The Raptors had no problems scoring last night on New Year's Eve (Happy New Year everybody!) but they had problems galore on the defensive end. Five Raptors scored in double figures, led by Andrea Bargnani's 26 points, but the Nuggets finished with an amazing seven players in double figures - only Anthony Carter (0 in 11 minutes) and Dahntay Jones (4 in 16 minutes) didn't have effective scoring nights, as everyone else found some way to score even in their limited playing time.
NBA.com recap
Player of the Game:
Andrea Bargnani finally broke out of his slump yesterday, starting out very slowly on offense but finishing with very impressive numbers of 26 points (9-19 FG, 3-6 3FG, 5-5 FT), 6 rebounds, 5 blocks and 2 steals. While Bargnani won't put up those stats on a regular basis (especially on teams that at least attempt to play defense, unlike the Nuggets) it should serve as a confidence booster for him.
Notables:
Chris Bosh - 24 points (7-18 FG, 0-3 3FG, 10-13 FT), 11 rebounds. Bosh was hounded all night by guards and forwards alike, and while he didn't shoot very well, he still managed to get to the line and find ways to be effective, particularly on the boards: he had 4 offensive rebounds.
Jose Calderon - 18 points (6-9 FG, 4-4 3FG, 2-2 FT), 11 assists, 5 rebounds. Jose continued his spectacular distribution and shooting, but one thing stands out. Last night he had 5 turnovers, and against Golden State he had four. Now everyone is allowed a slump, but Jose - and yes, he did have 27 assists to go with those 9 turnovers - is one of the most consistent guards in the league, and he needs to help carry this team.
Anthony Parker - 12 points (5-10 FG, 2-4 3FG), 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals. Parker was a starter again (finally) and played passable defense on the Nuggets perimeter players (J.R. Smith and Dahntay Jones combined for just 14 points on 7-17 shooting). He also had a nice game getting active on the boards and helping to distibute. Parker needs to contribute to give this team hope.
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
This game was actually remarkably close in every statistical category (check the box). However, the Raptors' swiss cheese defense again allowed Denver penetration and scoring almost at will. The Nuggets shot 51.2% (42-82) from the floor and 44.4% (8-18) from the arc, to the Raptors' 46.9% (38-81) from the field and 41.7% (10-24) from three. Defense, fellas. And all that even with Jason Kapono out there as a pylon.
Next Game: Friday, January 2nd, 7:00 PM vs. Houston Rockets
Showing posts with label Nuggets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nuggets. Show all posts
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Raptors Can't Bounce Back - 132-93 Nuggets
Last night was not a pretty sight at all if you're a Raptors fan. The Raptors trailed by fourteen points after the first quarter and lost by the fifth-largest differential in franchise history. The Raptors, in continuing to showcase their acting skills while emulating a seventh-grade phys ed class, allowed the Nuggets to pile up the most assists of any team so far this season. All around, not such a great game.
Read the NBA.com recap... or don't
Player of the Game:
Well, it has to be Chris Bosh. Statistically had a nice game with 24 points on 7-15 from the field and 10-10 on free throws to go with 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Unfortunately, even Bosh was at blame for some abhorrent defense, and his run-of-the-mill Franchise performance was not nearly enough.
Notables:
Roko Ukic - 13 points (3-9 F, 1-3 3FG, 6-6 FT), 2 rebounds, one assist. Hot Cocoa still hasn't found his jumper, but last night (yes, in garbage time, we know) he showcased his ability to get to the basket and hit all six of his free throws. Maybe this will help his confidence and allow him to play with a little more swagger.
Kris Humphries - 4 points (2-5 FG), 8 rebounds, 2 blocks. Nice game in 16 mostly meaningless minutes for Kris. As reader Mintz... astutely pointed out, Humphries had four times as many rebounds as JO... in two fewer minutes.
Jose Calderon - 9 points (3-5 FG, 3-4 3FG), 7 assists, 2 turnovers. Jose was effective as usual. It would be nice to see him penetrate once in a while, though...
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
I'm on the record as saying that plus-minus in basketball is largely meaningless, but one stat stands out as portraying this entire game. Chauncey Billups (24 points, 14 assists) was +48 while on the floor. He did whatever he wanted against non-existent defense. But I suppose it's true... there's no D in Toronto.
Next game: Friday, December 5th, 10:30 PM at Utah Jazz
Read the NBA.com recap... or don't
Player of the Game:
Well, it has to be Chris Bosh. Statistically had a nice game with 24 points on 7-15 from the field and 10-10 on free throws to go with 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Unfortunately, even Bosh was at blame for some abhorrent defense, and his run-of-the-mill Franchise performance was not nearly enough.
Notables:
Roko Ukic - 13 points (3-9 F, 1-3 3FG, 6-6 FT), 2 rebounds, one assist. Hot Cocoa still hasn't found his jumper, but last night (yes, in garbage time, we know) he showcased his ability to get to the basket and hit all six of his free throws. Maybe this will help his confidence and allow him to play with a little more swagger.
Kris Humphries - 4 points (2-5 FG), 8 rebounds, 2 blocks. Nice game in 16 mostly meaningless minutes for Kris. As reader Mintz... astutely pointed out, Humphries had four times as many rebounds as JO... in two fewer minutes.
Jose Calderon - 9 points (3-5 FG, 3-4 3FG), 7 assists, 2 turnovers. Jose was effective as usual. It would be nice to see him penetrate once in a while, though...
Full box score
Stat of the Game:
I'm on the record as saying that plus-minus in basketball is largely meaningless, but one stat stands out as portraying this entire game. Chauncey Billups (24 points, 14 assists) was +48 while on the floor. He did whatever he wanted against non-existent defense. But I suppose it's true... there's no D in Toronto.
Next game: Friday, December 5th, 10:30 PM at Utah Jazz
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Raptors Visit Nuggets
Tonight at 9:00 pm, the Raptors play the Nuggets. This is the Raps first look at the Nuggets with Chauncey Billups, who has led the team to an 11-3 record with him in the lineup. Billups is averaging 18.6 points and 6.7 assists in 14 games with the Nuggets. The Raptors look to tread above .500 with a win in Denver. The game is available on The Score, the Fan 590, and channelsurfing.net.
What to watch for:
- The Nuggets star, Carmelo Anthony, left the Nuggets last game in the first quarter with an elbow injury. He says he hopes to play tonight.
- Jermaine O'Neal has now missed three games straight, and it became apparent against the Lakers that the Raptors are missing his body in the middle. Hopefully he will get to play tonight.
- The Raptors were simply outhustled in Los Angeles. Hopefully they will have learned a thing or two from that loss.
What to watch for:
- The Nuggets star, Carmelo Anthony, left the Nuggets last game in the first quarter with an elbow injury. He says he hopes to play tonight.
- Jermaine O'Neal has now missed three games straight, and it became apparent against the Lakers that the Raptors are missing his body in the middle. Hopefully he will get to play tonight.
- The Raptors were simply outhustled in Los Angeles. Hopefully they will have learned a thing or two from that loss.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pistons and Nuggets Complete Blockbuster
Today the Denver Nuggets sent (former?) superstar guard Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups, forward/centre Antonio McDyess, and backup centre Cheikh Samb. Billups and McDyess were teammates in Denver from 1998 to 2000, with Billups going to Minnesota and McDyess staying with the Nuggets for two more seasons.
This deal makes very little sense to me. Detroit's success - playoff runs the last five years - was based entirely on their rock-solid team play. NBADraft.net's Robert McChesney's Gold Medal Superstar Theory lists the Pistons an incredible anomaly when they won the NBA Finals in 2004. However, this theory overlooks the fact that despite their lack of a defined "superstar" the Pistons were one of the most balanced teams ever assembled, and every player who received significant minutes was able to take over a game, if necessary, in his own way. Why is this relevant? The trade completed today brings a player, albeit a very talented one, who may or may not know the meaning of the word "team." He famously (and comically) defended his right to skip practice while with the Philadelphia 76ers. His 27.7 career scoring average is very deceiving, as he averages almost 23 field goal attempts per game, shooting below 43% on those attempts. He also averages 3.7 turnovers a game, which somewhat tarnishes his 6.3 assists.
All that being said, the Pistons aren't getting any younger, aren't getting any more talented, and their championship window is slamming shut. While I don't think this trade will work out at all, as I think Iverson will hog the ball as he has his entire career, it was certainly necessary to shake this roster up for one last run at the title. Unfortunately for the Pistons, that title won't come until they rebuild.
Grade for Pistons: C
On the Nuggets side, they definitely came out on top. Iverson and Carmelo Anthony was an experiment gone awry, with no legitimate point guard to control the distribution of wealth. Billups adds a proven point guard with the added ability to take scoring pressure off Anthony. It gives the Nuggets a solid three-man rotation down low with McDyess, Kenyon Martin (at least until he gets injured) and Nene. Cheikh Samb can also replace the nigh-useless Steven Hunter as a safety net.
While this trade makes a lot of sense, I don't think it will actually pay off more than a first round exit that takes a game or two longer. The Western powers are too even, with four legitimate contenders to make it through to the Finals: the Lakers, the Hornets, the Jazz and the ageless Spurs, and five if you're sold on Houston. This gives the Nuggets good odds to make the sixth seed, and one of those teams gets unlucky with injuries, a fifth place finish isn't out of the question. Unfortunately, the only team Denver has a chance to beat in a seven-game series is Houston - they'll lose in five or six to anyone else - and they won't be that lucky. The bottom line, however, is the Nuggets' front-office is showing their fan base they're committed to winning, even if that means 50 regular-season W's and a first-round exit. And they'll sell a Billups jersey or two.
Grade for Nuggets: A
This deal makes very little sense to me. Detroit's success - playoff runs the last five years - was based entirely on their rock-solid team play. NBADraft.net's Robert McChesney's Gold Medal Superstar Theory lists the Pistons an incredible anomaly when they won the NBA Finals in 2004. However, this theory overlooks the fact that despite their lack of a defined "superstar" the Pistons were one of the most balanced teams ever assembled, and every player who received significant minutes was able to take over a game, if necessary, in his own way. Why is this relevant? The trade completed today brings a player, albeit a very talented one, who may or may not know the meaning of the word "team." He famously (and comically) defended his right to skip practice while with the Philadelphia 76ers. His 27.7 career scoring average is very deceiving, as he averages almost 23 field goal attempts per game, shooting below 43% on those attempts. He also averages 3.7 turnovers a game, which somewhat tarnishes his 6.3 assists.
All that being said, the Pistons aren't getting any younger, aren't getting any more talented, and their championship window is slamming shut. While I don't think this trade will work out at all, as I think Iverson will hog the ball as he has his entire career, it was certainly necessary to shake this roster up for one last run at the title. Unfortunately for the Pistons, that title won't come until they rebuild.
Grade for Pistons: C
On the Nuggets side, they definitely came out on top. Iverson and Carmelo Anthony was an experiment gone awry, with no legitimate point guard to control the distribution of wealth. Billups adds a proven point guard with the added ability to take scoring pressure off Anthony. It gives the Nuggets a solid three-man rotation down low with McDyess, Kenyon Martin (at least until he gets injured) and Nene. Cheikh Samb can also replace the nigh-useless Steven Hunter as a safety net.
While this trade makes a lot of sense, I don't think it will actually pay off more than a first round exit that takes a game or two longer. The Western powers are too even, with four legitimate contenders to make it through to the Finals: the Lakers, the Hornets, the Jazz and the ageless Spurs, and five if you're sold on Houston. This gives the Nuggets good odds to make the sixth seed, and one of those teams gets unlucky with injuries, a fifth place finish isn't out of the question. Unfortunately, the only team Denver has a chance to beat in a seven-game series is Houston - they'll lose in five or six to anyone else - and they won't be that lucky. The bottom line, however, is the Nuggets' front-office is showing their fan base they're committed to winning, even if that means 50 regular-season W's and a first-round exit. And they'll sell a Billups jersey or two.
Grade for Nuggets: A
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A Dissapointing End to the Preseason - 105-94 Denver
Denver 105 - Toronto 94
NBA.com Recap
The Raptors were not able to take advantage of an injured Denver team, most notably missing Allen Iverson and Kenyon Martin. However the Raptors too were missing some role players, as Will Solomon sat out with a hamstring injury and Jermaine O'Neal did not play in the second half due to a leg soreness.
Player of the game:
Jose Calderon - 18 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds in 27 minutes. Rebounding nicely from his 2 point performance against the Lakers with an 18 point game tonight. However, Jose was the best of the worst today, as it seemed like even he was a tad off his game. He shot 5-11 from the floor and 2-7 from three point territory, an off-game from the usual deadly accurate shot from Jose. To add, he had 3 turnovers and 0 steals.
Notables:
Andrea Bargnani - 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocked shots in 25 minutes. Solid production from Andrea, and as a bonus he was able to limit his fouls to 4. However. he had 5 turnovers, thus winning the Will Solomon award. His 0 assists may also be cause for concern.
Chris Bosh - 17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist in 29 minutes. Chris had a solid day shooting (5-8) and got to the line for 10 free throw attempts, however the only category he led in tonight was minutes played. We need more from Bosh.
Roko Ukic - 9 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals in 21 minutes. Roko got a taste of what its like to be Jose's backup today as Will Solomon sat out with Hamstring issues. Roko rose to the challenge and played well, with his 5 helpers. I think the greatest part of his game today was not recorded on the stat sheet; he finally looked fluid and relaxed.
Full box score
Stat of the game:
Today the Raptors were outbodied and outpaced. Toronto gave up 50 points in the paint, compared to Denver only surrendering 20. In addition, Toronto was -6 on the glass. Toronto's 21 turnovers were just shameful and a point to be worried about. With the season opener just a week away, it is clear that they will have to play more disciplined basketball, and learn how to stop penetration.
Let us all pray that Jermaine's leg injury is not serious.
NBA.com Recap
The Raptors were not able to take advantage of an injured Denver team, most notably missing Allen Iverson and Kenyon Martin. However the Raptors too were missing some role players, as Will Solomon sat out with a hamstring injury and Jermaine O'Neal did not play in the second half due to a leg soreness.
Player of the game:
Jose Calderon - 18 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds in 27 minutes. Rebounding nicely from his 2 point performance against the Lakers with an 18 point game tonight. However, Jose was the best of the worst today, as it seemed like even he was a tad off his game. He shot 5-11 from the floor and 2-7 from three point territory, an off-game from the usual deadly accurate shot from Jose. To add, he had 3 turnovers and 0 steals.
Notables:
Andrea Bargnani - 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocked shots in 25 minutes. Solid production from Andrea, and as a bonus he was able to limit his fouls to 4. However. he had 5 turnovers, thus winning the Will Solomon award. His 0 assists may also be cause for concern.
Chris Bosh - 17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist in 29 minutes. Chris had a solid day shooting (5-8) and got to the line for 10 free throw attempts, however the only category he led in tonight was minutes played. We need more from Bosh.
Roko Ukic - 9 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals in 21 minutes. Roko got a taste of what its like to be Jose's backup today as Will Solomon sat out with Hamstring issues. Roko rose to the challenge and played well, with his 5 helpers. I think the greatest part of his game today was not recorded on the stat sheet; he finally looked fluid and relaxed.
Full box score
Stat of the game:
Today the Raptors were outbodied and outpaced. Toronto gave up 50 points in the paint, compared to Denver only surrendering 20. In addition, Toronto was -6 on the glass. Toronto's 21 turnovers were just shameful and a point to be worried about. With the season opener just a week away, it is clear that they will have to play more disciplined basketball, and learn how to stop penetration.
Let us all pray that Jermaine's leg injury is not serious.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Preseason Game Eight - vs. Denver
So tonight is Raptors vs. Nuggets, 9:00PM tipoff. Why the unusual start time, you ask? Well tonight's game is actually being played in Edmonton, AB. The game is available on Raptors NBA TV as it's techinically a home game, and you can listen live here. NBA.com's preview is available here.
What to watch for:
- Rexall Place as a basketball arena!
- Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson, this year is pretty much the last chance for these two to learn to feed off each other and play good team basketball. Despite their talents, they've never been as successful as everyone imagined when Iverson left the 76ers via trade.
- This game might confirm Oko Roko as the backup point guard if he plays significant minutes. Last game Solomon only played two minutes to Roko's 20, and if this keeps up it will be clear that Smitch is leaning towards Roko as the primary backup.
What to watch for:
- Rexall Place as a basketball arena!
- Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson, this year is pretty much the last chance for these two to learn to feed off each other and play good team basketball. Despite their talents, they've never been as successful as everyone imagined when Iverson left the 76ers via trade.
- This game might confirm Oko Roko as the backup point guard if he plays significant minutes. Last game Solomon only played two minutes to Roko's 20, and if this keeps up it will be clear that Smitch is leaning towards Roko as the primary backup.
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