The Raps finally got their big win at home yesterday, blowing out the Rockets with inpenetrable defense and some balanced scoring. They held Tracy McGrady (15 ppg) to 4 points on 2-9 shooting in 28 minutes. In a very "I'm related to Vince Carter"-moment after the game he whined, "It's kind of hard to get in a groove when you are touching the ball once every five minutes." All 12 Raptors who dressed got at least 5 minutes of playing time and every one of them managed at least one field goal - a nice confidence booster, especially for the scrubs. Jason Kapono (quad contusion) played 21 minutes, while Jose Calderon (hamstring) left the game after playing just 12 minutes. It's crucial for him to return if the Raptors hope to go on a winning streak. Jermaine O'Neal (knee) says he's day-to-day and may play Sunday against the Magic.
NBA.com recap
Player of the Game:
In a game which yielded very balanced numbers across the board, Anthony Parker played the most solid, effective game last night. AP scored 8 points (3-8 FG, 0-2 3FG, 2-2 FT) while leading the team in rebounding with 8, and adding 3 steals and one assist. A very balanced night from Anthony, doing the little things that has seen him return to the starting lineup.
Notables:
Andrea Bargnani - 19 points (8-12 FG, 2-4 3FG, 1-2 FT), 6 rebounds, one block. Il Mago had his second straight very effective offensive game and played impressive defense on Yao Ming (14 points, 8 rebounds, 5 turnovers). Perhaps (we're praying) he's found a way to produe every night.
Chris Bosh - 19 points (8-18 FG, 3-6 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists. Scored well and shot passably, but it would be nice to see him get to the glass more often - and go back to being an automatic free throw shooter (he's missed 6 free throws in his last two games).
Will Solomon - 8 points (4-6 FG), 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 turnovers (!). Backing up Jose in extended minutes last night, Will was fantastic. He distributed, played competent defense and basically performed like a solid backup point guard. He finally lived up to the trust Triano has in him with a great game.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
Easy. The Raptors shot very well, going for 48.2% (40-83) shooting overall including 44.4% (4-9) from The Land Beyond. It must have been Shaquille O'Neal Appreciation Night in Toronto because the Raptors - the league's finest free throw-shooting team shot an abysmal 58.8% (10-17) from the line. Impressively, the Raptors also held Houston to ice-cold 34.1% (28-82) shooting from the field and 25.9% (7-27) from three point country. A decisive victory for the boys in red.
Next Game: Sunday, January 4th, 12:30 PM vs. Orlando Magic
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