Raptors Coverage (g 1-5)

I've Been keeping track of the Raps pretty closely this year, watching as much as I can and making notes. At the end of the season, i hope to compile my notes into a report entitled "What's wrong with the Raptors? A Comprehensive Study." It's ambitious and not meant to be pretentious, here is my log of the first 20 games, from now on they will be updated immediately following games. Thanks keep it tuned to 360, Devin

Game 1 – New York (L 98-93)

Watched about 40%

At home versus the Knicks, gave up early before making a comeback. The attitude of losing was already written on the teams faces along the bench and in the way the announcer was speaking, when they were only down eleven with 5 left in the second quarter. Down the stretch couldn’t contain Amar’e, conversely didn’t have their own go-to guy down the stretch. This resulted in a wild three-point attempt to tie it with Barbosa jacking a fade over double coverage for a left baseline three on the kick-out from Jack. Triano looked like he could’ve drawn up a better play than that wild attempt. Get used to it.

Game 2- Cleveland (W 101-81)

Didn’t watch

Big win. Used team defensive intensity and just wanted it more. Reggie Evans has lots of rebounds again. Kleiza heats up in the third quarter.

Game 3- @ Sacramento (L 111-108)

Watched about 80%

After looking solid the whole game it wasn’t so much that the raptors collapsed, the Kings just caught fire in an emotional wave and the raptors couldn’t slow down the play and compose themselves with the lead, blowing it in the final minute and a half. Reggie once again kills it with 19 boards, essential, the first Raptor with swagger in a long time, the rest of the team needs to build a swagger/ identity.

Game 4- @ Utah (L 125-108)

Stopped watching when Raps trailed 15 – 2 in the first quarter.

Game 5- @ LA Lakers (L 108-103)

Watched about one quarter.

The Raps actually played pretty well in this game, but if Bosh was no answer for Gasol at times last year how are the Raptors supposed to contain him and 81. Made it a close one and gave the Lakers a scare, but did we really think the Lakers would lose this game?