Friday, April 20, 2012

Raps Rap: April 11-20

Game 59 - vs 76ers (L 93-75 / 20-39 / streak L4) Wednesday April 11, 2012

Though Philadelphia shot just 10% from three-point range, they outscored the Raptors 58-20 in the paint led by a balanced attack that saw six Sixers score double-digits. The Raptors couldn't get into the paint and settled for jumpshots at just 36.2%. This was an important win for the Sixers and they needed this game more than the Raptors who were led by Ed Davis who had 13 and 13 off the bench. Alan Anderson added 13. Calderon was hit in the eye (again against Philly) and had to get three more stitches. The Johnsons shot a meagre  3-19 from the floor combined. The 75 points is a season-low at home.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Amir Johnson comes from behind to block Elton Brand

James Johnson reacts after dunking on Vlad Rad
Game 60 - vs Celtics (W 84-79 / 21-39 / streak W1) Friday April 13, 2012

The Raptors came out of the locker room after halftime on a mission and outscored the Celtics 27-11 in the third quarter. The Celtics could never recover, unlike the Sixers while the two are battling for playoff position. It was announced that Bargnani will sit the remainder of the season with his calf injury. See you in the fall, Bargs! DeMar led the Raps with 22, Kleiza finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds, Amir Johnson had 10 points, nine boards, and Alan Anderson scored 12. The Raps outrebounded the Celtics 50-37, but gave up 16 fast-break points to Toronto's two.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Deep DeRozan three-pointer beats the shot clock


Game 61 - @ Atlanta (W 102-86 / 22-39 / streak W2) Sunday April 15, 2012

#TankNation is the Twitter movement that wants the Raptors to lose their remaining games to secure a higher draft pick, essentially tanking the season. Back-to-back wins against playoff teams at the end of the season doesn't really make sense for the Raptors, but it's good to see a competitive squad pulling out some gritty late-season wins. DeMar scored 23 and the Raps shot 55.4% from the field. Alan Anderson started for the seventh time and scored 16 points. The Raptors outscored Atlanta 46-28 in the paint, never trailed, and led by as many as 24 points.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Ed Davis with the BIG two-handed slam


Game 62 - vs Hawks (L 109-87 / 22-40 / streak L1) Monday April 16, 2012

The Raps need to lose, the Hawks need to win, they split the series with neither team winning at home. This home-and-home series made no sense. The Raptors got sloppy and turned the ball over 18 times leading to 28 fast-break points, while the Raptors had just five in the game. DeMar had 22 and Ben Uzoh grabbed 10 rebounds and dished eight assists. With the win, the Hawks clinch a playoff spot. Ivan Johnson has a career-high 21 points for the Hawks. This was the fourth and last time the Raptors will be wearing their Camouflage jerseys this season.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; James Johnson's Monster dunk over Vladimir Radmanovic


Game 63 - @ Miami (L 96-72 / 22-41 / streak L2) Wednesday April 18, 2012

Bosh and Wade sat while LeBron took over the game with 28 points on 12 of 15 shooting and doing everything for his team. James Johnson had 18 and Alan Anderson had 15. The Raps shot a rock-bottom 1-16 (6.2%) from long range with Anderson missing all eight of his attempts. The Heat had 10 more rebounds and 14 more points in the paint than the Raptors did. The Heat are now 13-1 without Wade in the lineup. Jose Calderon didn't play again because of his swollen eye, and really, he deserves some time off.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; DeRozan shows open-court speed, dishes to Alan Anderson for dunk

The Week Ahead

Sunday, April 22 - @ Detroit Pistons, 6pm

Monday, April 23 - @ Milwaukee Bucks, 8pm

Thursday, April 26 - vs. New Jersey Nets, 7pm

(Johnson image via CityTV)


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