So far this shortened season the games are coming fast and heavy and the Raptors have been... well, they've been the Raptors. The defense has been better and they've challenged some tough teams, and came up short, but the concensus is that we like what we see here in Raptorland. Dwane Casey is doing big things with limited talent and it's taking the pain out of thinking about the future just a little bit.
Here's what happened in the past week.
Game 3- @ Dallas (L 99-86 / 1-2 / streak L2) Friday December 30, 2011
It was a good defensive effort by the Raptors, but when Ian Mahinmi scores 19 points you need to refocus on your defense in the paint. This was coach Dwane Casey's first game back in Dallas after helping the Mavs win the 2011 championship as an assistant. Bargnani vs Dirk is always a fun matchup for Raptors fans and dreamers alike who wish Bargs could develop into half the legend that Finals MVP Dirk has become. Ultimately the Raptors were outclassed even though they briefly held a lead in the third quarter. They couldn't cover Dirk, gave up too many threes, and couldn't get enough scoring outside DeRozan and Bargnani who finished with a game-high 30 points and 7 rebounds.
* Raptors highlight of the game - DeRozan through dunks off his own miss
Game 4- @ Orlando (L 102-96 / 1-3 / streak L3) Sunday January 1, 2012
Happy New Year! 2012 is going to be an exciting year for the Raptors who approach next season with Jonas Valenciunas, a fresh lottery pick, and cap room to facilitate some signings and/ or trades. In the meantime, there is much the young Raps can learn this season. This game should have been a Raptors win, but they collapsed in the fourth quarter, giving up a 16-0 run after leading by 11 going into the final frame. Dwight Howard was his usual self (19 points, 15 rebounds) pummeling the Raptors interior defenders (poor Amir Johnson), but who knew Ryan Anderson (24 points) would be leading the Magic in scoring this year, and leading the league in threes? Calderon had a big 18 point, 13 assist outing, and Bargnani was aggressive (28 points, 7 rebounds) but to no avail against Dwight Howard's block party. Again, the Raps struggle to defend the three-pointer and can't come through in the clutch.
*Raptors highlight of the game - Bargnani crams it off the pump-fake
Game 5- @ Knicks (W 90-85 / 2-3 / streak W1) Monday January 2, 2012
With four of the Raptors first five games coming on the road, the Raptors have battled tough and were rewarded with a win over the Knicks at MSG. It's really nice to see the Raptors win with defense. The Raptors were without Bayless, Gray and still awaiting Linas Kleiza's return, but the Knicks were missing Amar'e which more than equaled the Raptors losses. Toney Douglas and Carmelo Anthony (35 points, 11 rebounds) led the way for the Knicks, but they struggled to score as a team. Bargs and DMDR both scored 21 and the rest of the team chipped in, especially on the defensive end. The Raptors once again allowed the opposing team to creep back into the game in the fourth quarter, but this time they had some answers.
*Raptors highlight of the game - Bargnani hits the and-1 fadeaway over Chandler
Game 6- vs Cavaliers / Wednesday January 4, 2012. 7pm
The Raptors beat the Cavs in their season opener, and both teams have only gotten better since.
This game is a big deal because it'll be #4 pick, and Brampton Ontario native, Tristan Thompson's NBA debut in Canada.
Prediction: Raptors win 103-95
The Week Ahead
Friday, Jan 6 - vs New Jersey Nets. 7pm
Saturday, Jan 7 - @ Philadelphia 76ers. 8pm
Monday, Jan 9 - vs Minnesota Timberwolves. 7pm (I will be in attendance)
Tuesday, Jan 10 - @ Washington Wizards. 7pm
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