but it seems Triano's move has paid off. Since put at the point position Banks and the Raptors haven't lost a game. Banks is playing like never before and the numbers he's putting up are great. Triano has said that he is impressed with Banks's mid range jumper and his unselfishness. However one person who isn't impresssed with Banks's recent form is former starter and Spanish international Jose Calderon. It is believed that JC is telling management that if he's not starting he's not staying. Well if JC doesn't want to stay in Toronto we at the Times don't want him!

FINAL RESULT: 99 - 92 (W)
TOR: 25 27 19 27
DET: 23 22 22 25

OJ MAYO ENTERTAINING THE CROWD WITH A BIG DUNK

JC UNHAPPY TO BE ON THE BENCH

ANTOINE WRIGHT HITTING HIS FIRST 3 OF THE SEASON
SpRITE PLAYER OF THE GAME

I 24 PTS I 10 REBS I 4 AST I 1 BLK I 12-22 FG I
POINTS
24 - CHRIS BOSH
21 - RICHARD HAMILTON
19 - TAYSHAUN PRINCE
REBOUNDS
14 - BEN WALLACE
14 - CHARLIE VILLANUEVA
10 - CHRIS BOSH
ASSISTS
10 - MARCUS BANKS
9 - RODNEY STUCKEY
4 - CHRIS BOSH, JOSE CALDERON

THE TORONTO TIMES

THE RAPTORS WINNING STREAK HAS ENDED

The Raptors 5 game winning streak has ended due to a great effort from the Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats dominated the lane which eventually became the deciding factor. They outboarded Toronto 36-29 and had 13 blocks. DJ Augustin was unstoppable and was knocking down shots everywere on the field and ended with a career high scoring 42 points. Another career high was DeMar DeRozan's 31 points were he shot 14-19 FG. Marcus Banks set another record in the match by tieing with Damon Stoudemire and Jose Calderon with 19 assists. The Raptors can blame the loss on poor shooting in the vital time and even in the last second to tie the match Turkoglu couldn't even get a shot off. Additionally Jay Triano has made it known that the Raptors are looking for a trade in relation to Calderon and is happy to hear any suggestions from the public.

FINAL RESULT: 119-116 (L)
TOR: 27 26 27 36
CHA: 34 22 28 35

DeMar DeRozan had a career high of 31 points

GERALD WALACE WITH A BIG DUNK, HE HAD 20 POINTS ON THE NIGHT
SPRITE PLAYER OF THE GAME

I 42 PTS I 2 REBS I 6 AST I 3 STL I 17-25 FG I 1-4 3P I 7-7 FT I
POINTS
42 - DJ AUGUSTIN
31 - DEMAR DEROZAN
28 - CHRIS BOSH
REBOUNDS
15 - BORIS DIAW
10 - TYSON CHANDLER
10 - CHRIS BOSH
ASSISTS
19 - MARCUS BANKS
7 - STEPHEN JACKSON
6 - DJ AUGUSTIN, HEDO TURKOGLU

THE TORONTO TIMES

THE DECEMBER REPORT

WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS
LA LAKERS 24 - 7
DALLAS MAVERICKS 20 - 12
PHOENIX SUNS 20 - 13
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS 20 - 14
SAN ANTONIO SPURS 17 - 13
UTAH JAZZ 16 - 16
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 15 - 16
DENVER NUGGETS 15 - 17

EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 23 - 11
TORONTO RAPTORS 20 - 13
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS 18 - 12
ATLANTA HAWKS 18 - 13
ORLANDO MAGIC 18 - 13
NEW YORK KNICKS 18 - 14
INDIANA PACERS 17 - 14
BOSTON CELTICS 16 - 15

MVP RACE

CHRIS BOSH: 20.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.7 BPG, 1.0 SPG
HEDO TURKOGLU: 24.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.9 BPG, 0.9 SPG
MO WILLIAMS: 21.0 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.3 BPG, 1.2 SPG
LEBRON JAMES: 21.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.3 BPG, 1.3 SPG
CARMELO ANTHONY: 21.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.3 SPG

ROOKIE RANKINGS

BRANDON JENNINGS(10): 18.8 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 6.6 APG, 0.0 BPG, 0.9 SPG
JOHNNY FLYNN(6): 10.4 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.1 BPG, 1.1 SPG
BLAKE GRIFFIN(1): 8.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.2 SPG
JRUE HOLIDAY(17): 8.9 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.0 BPG, 1.2 SPG
DEMAR DEROZAN(9): 9.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.7 BPG, 0.7 SPG

LEAGUE LEADERS

POINTS PER GAME
24.4 PPG
22.6 PPG
22.3 PPG
21.9 PPG
21.8 PPG

REBOUNDS PER GAME
11.2 RPG
11.0 RPG
10.6 RPG
10.1 RPG
9.8 RPG

ASSISTS PER GAME
8.6 APG
8.4 APG
8.2 APG
8.1 APG
7.7 APG

BLOCKS PER GAME
2.5 BPG
2.2 BPG
2.2 BPG
2.2 BPG
2.1 BPG

Wow. I can't believe Mo Williams is in the race for the MVP. Keep this going.

Wow. I can't believe Mo Williams is in the race for the MVP. Keep this going.

Yeah it is suprising but I guess the Caveliers are leading the East + thanks for the boost.