Raptors Dynasty {Kudos to those who can keep it up - over}

[colickyboy]

find it interesting that our GM is bringing half the Sacramento Kings team to Toronto.

lol...that's funny!!

[.LA.]

Damn this sucks.. sorry, i never really had time to even start, but I have to step down as Coach. I knew I could juggle it with school, but now Madden 06 is out, and I have to spend my free time with that. Sorry, Sensation or Emiliano would be a better coach anyways. Sorry guys, when I get time, I will help out again.

[Argentinian Power]

Damn this sucks.. sorry, i never really had time to even start, but I have to step down as Coach. I knew I could juggle it with school, but now Madden 06 is out, and I have to spend my free time with that. Sorry, Sensation or Emiliano would be a better coach anyways. Sorry guys, when I get time, I will help out again.

It seems that a vacant is to be filled. Please apply me to take this job. If you have concerns about my reputation, ask my dog Emiliano. I do not want to make self-publicity, but maybe the Raptors could use some experience of this 28 year old, who comes from the land of the Olympic champions.
Or if you need me as a draft consultant, I will be available also. Just that I have a crush on international players, so that can cloud my judgement.

Anyway, just keep me informed if you guys want to hire me, and if so, please Emiliano explain to me every aspect of the role to be fullfilled, and I will put myself to work in no-time.

Regards!

PS: Have you voted on my Opening Night Pole? Tomorrow is kick-off time for my Grizzlies...

[Emiliano]

Dont worry about it .LA
Yea, Andres would be perfect for the job! I'll PM Andres to explain everything

[joeygraham]

Sounds good. We have a very Argentinian coaching staff now. Sure Andres, I look forward to seeing what you can contribute. Any questions, just PM me.

[Kobe101]

Good trade guys!

[air]

Towel guy position not vacant? How 'bout you make me your honorary towel guy then huh? No, seriously, if there's something I can contribute it would be cool. Can't say I have an awful lot of time but if you think of something give me a shout.

[Mini ShaQ]

Hey Guys, if I understand this right, we now have one free spot on our roster?

[joeygraham]

The position of head coach was given to Argentinian Power - I just haven't fixed that in the first post yet. As for you, air, if you want, we can [i]always[/] use some help with the coaching aspect, as thus far I'veonly pretty much got a tentative order and an order not to take so many threes...so we could use some help there. Perhaps a ballhanding order (i.e. 1) Alston 2) House 3) Rose, etc so who I play through) or a shooting order (so who should be taking the most shots,then the next and somewhat downwards...of course it won't always be the order of how it plays out of someone is hot)

Game 6 vs SA should be up today.

[joeygraham]

Bowen’s bombs lift Spurs over Raptors
Duncan steamrolls Toronto second-stringers

[Toronto Box Score] [San Antonio Box Score]


San Antonio, TX – The Toronto Raptors did better than expected, what with their new star centre Brad Miller out. Marcus Haislip cracked the starting line-up for the first time in his career, but was up for a challenge matching up with Tim Duncan.

The first half remained close with the largest lead belonging to the Spurs in the first with nine. Toronto swung back around that deficit to lead by seven, only to again have that lead slash down to one. Tim Duncan was surprisingly quiet on the boards, but Rasho Nesterovic more than made up for him with true power inside. Manu Ginobili also had a quiet first half with only six points to show. Bruce Bowen was an absolute lock on Morris Peterson, holding him to low number all around and Rose was held to eight points in the half by Ginobili’s stifling defense. Chris Bosh, however , did manage to rustle some feathers inside with the help of point guard Rafer Alston. Bosh, the key player at the half along with Nestorovic for his six point, five rebound and two block performance, had 12 points in the half along with four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Alston had five points, two boards and an impressive seven dimes. The Raptors were expecting to take a 43-42 point lead into the third, but Corliss Williamson hit a long three as the buzzer sounded to edge them by four at the half.

In the third, Toronto’s defensive pressure began to mount and Jalen Rose took over the scoring load with seven in the quarter. Loren Woods began asserting himself as a legit centre, pulling down two huge offensive rebounds and slamming then both back down. The Spurs defense, while it did get beat, was still very strong as is supported by the few assists, none of which were by Alston. The Raptors still led at the quarter break, 67-60.

The fourth quarter was a different story, sung to the tune of Bruce Bowen’s outside touch, Tim Duncan’s inside dominance and Tony Parkers slashing and passing. Around the five minute mark, the Spurs overtook the Raptors. Bruce Bowen, who has scored all of four points in the previous three quarters, exploded for 15 points from beyond the arc, no matter who was covering him. Tim Duncan out matched his small opponents, dropping in 10, clearly illustrating the difference between superstar and bench player-cum-starter. The Raptors fought valiantly to claw back into it, but the stifling defensive intensity picked up and a roster featuring no less than two three-point shooters on the floor at a time could not find the open looks on which they had thrived on in the past. Instead, they were forced to go down low to Bosh; while he did score over half the team’s points in the quarter, He too was smothered and forced into turnovers. The most noticeable evidence of the Spurs’ defense was the number of shot clock violations and shots fired with one or two seconds left, which was surprisingly many; the Raptors could just not get a good look. Additionally, not allowing Alston to collect even one more assist is proof that the key to win is in the defense. Tim Duncan was named player of the game with his 24 points on 11-for-13 shooting, three rebounds and two blocks. Tony Parker and Bruce Bowen both also made compelling cases for the award, with 14 (6-of-14) and 19 (7-of-16, 5-of-11 for three-pointers) points respectively. They each had five rebounds and Parker had five assists and a steal as well. While perhaps too much expectation was put on Haislip, his four point, five rebound performance was greatly eclipsed by Williamson’s seven points, three boards, assist and steal. Finally, another trade acquisition, Eddie House, went 3-for-3 from the field for seven points, and also had one assist, proving a capable back-up for Alston in a pinch. The Spurs took the game 95-83.

Highlights:

Rose penetrates to the hoop
Duncan rejects Bosh
House pulling a fast one on Udrih
House from outside
Rose with the open trey
Alston with the no-look pass to Williamson for the Big Nasty dunk
Bosh in the air for the jam
Alston steals it then lays it in for two
Woods drops two in on Duncan
Duncan tomahawks it
Parker finger rolls it
Bosh blocks Parker
Bowen hitting one of his five threes in the final quarter
Duncan nails the hook shot

(Should I post the pictures as images or just stick with the links? Or do a combination of the two?)

Coaches and managers please say something about the game or season. Or someone do a player interview.

[colickyboy]

well, it was the spurs. almost had it...good luck next game

[Argentinian Power]

My first Match analysis as a coach:

As I see it from the match review, the key factor of this match was Mo-Pete vs. Bruce Bowen. Not only Mo has been consumed by Bowen in the offensive end, but also I believe that he didnt put his 100% efforts in containing Bowen, a very good shooter but kind of shy and when well defended, totally disapears from the Spurs offensive rotation.
Looking at the cold numbers, Corliss seems to have proven that he may deserve a starting position next game, since with 8 minutes in disadvantage he scored the same points as Mo, but with more efficiency and also grabbed just 2 rebounds below him.
Alston erratic shooting has also to be corrected, but as he is the starter this issue must be addressed from a diferent offensive tactic or rotation of the ball. Also his 6 turnovers are a number to be considered.
Jalen did well and Bosh was oustanding.
As Haisilip seem to struggle in his first strating game, maybe Araujo could play some minutes or Woods some more than 7, and Cris Bosh could have try to produce a little more from the PF spot in some of the game's moments, specially with TD on bench.

Just a few thoughts, and now expecting next game... (when it will be played? Will Brad be available?)

[Sac-1]

no i don't think Brad Miller will be avalible but i think he will be avalible in two games...so after the Mavs game

[joeygraham]

Andres, you are a godsent! You are giving me direction on what to do! Certainly Bosh will get more minutes at PF, and Woods and Arujo will see more minutes at C. Will the starting line-up be the same next game?

Also, with the Williamson/Peterson issue, it seems as though Williamson was on the floor for almost all of Bowen's 3 pointers, either as a SF or PF (I keep a log of substitutions, if you are interested I can send them to you via email). Peterson isn't a primary player, so he's only really going to score with open looks from outside, but he wasn't able to get any (a la Bowen).

Alston was great in the 1st half, but in the 2nd, most of his turnovers occured. He also had to put up a bunch of rushed shots to stop the shot clock from expiring. I think the big thing was 0 assists in the second half.

Any roster changes, more minutes, give precedence, just PM me and you will hopefully see the change in the next game.

And yes, Miller will miss the game vs the Mavs. After that, it is a new month and I haven't checked the schedule, but I will post the past and future month after the Mavs game.

[Emiliano]

Game thoughts:

I think that Andres is right on giving the starting spot to Corliss Williamson for the upcoming game. He clearly played a good game compared to Mo Pete. Another thing, Bruce Bowen did a good job on defending Peterson, but Bowen has to be stopped in the perimeter. I believe that what kills us every game is our perimeter defense and with the players we have, it shouldn't be a hard thing to master.
Jalen Rose played a good game but what we have to acknowledge is the fast improvement of Chris Bosh. We have a future star, a franchise player in our hands that will only get better. As for the PG position, Alston seems to be struggling the last couple of games. You might want to juggle minutes between Alston and House since they are both similar players and can both hit the open shots.

[joeygraham]

I like that train of thought Emiliano. I was thinking of playing down Alston's time - House was pretty good offensively and is also a lockdown defender.

As for the line-up for next game (again without Brad Miller), as partially discussed with Andres. If it needs corrections (including sub order), please repost the version I should be using (also eligible in brackets):

C Loren Woods
PF(C) Chris Bosh
SF (SG) Morris Peterson
SG (SF) Jalen Rose
PG Rafer Alston

SF (PF) Corliss Williamson
PF Marcus Haislip
SG (SF) Lamond Murray
PG Eddie House
C (PF) Rafael Arujo
PF (C) Pape Sow
SG (SF) Maurice Evans

[Emiliano]

Yea, that is a good starting five but regarding minutes, I would like to see Araujo and Woods sharing minutes as well as House and Alston

[joeygraham]

Well, with Miller out and a tough opponent, I don't see why we can't try some new things and see how they go. Perhaps Arujo will prove himself worthy of the bench instead of the IR. Great 8th overall pick Babcock...go choke onyour own name.. (and insert the smiley that shakes his head disapprovingly)

[air]

I think the big thing was 0 assists in the second half.

I think that's a lot down to how you play yourself instead of Rafer not having the ability. Jason Williams gets very few assists for me too. He averaged 3.8 this season, and that's after an early season of 5 to 8 APG for Memphis. I don't even need him to get that many assists, I just dribble and cause chaos.

Are you using the 1.15 rosters? Rafer has a dribble rating of 99 right? That's what you need to make use of, I think. If you have the 1.15 rosters I'll look into the player ratings later.

[joeygraham]

I think it is 1.14 - from back in March. Also, if you include the game that is not posted, but played, Rafer is averaging 7.9 assists, so he definitely has the ability to get the assists, it was just a matter of not having good position or being able to get it to someone for the bucket. The Spurs defense was a lock; but he's my major assist guy (he's I think top 5 in the league for assists) and if he can't do it, my production gets shut down too.

So, yes, he does have the ability, and I'm not knocking him for that (though in truth I've had Bosh and Rose each hit 5+ assists), I was just commenting on how our offense just couldn't get going with the Spurs defense, and that is a great stat to look at to prove it.

[joeygraham]

Post Men’s Absences Leaves Wins Undeliverable
Bosh bows out to injury in the first

[Toronto Box Score] [Dallas Box Score]


Dallas, TX – Even when Bosh suffered his leg injury, Dallas had already taken complete control of the game. From that point on, the lackluster Raptors squad just counted the minutes till they could hang their heads in shame; playing now without stars Brad Miller and Chris Bosh to match up with the Mavericks’ high-octane offense spelled a certain loss.

Using their fourth starting rotation of the season, Loren Woods shifted into the starting centre slot, while Chris Bosh slid in to his natural power forward position and a match-up with superstar Dirk Nowitzki. It was only four points, three rebounds and 6:37 minutes into the first quarter for Bosh when he went up for a lay-up but came crashing down on his leg. While he did make a brief appearance in the third, his play seemed very hampered and he did not make another appearance. The other terrible tale was Rafer Alston. Lately, he had been dishing well but his shooting percentage was unrespectable and the number of shot attempts was constantly rising. For this reason, with only two points, three rebounds, two assists, an impressive four steals and too many missed shots and lay-ups, he and Eddie House shared much more time at the one spot. By the half, Dallas led an insurmountable 70-52. Michael Finley was the unquestionable player of the half with 13 points, 11 in the first quarter, four boards, one assist and two steals. For the Raptors, sixth man and stand-in forward Corliss Williamson was the player of the half with six points and five rebounds. Splitting time at centre of the Raptors was Loren Woods, who finished the half with one point, one rebound, two blocks and two steals, and 8th overall pick, Rafael Arujo, who had two points and tied for a team-high five rebounds at the half.

The third quarter was all Michael Finley, who went off for 18 points, and Dirk the Clerk, who grabbed six rebounds and had eight points to finish the quarter with a double-double, 12 points and 14 rebounds. For the Raptors, quiet thus far Jalen Rose and Morris Peterson scored 10 and six points respectively and Williamson had four points, three rebounds and an assist; his defense against the German, however, was suspect, partially due to height but he was just as ineffective as Marcus Haislip was. The Mavs led by 18 at the start of the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was just a whirlwind of Dallas domination, as they took the quarter 29-16. When the dust cleared, Dallas had won 99-68, the largest margin of defeat for the Raptors this season. Jason Terry poured in 12 points to shoulder the scoring load and finished with 25 points (9-of-24 shooting), two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Josh Howard quietly compiled the most all-around game with 15 points on 7-for-21 shooting, four rebounds, a team-high four assists, two blocks and two steals. Michael Finley was crowned player of the game despite his inactivity in the fourth and ended with 31 points (14-for-20 shooting, 3-for-4 for three-pointers), five rebounds, an assist and two steals. Shawn Bradley came off the bench for an added oomph of utter defeat, scoring six points and grabbing three boards in just four minutes. For the Raptors, Williamson just missed the double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Rafael Arujo had a solid first professional game with six points and seven rebounds, complementing Woods’ seven points, two rebounds, assist, two steals and two blocks. Along with Woods’ good defensive effort, Alston swiped six steals, but his 1-for-14 shooting left much to be desired and he did not lead the team in assists for the first game this year; Eddie House took that honour with five dimes and showed his defensive prowess with three steals.
The 1-6 Raptors, now ranked 30th in the power rankings, have a few weeks till their next game to practice their game. More importantly, however, will be the return to health of the Raps’ big men Brad Miller and Chris Bosh.

Highlights:
Arujo dunks
Peterson dunks in traffic
Finley alleys to Dirk for the oop
Arujo scores his first NBA basket
Bosh injures his leg
Finley flies in on the fast break
Henderson with the O-board and dunk
Woods jams if after House steals it
Josh Howard on the fast break
Murray blocks Finley’s shot
Williamson teabags Nowitzki
Peterson from outside
Terry nails the three-pointer
Nowitzki adjusts Haislip’s dunk


Coaches and managers for conference.

[Argentinian Power]

Interview with coach Andres Susic aka "ARGENTINIAN POWER"


Journalist: Hi, Andres. Please tell us how you felt at your first match as coach in this Raptor's team.
Andres: Well, I think that there are two fellings... first, I am extremely happy to put myself to work for this team, but also disappointed at our lack of response after Bosh's injury.

Journalist: With Chris on the field it would have been another story?
Andres: Chris has been a monster for us, but this game was to be lost with or without him. There is no magic here, we must work harder if we want to get a decent run.

Journalist: What can you tell us about free-agency roumors?
Andres: Well, you know that we as coach do not decide directly on signatures... But I want to point out that from my point of view this teams needs reinforcement in the PG/SG positions, as Jalen and Rafter doesnt seem to recover their expected form.

Journalist: Do you have any names?
Andres: Abosultely not. This will be internally discussed. But everyone ones that my position is to try and trade one or two players for a better one, and then go to free agents to supply depth.

Journalist: Dont you think that this words may upset Alston?
Andres: I am not scared of his reaction. He should be ashamed about his performances, and selfishness in taking many shots when not making any points. I think Chris Bosh needs a franchise player to rely on in that vital spot of our team, but as said before, I am not the one deciding this.

Journalist: Well, now Brad Miller seems to return to its full fitness...
Andres: Yes, and this will be vital for us if we intend to develop more force bellow the rim. Haisilip is showing that he will need more time developing here, so he was not ready at all to replace Brad.

Journalist: Many thanks, maybe for the next game you have some other material to work with...
Andres: Lets hope so. Alston isn't quite to the standard, so in my opinion he must choose: Get better, or get out.

Journalist: You are quite rough.
Andres: I come from a poor country. Having no food on the table is rough, playing the gangster and being selfish on court is for little girls. So If Alston wants to defy me, I will be here.

[Sac-1]

Wow you guessed right on the FA...i actually do have a PG in mind

[Emiliano]

Interview with Ast. Coach Coming Soon!

[Keo]

Actually, Sacramento was about the 10th of so team we tried a deal with.

So you're telling me that after ten teams, our GM suddenly could pull something off when it came to Sacramento? Anyways, I'll let that go. We're losing a lot of games, I don't think we need to be thinking about all these trades. We need to find a groove and some chemistry. Try some other strategies to win some games instead of constantly bringing in new players and ruining what's left of the chemistry. Just give the players some time to adjust and play together as a team.