We Have (Another) Blowout: 130-101 Pacers

Remember last week when the Craptors won six games in a row, and there was talk about the playoffa? Well tonight the Craps reminded us why we went on a non-violent blogging strike. The only thing more embarassing than the Raptor defense tonight was giving up a double double to JOSH MCROBERTS!?!?!?! Captain Suck recorded career highs in points (12) and rebounds (11), outscoring Shawn Marion and Jose Calderon's combined point total. Did I mention that Josh McRoberts is a 2 ppg and 2 rpg player? Could have been Raptor Danny Granger Joey 2.0 put up 29 points tonight.
NBA.com Recap

Player of the game:
Gotta give it up for Patrick O'Bryant tonight (yes, seriously). As opposed to last nights game where he looked tired, disoriented, and Michael Bradley-esque, POB pulled it together tonight, starting in place of Andrea Bargnani. POB finished going 8-11 from the field, good for 16 points, grabbed 7 boards, and used every one of his fouls. The kicker: Patty led the Craps tonight with a stunning +3 performance.

Notables:
Chris Bosh - 'Nother day at the office for CB, 21 and 9. His infatuation with the three ball continues however, he has now attempted 7 threes in his past 10 games, he's 0-7 beeteedubz.
Joey Graham - 14 points, 4 boards, 8-9 from free throw. Joey showed up his twin brother good. Steven only had 8 points and 3 boards.

Full box score

Stat of the game:
The Craptor defense was just comical tonight. The Pacers had their highest point total and margin of victory of the season (Toronto makes the record books again!). They also shot 62 percent from the field in the first half, and 72 percent in the second quarter. At half, the score was an astounding 74-48, the Pacers highest scoring half of the season. The Pacers scored their 100th point with 3:33 left in the third quarter and led 115-74 at the end of the period. The Pacers shot 68 percent in the third quarter. I would attach a lesson for the Craps, but who has the energy anymore?

Raps Look to Get Back on Track

Tonight we have the Raps closing out a back-to-back against the Indiana Pacers at 7 PM. The game will as always be on channelsurfing.net and the Fan590, and will - rejoice, for this is a happy day! - be on TSN 666! The Raptors have lost two straight following an impressive six-game streak, and the Pacers are looking for their sixth win in their past eight games.

NBA.com preview

W2W4:
- Troy Murphy has been somewhat of a Turok suring his career. This season he has 45 double-doubles, two shy of the Pacers' franchise mark, and three straight against the Raps. He also recorded a 20-20 game on December 10th.
- Speaking of double-doubles, Chris Bosh has recorded an impressive eight straight. He'll be looking for more against a fairly weak Indiana frontcourt beyond Murphy. Bosh has 40 total double-doubles this season.
- A fun matchup to watch, as always, will be T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon. This season, Teej has a slight advantage in scoring at 15.1 PPG to Jose's 13.1, but Jose has a higher FG% (.502 to .448), 3FG% (.415 to .347) and FT% (league-leading .979 to .867). Ford also has a small edge in rebounding (3.6 to 2.9), but Jose's passing shines through, with the biggest statistical difference coming between Jose's 8.8 APG and T.J.'s 5.3. We should call him Jose and the Pass-ycats! Sorry. I'll show myself out.

Raps Get Back in the Win Column - 101-88 Raptors

Smiles from Jamario Moon, Jason Kapono and Chris Bosh in the fourth quarter of tonight's game said it all. The Raptors finally made some runs and stayed on top by double figures for most of the fourth en route to a big win at home. Kapono had his best game this season and provided timely shooting in a game when the Raps were without Anthony Parker and Kris Humphries.

NBA.com Recap

Player of the Game:
Kapono finally broke out with a huge game tonight. He put up 25 points on great 11-16 from the field (3-7 from three), 8 rebounds, 2 assists and even blocked a shot. Even with all his great numbers, the most impressive part of his game isn't visible in the box score. Jason created his own shot, showing off serious handles and putting his great mid-range game on display. On one play, he spun off his defender to his left, took a dribble over and launched a wide-open three. He missed, but if he had made it, it would have been the play of his career.

Notables:
Chris Bosh - 21 points (9-16 FG, 3-5 FT), 10 rebounds and 2 assists. Came out of his recent slump with a nice, All-Star performance. Hopefully CB4's feeling better, and can get some rest before Friday's tilt.
Jamario Moon - 17 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3FG, 1-3 FT), 8 rebounds, 3 blocks. Jamario showed us a little flashback to last season, being active on defense and on the boards, including a monster putback slam. One thing he didn't show last season was a very hot jumper, knocking down a three and mid-range Js with consistency, and was a great asset to the Raps tonight.
Jose Calderon - 11 points (3-9 FG, 1-2 3FG, 4-4 FT), 14 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and only 2 turnovers. Jose was magnificent. He moved the ball with meaning and kept the Raps' offense flowing, helping five other players score in double figures.

Full box score

Stat of the Game:
The Raptors shot very well, shooting efficient 49.4% from the field, while defending the Pacers very well, holding them to just 34.7% shooting. In particular, the Raps guarded the Pacers' leading scorer Danny Granger effectively, holding him to just 9-25 from the field and 3-11 from long range.

Next Game: Friday, December 12th, 7:30 PM at New Jersey Nets

Raptors Hope to End Skid vs. Pacers

7:00 pm, The Score, Fan 590, www.channelsurfing.net
The Raptors have dropped 5 straight. One can only hope that they can come out on the winning end against the 7-13 Pacers.

NBA.com Preview

What to Watch For:
- In the summer, the Raptors sent TJ Ford over to Indiana in order to assure Jose the starting spot. Tonight presents Jose vs. TJ. We all know that whoever fares better tonight is ultimately the better point guard, right?
- Anthony Parker will sit out tonight with a sprained ankle, look for Jason Kapono to start in his place.
- Jay Triano has talked about how he wants to play active defense and push the ball. Thus far we have seen little fast breaking and too much passiveness. Maybe the Raptors took note of a thing or two from the Cavaliers last night.