Game 42 - @ San Antonio (L 104-95/ 13-28 / streak L5) Wednesday January 19, 2011
Watched whole game
The Raptors played very well in this game and surprised the Spurs, nearly upsetting the top team in the NBA, but ultimately coming up short. Up against the toughest team in the league 41 games (halfway) through the season, the Spurs have a secret to their success; consistency. All of the Spurs starting five players have not only played in every game, but started every game so far this season. In contrast, the Raptors have been forced to utilize 15 different starting lineups so far this season, a combination of injury and inconsistency. The Spurs are a refocused team this season and it seems like speculation that the Spurs dynasty is declining have been taken seriously by the “big three.” Manu and Tony took the summer off from the world championships, and Duncan’s days playing for any color other than black and silver are over. They come into the contest a league best 37 – 6, and are on pace for literally the best record ever, Jordan’s biblical 70 win season with the Bulls.
In this game, the Raptors do it all with what they have and match up well with the Spurs. They do everything they need to get an early start and a lead in this game. It’s not that the Raptors are good at playing with an early lead, it’s just that they’re so bad playing without an early lead. Without an early lead the team can tend to slip into the losing mentality, but even if they do get that early lead, turnovers, points in the paint, and overall rebounds usually sink the Raptors as they do this night while the Raptors concede the lead after the 57 point mark. DeRozan explodes for twenty points in the first half, but is held to eight in the second half. Bargnani again had an off game and shot 6-20 for 14 points. Dujuan Blair finishes with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Manu Ginobili also scores 23 points including 14-14 free throws, McDyess throws down some youthful jams, and the San Antonio machine keeps on winning. The Raptors were within six points with just over two minutes left until George Hill took care of business with a dagger three-pointer to go up 100-93 and seal the deal. The Raptors move on to face Orlando and Miami in a Florida ‘vacation,’ as they attempt to steal a win and end their five game losing streak.
ps. Big News NBA Dunk Contest 2010 redemption, DeMar DeRozan confirmed 2011 participant. Takes the place of injured Brandon Jennings http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/01/19/jennings-grounded-from-slam-dunk/?ls=iref:nbahpt1
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