Holiday Cheer

I've got a new addition to my heckle list: Eddie House

Truth be told, the Celtics game was totally brutal, nearly ruining my weekend. But I think we can be certain that this Celtic team in what we thought they were, and maybe even more. You have to respect KG and his passion for the game, to hear Sam talk about him (from when they played together on the TWolves) makes you believe that there's no one in the league (or sports) that deserves this bonafide shot-at-da-title he's been handed.

But I will say this:

1) If one things for certain, especially nowadays, the tide seems to turn on all teams throughout a professional season. Their 17-2 start has been a bit of a cake walk, and be it injuries, or fatigue, or whatever, one can be fairly certain that they won't keep up this pace.

2) Lost in all the "Big Three" talk was the fact that last season, a particularly brutal one for the Celtics was typified by the "tankergate" (I don't know if that is the correct term) scandal as teams were openly trying to loose so they could have the best shot at Greg Oden. And the Celtics were leading the pack, making them a laughing stock and their fanbase a mess. Then Karma slapped them in the face as the ping pong balls handed them a fifth overall pick. I can remember my belly laugh when this happened. Then after all that Ainge and his buddy McHale pull off the trade of the decade landing them a best-case-scenario (way better than Oden) that re-vitalizes the franchise and becomes the story of the year. I just think that outside of loving KG off, that karma's got something else in store for these guys... can't say what it will be, or whether it will benefit the Raps, but there's gotta be something...

3) The whole Boston area sports thing is getting real old. Next thing you know the Bruins will announce they've successfully cloned a 25 year old Mario Lemiex and Bobby Orr who decide to "take less money" to play on an original six with a chance-at-da-title. The rest of North America declares war on New England and Tom Brady emerges on the battlefield like Sauron in that opening scene of Lord of the Rings, vanquishing all who oppose him. (leave it to me to drop a LOR reference in a basketball blog... that link was really hard to find btw, there's like a million video game screen shots for Sauron).

I feel like I should have a lot to say about the Rockets game as with Bosher back they finally showed a little prowess in taking it to (and beating) a legit playoff team. I'm not going to get into it now, but I think the tide may be turning... Bosh on the radio this morning: "We play better when we're the aggressor, I think we're all starting to realize that now..."

All hail Captain Canada!

With all due respect, I hate when Steve Nash comes to TO for his one game a year and everyone plays it up as a "homecoming" and bigs him up before, throughout and after the game. I got several "...going to the Raps game tonight, should be fun, but Nash's gonna kick our butts!" emails. I mean, if your going to go to the game don't a) cheer for the other team or b) expect to loose. Sure, with Bosh and Bargnani out, facing a Western powerhouse/title contender the chips were stacked against them, but as a fan shouldn't you be finding ways for your team to win, rather than loose?

I'm glad to see Joey back, another big, athletic shot blocker/ rebounder can only do us good. Jose looked like a bit of a deer in the headlights. I'm sure he understood the implications of playing against Nash. But again, as is the theme of this season so far, the Raps were unable to grasp an opportunity to make a statement. One of these days... One of these days... The Celtics, in Boston on Friday...? Cripes.

I had tickets to the game on Monday, which was a decent contest. We snuck downstairs to the lower bowl for the second half and got up close and personal to see d bag extraordinaire Jeff McInnis talking smack to anyone who would listen. Jeff McInnis, who are you? 10 year vet eh? Get a life buddy. At the beginning of the second half superfan Nav Bhatia (who was sitting with Pinball Clemons) had the gameball for some reason, and went to hand it to McInnis. The guy rips it out of Nav's hands and stares him down like he's going to eat him or something. And then at the end of the game somehow Jose got T'd up for telling the dude to back off. I'm putting McInnis on my list of heckle targets:

1) Vince Carter
2) Jason Terry
3) Jeff McInnis

more to come...

Also, on Monday I was foiled once again in my attempt to get a TJ Ford Bobble head. That's three attempts - one Garbo bobble head. Boourns.

one step forward... two steps back?

From my regal perch from a private box I watched both Chis Bosh and Andrea Bargnani limp off the court and down the tunnel. The game was won on strong team play and the continued efficiency of Jose (37 assist and 2 turnovers in 3 games....). Both injuries are apparently "day-to-day". I was hoping for a big show down on Friday night against the Cavs in a tone-setting win as the Raps finally hit their stride. But with these injuries, as well as a sprained Bron Bron finger, Friday may be turn out to be little more than a non event. Hopefully everyone heals up real good and we can have a good ol' fashioned sloperknockin on Friday night.

Concerning bobbleheads, my second attempt to secure a bobblehead was all-in-all a failure. Last night was "Spanish Night" and they were giving away Jose and Garbo bobbleheads. As I had expected the Jose's were far more difficult to come by than the Garbo's. In fact the Jose's were positioned on the outside of gate one ( a notoriously chaotic and busy entrance) so if you entered from any other gate (as i did) you were out of luck. I did my fair share of ducking and jiving, but came up empty handed. In fact I was "warned" by security and almost kicked out before the game even started. I ended up with a Garbo, which all things considered is significantly less cool. The Jose bobblehead it throwing up the "dubs" as per Joses regular three point celebration - and the hands bobble! Woe is me!

Concerning private boxes - considerably less fun than sitting in the crowd. Especially when your there with business types, who, in my experience couldn't care less about the game, and are just there for the hob-nobbing. And while one can try his best to avoid the hob-nob, it is inevitable that you'll end up missing a good chunk of action. But - better than not being there at all.

Considering the lower bowl - A buddy of mine sat "4th row"( why is it that whenever people with lower bowl they move themselves up like 10 rows when bragging to their friends about their seats), and confirmed a theory that I developed earlier this season when sitting lower bowl for the Celtics game. The fans are less fun, I got in trouble for standing and cheering by some dude who's girlfriend wanted to sit and enjoy her stupid poutine. Upper bowl is the place to be, you can high-five your neighbour, meatheads get in fights, can you can curse a blue streak provided the conditions are right.

Go Raps!

que?

I've been struggling to put some words together following the games this weekend. Probably because after maintaining the status quo, splitting the set, loosing a close one in Cleveland and beating Chicago at home, I continue to find myself unsatisfied, especially given the emergence of both Chris Bosh's real self and the enigma that is Jamario Moon. TJ is hurt, but given how Jose has stepped up (27 assists/1 turnover!) that can hardly be to blame.

Anyhow, a few things worth noting:

- All signs are pointing towards the end of the Garbo era. This whole situation is a total mess, and a little bit sad. He seems to have a lot of different interests; various doctors, the Raptors, and the national interests of Spain, all pulling him in different directions, and at the end of the day I think Garbo just wants to play basketball. One can only hope that this is handled with as much grace and consideration as possible and if Garbo has played his last game as a Raptor that the fans get a chance to give him one last standing O.

- Jamario Moon continues to amaze. The kids stat-line on Sunday was unbelievable, with two legitimate shot-blocking threats on the court the Raps are suddenly are a defensive threat.

- Jose was equally if not more impressive, playing pretty much the whole of both games. I believe the debate is counter productive, but could Jose Calderon start on another NBA team?

- The final shot of the Cleveland game was totally ridiculous. Granted, there was 1.8 seconds on the clock, and no timeouts, but don't they have something better than a Jose heave from beyond half? Don't they go over these situations in practice? If not what are they doing? Is Sam giving them advice on how to be a bigger dick to the press? 

Through a combination of good fortune and snakiness I have come into box seats to the game on Wednesday... Jose Calderon (and Garbo) Bobble-head night! Once again, I think the Raps are positioned to make a statement, with the Grizz, a rematch at home against King james, and the very beatable Wizards on Saturday. Especially since they face both Phoenix and Boston the following week, these next couple of games could be very important.

5 hundo

I declared to a friend yesterday afternoon that I kinda considered the Grizzlies a "non-team". That is to say that the Grizz are a team commonly considered to be out of playoff contention in a weak conference and to win against such a team is more or less a non-event. As per the usual, the Raps made it more difficult on themselves than need be. Thankfully they were able to come up with some clutch threes at the end there, but like I said before, it would be nice to see them able to beat these teams, or any teams, in the first half rather than the second.

I think Bosh had 19 boards, and he looked pretty happy about his performance after the game. The story (or non-story) of the night was the nasty fall Jamario took trying to finish a fast break. Me and my buddy both did that inhale through clenched teeth with instinctual shielding of the eyes that one does the when injury looks really, seriously bad. Reminded me of the Garbo injury, although with out all the screaming and terrified wide eyes. Cut to commercial. When we get back play has resumed, and Jamario's still on the floor, in fact he takes the next shot. Coulda been a broken collar bone, or skull, or brain, or anything, but the dude just got right back up. I don't know if that means that it just wasn’t as bad as it looked, or that he’s tough as nails. But whatever it means I think one can assume that this kids for real folks. If the basketball Gods didn’t mean to take him away from us like that then I'm buying in 100 percent. It seems like he's involved in every defensive possession. And one HUGE block to boot. And he can shoot from 3. I'm gonna call it now: glue-guy of the year. He brings everything the team needs right now, what more can I say?

Otherwise, Derrick Martin made an appearance which is always interesting to watch. Quite obviously Derrick is in some sort of player/mentor role and hopes to get into coaching sometime soon. What I don't understand is how he decides that it’s a good basketball decision to call his own number every time he gets his hand on the rock. Is he trying to pad his stats for trade value? Derrick, I think the work you do on the bench is great, TJ and Jose seem to really value your opinion and knowledge of the game, and I hear you've even befriended Andrea, who's a little bit of a shy-bird, so that's good too. But please Derrick, when you get on the floor, pass the FREAKIN BALL!!!!

So, back to .500, with Cleveland and Chi-town in day games on the weekend which should be two good, winnable games. I have to mention here that I have yet to mention Jose yet, I don't have a good reason for this, but I will say that he's one of my favorites, and absolutely indispensable to this team. Believe me, there will be more than enough Jose love served up soon enough.

Go Raps!

Things fall apart

I caught the first half of the game last night at some jazz bar (of all places) on Queen over wings and beer. While the television was tiny and far away, I was able to catch most of the most promising first half of this young season. Bosh finally had some success getting to the basket and actually finishing. He even managed to show a little emotion after a emphatic slam. Bargnani played well, even facing up Dirk at one point and hitting a shot in his eye. Regardless of what comes from that match-up, nothing but good can come from Andrea playing against Dirk. Its a shame that they only get two chances a year.

I hastily abandoned my friend for more suitable viewing arrangements and arrived home in time to catch things beginning to fall apart. Apparently TJ got a "stinger", and Dirk was about to unload four threes in a row. Which, all thing considered, if your teams going to lose, you might as well get beat by the best, in a furious display of greatness. In the end, like I said yesterday, the Raps were able to give a legitimate title contender a game, even managing to give them a bit of a scare, but ultimately not being able to close the deal. Its very rare that the Raptors can play a full 48 minutes of consistent basketball. Anyhow, aside from being back below 5 hundo again, can't really complain about this performance.

A quick aside on Dirk Nowitzki: Does anyone else find Dirk's soul-searching trip to Australia comical? I can just imagine Dirk's 7 foot frame couped up in one of those VW vans roaming the outback, sulking and sobbing into a pint of Fosters. Not to mention the dude is stinking rich! I have to think the dude would stick out like a sore thumb among all the other beachcombers trying to "find themselves". Dirk, you got smoked by one of the most impressive basketball performances ever, it doesn't mean you won't get yours eventually. Next time just call your buddy Steve, he'll talk you off the ledge.

P.S. I hate Jason Terry

The first day of the rest of my life...

So this is a little bit on the late side of things, but better late than never! This past Friday I had a conversation with a friend during the Raps/Pacers contest about how wicked it would be to be a sports journalist. I said that, aside from it being every dude's dream job, thereby creating a serious supply/demand problem, that it could hardly be considered rocket science, and someone who had even half an idea what they were talking about, and the ability to express themselves in a clear and clever manner could be expected to string some words together that some people might find interesting. So here I am, knee deep in the 07-08 NBA season, significantly emotionally invested in our local emerging franchise: the Toronto Raptors. Given the Raps recent successes, and a true blue hockey town beginning to come to grips with the ineptitude that is the Toronto Maple Leafs, what better time to chronicle the rise of a franchise from the bleachers of a surprisingly ravenous fanbase?

I have been a basketball fan most of my life, traditionally a New York Knick fan, through the glory days of the Knicks/Bulls, Knicks/Pacers, Knicks/Heat rivalries to the eventual demise and current laughing stock that is the MSG organisation. I will take a moment here to draw your attention to an article by Bill Simmons, one of my favourite sportswriters, ESPN.com's "The Sports Guy", that lays down the "Rules of Being a True Fan" (http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/020227). I can't have anyone thinking of me as a fairweather fan from the get go. I can further support this position if need be.

Currently, I swear my allegiances to the Raptors, which I have followed since day one; Damon Stoudamire, Marcus Camby, Antonio Davis, Alvin Williams, Doug Christie, Tmac, and of course the infamous VC era. The best sporting event I've ever been to, and I've been to my fair share, was the first game in Toronto against the Nets last season. I've never booed and cursed so much in my life. I'd also never lost my voice. I would slap Vince backhanded across his spoiled, pompous face if I saw him on the street (assuming of course I would be able to retreat to safety shortly thereafter), but I hesitate to use the word "hate" when talking about him. Vince brought our team into the spotlight, and legitimized the franchise, and took the Raps to the playoffs, and won, but ultimately he was one of the least clutch athletes I've ever had the misfortune of cheering for and what he did to this city on the way out was a travesty to say the least. Regardless, it doesn't do me, or anyone, any good to dwell on this, and actually I believe it to be a good thing for the Raps to have a legitimate and sworn blood rival, not to mention one that's divisional, so lets move on...

I'm coming off a weekend in which I attended two Raps games, Friday against the Pacers and Sunday against the Warriors. Aside from the split, I can't say that I feel confident about this teams abilities yet. Sitting at 5-5 in the first 10, which could be considered a great start when measured against the lurching Novembers of past seasons, they have yet to live up to the perhaps too high expectations that this city has placed in front of them. Bosh is apparently upset with himself and borderline depressed due to his rather ineffective start, as he retreated from the press after the game on Sunday. TJ has been the most valuable player so far. Jamario may prove to be just what the doctor ordered. Bargnani, while showing some massive strides out of the gate, still looks awkward when heading to the hoop. If one thing can be said, the Raps are incredibly deep, as illustrated by Garbos lack of playing time. Last seasons glue-guy, and often starter, while taking into account the lingering effects of a grotesque injury, has several guys lined up ahead of him this year, all who can bring a certain dynamic. I hear that Garbo is actually interested in going back to Spain, which would be a shame, because this city loves him, he gets ovations pretty much every time he subs on and off. Anyhow, what I'm trying to say is that the potential is there, but to this point they've been unable to execute. That being said its a long season and I fully expect for things to come together. Chris Bosh is an All-Star, likely so is TJ, and Bargnani will be one day too. Once they learn how to come out of the lockerroom with some fire, as opposed to relying on that fire in the forth, I believe they'll start to really show the league what they can do. I think it has a lot to do with the little things, like that ridiculous mosh-pit jump around thing they do before each game, it would be hard for some of those guys (Rasho...) to look any less inspired.

Which brings us to coaching. I am a Sam Mitchel fan. He's a true character and I believe the team responds to him. But, his professionalism is lacking, and I feel like if he were ever locked in a room with Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Don Nelson, and Jeff Van Gundy he may spontaneously combust. This, I believe trickles down in some way shape or form into the lockerroom. Its negative energy, and the "F you all, its me any my team and we're not going to answer questions, we're gonna play the games and if we win, well then that's great," approach just isn't going to cut it in the long run. I am shocked that Colangelo has yet too address this, at least publicly, but I'm sure he knew what he was getting into with Sam when they signed on the dotted line. Colangelo is the man by the way, if you can trust in anything, you can trust in the prince of a professional sports dynasty to bring this team to greatness. You heard it here first: in a couple of years Steve Nash comes to Toronto, in the twilight of his career, via Brian's Phoenix connections, in a blockbuster trade (or signing) that brings Toronto its first championship. Afterwards, a basketball mad town banishes the Maple Leafs franchise from the ACC, and shipped to Northern Sweden as part of the NHL's expansion into Europe. A city rejoices, and thousands of Teachers pensions plans are effected, for the better of course.

A few notes from the weekend:

1) A fight broke out on Sunday in the section next too me. I don't know if this is a good or bad thing, but while its quite hilarious to clap out some meathead as he's escorted by security, there are women and children around, so please guys take it down a notch.
2) I don't know how I feel about children attending the same sporting events as me. Or at least sitting in the same section as me. Like I said, I grew up on the New York Knicks, and I gotta imagine that sitting in the bleachers at MSG (some day soon) is an entirely less PG-13 experience than the Air Canada Centre. I could be wrong, maybe I should just be better behaved.
3) Jessica Alba was at the game on Sunday.
4) On Friday Humphries went to help Delphino up from the floor which led to a moment where they ended up essentially holding hands for just a moment too long, which from where I sat was totally hilarious.
5) They have yet to play the most awesome timeout activity that they test ran at the preseason Wizards game. They get two kids, give them a bucket of rubber chickens and have them throw them behind their back to the Raptor who's holding a bucket of his own. Whoever sinks the most chickens wins. This was the most entertaining of these games I have yet to witness, and strongly encourage those in charge to work it into the rotation. Also if the inflatable Raptor could ride down the aisle on either a toboggan or rollerblades again it would be greatly appreciated.

Tonight is the Raps first test against a serious Western contender. They have given the Mavs and the Suns some good games in recent seasons, unfortunately not often resulting in a win. They will have to start beating these teams if they ever want to have Barkley and Kenny take them seriously (which is the ultimate goal for the season, no?). Let’s see if they can get over the hump tonight...

Go Raps!