Monday, April 30, 2012

Awards Predictions 2012: Sixth Man

This year, we've got a PTI situation for the Awards Predictions where myself (DG) and basketball analyst Patrick Choi (PC) discuss counter-arguments for each award. Some winners are more clear-cut than others, so decide for yourself as the awards are handed out throughout the playoffs to find out who was right. We'll be rolling them out twice per day for the next few days until each of the awards are covered. Enjoy!

Sixth Man of the Year

DG - James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder
No player in the NBA  made more of an impact off the bench this year than James Harden. The third-year shooting guard averaged 16.8 points per game (the most of any bench player in the L), 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists on effective 49-39-85 shooting percentages from the field, three, and foul line respectively. That efficiency gave Harden the fourth-highest true shooting percentage in the league. Though Lou Will averages 14.9 in 26 minutes and 20.3 per 36 minutes to Harden's 19.3 per 36, Lou shoots just 41 per cent from the field. Harden may be the best shooting guard in the league after Kobe and Wade, and the way he controls the game and runs the second unit allow the Thunder to not only maintain a lead, but usually build on it while Durant and Westbrook rest. He makes emotional, game-changing, smart plays while on the court and though he doesn't start games he often finishes them.


James Harden scored 51 points in a summer-league game


PC - Lou Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
Although it's pretty clear that James Harden of the Thunder is this years' front-runner for the sixth man of the year award, my bid for the award goes to Lou Williams. He's the leading scorer for his team coming off the bench, the last time a player led his team in scoring without starting a single games was in the 1993-94 season when Dell Curry did it for the Charlotte Hornets. Williams is averaging 14.9 ppg and 3.5 apg in 26 minutes of action for the eighth seeded Philadelphia 76ers. Playing for one of the top defensive teams, Williams is so vital to the team's success because he serves as the team's top shot creator. No player in the starting rotation has enough of an offensive arsenal to lead the team in scoring so Williams comes off the bench to be the guy responsible for taking and making most of their shots. 

Lou Will scored 51 points in a summer-league game, too

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Raps Wrap: April 22-26

Game 64 - @ Detroit (L 76-73 / 22-42 / streak L3) Sunday April 22, 2012

After Linas Kleiza's three brought the Raps back into the game in the final two minutes, a controversial call may have cost the Raps this game. With 28 seconds remaining, Alan Anderson drove to the basket and hooked a shot from the right baseline that was blocked on it's way down by Detroit centre Greg Monroe. Replays of the block showed that it clearly should have been called goaltending, and would have given the Raps a 75-74 lead. Anderson then missed a step-back three and a wide-open Linas Kleiza could not force overtime at the buzzer as the Raps fell to the Pistons. Ben Gordon scored 15 fourth-quarter points and finished with 19. DeRozan led the Raps with 16, but didn't play in the fourth quarter.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; DeRozan throws it down through traffic 

Ben Uzoh scored a triple-double to lead the Raps to a win in their final game
Game 65 - @ Milwaukee (L 92-86 / 22-43 / streak L4) Monday April 23, 2012

The Bucks needed a Philly loss and a win over the Raps to keep their playoff hopes alive, but when they found out midway through this game that the Sixers had clinched it took some of the wind out of their sails. The Bucks won anyway. DeMar got tossed from the game halfway through the second quarter after he tossed the ball the length of the court, upset that the referee had called his previous offensive attempt a traveling violation. James Johnson scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, but the Raps committed 21 turnovers in the game.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Ben Uzoh to Amir Johnson for the dunk off the inbound play


Game 66 - vs Nets (W 98-67 / 23-43 / streak W1) Thursday April 26, 2012

This game should have been anti-climatic,  but it was a hell of a lot of fun for Raptors fans. Never mind the whole "Fanapalooza" theme that someone in Toronto dreamed up, it was Toronto's bench players that shone in a blowout victory to end the season. The Raps rolled seven deep in their last game and killed it all night long starting the game up 17-2. Jamaal Magloire started after making a speech to the crowd, but played just five minutes, and James Johnson sat the entire second half meaning a team of Ben Uzoh, Alan Anderson, Gary Forbes, Ed Davis and Solomon Alabi crushed the Nets. Anderson, Forbes and Davis all finished with 20+ points, Solo rolled with 11 points and 19 rebounds, and Ben Uzoh scored the first Raptor triple-double since 2001, with a line of 12 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds. For Toronto fans, they had something to cheer for in the last game of the year and promise that next year with the team fully stocked, the Raptors could make some noise. The Nets, meanwhile, have played their last game under the New Jersey name and will move to Brooklyn to start the next season. So, yes, Raptors fans, it could be worse. What a year. That's a (W)Rap.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Solomon Alabi blocks MarShon Brooks in transition


The Off-Season Ahead

April 29 -- NBA Draft Early Entry Eligibility Deadline (11:59 p.m. ET)

May 30 -- NBA Draft Lottery

June 18 -- NBA Draft Early Entry Entrant Withdrawal Deadline (5:00 p.m. ET)

June 28 -- 2012 NBA Draft

July 11 -- NBA Teams May Begin Signing Free Agents

July 13-22 -- NBA Summer League (Las Vegas)

July 27-Aug. 12 -- 2012 Summer Olympics (London, England)

(Uzoh image via Toronto Star)


Saturday, April 21, 2012

Dime Watch: Steve Nash

Steve Nash has moved into the top five all-time in assists passing Oscar Robertson.

1. John Stockton - 15,806
2. Jason Kidd - 11,842
3. Mark Jackson - 10,334
4. Magic Johnson - 10,141
5. Steve Nash - 9897
6. Oscar Robertson - 9887

At Nash's current average of 10.7 assists per game, and two games remaining, he'll likely finish the regular season with 9919 assists. One more full 82-game season averaging at least 10 assists per game would give Nash 10,739, well ahead of Mark Jackson in third place. Presumably this would happen at the end of the 2012-13 NBA season wherever Nash ends up (if it isn't Phoenix), and only if he plays a full 82 games (unlikely with his deteriorating back). He will be 39 next season, but hasn't slowed down yet averaging 10.7 assists this season and has averaged at least 9.7 assists every year since returning to Phoenix in 2004-05. Nash would still trail Stockton by 5067 assists even if he were to average 10 assists over another 82-game season. If Nash is able to sustain an average of eight assists per game after next season, generous given he'll be 40, it would take 633 games (nearly eight full seasons) for Nash to pass Stockton's untouchable all-time record.


Friday, April 20, 2012

#PlayoffPush

WEST
Denver Nuggets
- record 34-28
- games remaining: 4
- @ Phoenix, vs Magic, @ Oklahoma City, @ Minnesota

Saturday afternoon's tilt in Phoenix has major playoff implications with the Suns now sitting just a game and a half back of the Nuggets. The Nuggets still seem like the best bet of the playoff contenders to grab the seventh seed in the West, but have battled injuries all season long that have led to inconsistency. Without Wilson Chandler and Rudy Fernandez, the Nuggets have to hope the rest of their players' health holds up. JaVale McGee hasn't proven to be a reliable replacement for Nene yet, either. A relatively tough schedule down the stretch makes it a possibility that the Nugs collapse, but they're still 1.5 games ahead of the Phoenix-Houston-Utah battle for eighth place.

Phoenix Suns
- record 33-30
- games remaining: 3
- vs Nuggets, @ Utah, vs Spurs

With a clutch win over the Los Angeles Clippers, and a Rockets OT loss, the Suns have climbed back into the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Phoenix holds the tie-breaker over both the Jazz and the Rockets and if the three teams end up tied, the Suns will be in the playoffs. Steve Nash has had yet another great season at the age of 38 and he's the catalyst for this Suns' drive into the playoffs and they're 8-4 in the month of April. Grant Hill's health is questionable and he's forcing himself to come back too soon if he indeed plays on Saturday against Denver. With the toughest remaining schedule of any of the #playoffpush teams, it will be a real accomplishment if the Suns make the playoffs.

Utah Jazz
- record 33-30
- games remaining: 3
- vs Orlando, vs Phoenix, vs Portland

CJ Miles is out of a boot and off crutches, Raja Bell and Josh Howard are both set to return to practice after battling knee injuries, but Earl Watson is going to undergo knee surgery soon and is out for the year. Injuries have plagued Utah's guards, but the frontcourt has been their strength all season with Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors, and Enes Kanter to a lesser extent. Devin Harris is averaging 11.3 points and 5.1 assists and has improved of late and his play could dictate whether the Jazz are playing in the postseason. With winnable games against Portland and a Howard-less Orlando, the playoffs may ride on the Tuesday night game when Utah hosts the Suns. Win or lose Tuesdays game, the Suns hold the tie-breaker that may leave the Jazz out of luck, but the Suns also have a tougher schedule.

Houston Rockets
- record 32-31
- games remaining: 3
- vs Warriors, @ Miami, vs Hornets

After losing six straight games the Rockets now sit on the outside looking in at the Western Conference playoffs. The last loss was especially crushing as the Hornets played spoiler by beating the Rockets in overtime. The remaining schedule for the Rockets may be the easiest of the Western contenders, but they're already a full game back of the Jazz and Suns. The Warriors are 22-39, the Heat may rest their stars, and the Hornets rematch will be fierce. Kevin Martin's shoulder injury is keeping him off the court, and between Camby and Dalembert the Rockets should have one healthy, reliable big man. With little wiggle room, Houston will likely have to win all three of their final games to make the playoffs.

EAST
Philadelphia 76ers 
- record 32-30
- games remaining: 4
- @ Indiana, @ New Jersey, @ Milwaukee, @ Detroit

The Sixers are already selling playoff tickets on their website and they have the final seed in the Eastern Conference all but locked up. With the Bucks now three games back, Philly just needs one more win to clinch a post-season berth. The resurgent Celtics have surpassed the Sixers after they led the Atlantic division for the majority of the season. Louis Williams is coming off the bench averaging a team-high 14.9 points per game. With no players averaging over 15 points, the balanced team approach led by veteran coach Doug Collins used to look like the the teams' greatest strength, but has turned into a big question mark since the Sixers tailspin late in the season. Regardless of who will score, continuing their strong defense will lead them into the playoffs and beyond.


Milwaukee Bucks
- record 29-33
- games remaining: 4
- vs Nets, vs Raptors, vs 76ers, @ Boston

If Milwaukee can win their next two games at home against the Nets and Raptors (and the Sixers lose on the road to Indiana and New Jersey) it will set up a crucial, late-season, all-in, playoffs on the line. The last Bucks loss guaranteed the Knicks a playoff spot. A late-season trade brought Monta Ellis to Milwaukee and he's averaged just 17.9 points in 19 games, his lowest average in five years. Trading away injury-plagued Andrew Bogut also depleted the depth up front with Drew Gooden and Ekpe Udoh attempting to control the painted area. The Bucks have a tough road ahead of them if they want to make the playoffs and it will rely on the Jennings-Ellis backcourt.


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)


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Dunkus Interruptus: Blake on Ibaka

Seems like when these two teams get together, it's a recipe for Dunkus Interruptus. Earlier in the year Griffin "Mozgov'd" Kendrick Perkins, and on this dunk he may have reached new heights. Taking off at least a step outside of the restricted area, Griffin gets up high and throws it down cleanly over the leagues leading shot-blocker. Ibaka challenged the attempt, and any other dunkee surely would have been denied at the rim, but this is Blake Griffin we're talking about - the guy who makes Dunkus Interruptus a weekly thing.

Click for Youtube link


Bonus dunk - Josh Smith crams it over Serge Ibaka


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

The Dunkin' Dutchman: Revealed!

Before now, I never knew who Rik Smits was.

Unless Asher Roth hasn't already enlightened you, let's learn together.

So next time you're doing a Sporcle quiz (like I was) and you don't know which NBA player was nicknamed "The Dunkin' Dutchman," you'll remember this and go, "Oh yeah, Rik Smits!"

That's right. This is educational.


The 7'4" Dutch centre was drafted second overall in the 1988 draft and spent his entire career with the Indiana Pacers. Known as the "Dunkin' Dutchman," Smits averaged 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game for his career. Known for his height, there are only six players in NBA history who have been taller.
Not many players look down at Shaq

Smits started his career averaging 11.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 71 starts and earning All-Rookie First Team honors. He would go on to average at least 10 points per game in each and every season of his 12-year NBA career.

His peak season was 1995-96 when Smits scored 18.5 points per game, and helped the Pacers to 52 wins and a tight seven-game Eastern Finals loss to the Orlando Magic, averaging 20.1 points in the playoffs. During the series Smits hit the most memorable shot of his career.

As the Pacers second option behind Reggie Miller, Smits led Indiana on a few deep playoff runs in the mid-90s. In 1998 he made his lone All-Star Game appearance where he had 10 points and seven rebounds. The highlight of the game came when he threw an unexpected behind-the-back pass to Jayson Williams for a dunk.

Smits started in all 79 games he played in 1999-2000, his final season, averaging 12.9 points and 5.1 rebounds and taking the Pacers all the way to the NBA Finals where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, who were just beginning their threepeat. Chronic nerve problems in his feet then forced the Dunkin' Dutchman to hang up his size-18 Reeboks for good.

Now retired, Smits collects and races vintage motocross motorcycles.

All-in-all, a solid career that deserves to be remembered.


Raps Rap: April 4-10

Game 56 - @ Philadelphia (W 99-78 / 20-35 / streak W3) Wednesday April 4, 2012

When the Raptors stick to their strengths, and produce across the board, they do quite well. That's easier said than done though. Consistent games like this though and the Raptors are much better than their record indicates. Bargs had 24 points, DeMar had 18, and Calderon had 12 points and 13 assists despite having to leave the game after he took an Elton Brand elbow to the eye and returning stitched up, swollen, and bandaged. Ed Davis hauled in 14 boards, and Alan Anderson started the game and scored 13 points as the Sixers continued to fall in the Eastern conference standings. Despite the productive offensive numbers, it was the Raps defense that got the job done as they held the Sixers to just seven points in the fourth quarter. The Raps outrebounded the Sixers 46-29 and never missed a free-throw.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Linas Kleiza with the fall-away three pointer into the bench

Calderon played through the pain with his eye nearly swelled shut
Game 57 - vs Cavaliers (L 84-80 / 20-36 / streak L1) Friday April 6, 2012

Without Kyrie Irving and ex-Raptor Anthony Parker, the Cavs came back in the fourth quarter outscoring the Raps 33-17, including 16 in the final frame by Antawn Jamison. The 14-year veteran Jamison scored a total of 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds against the Raps who once dealt the rights to Jamison for Vince Carter in a draft-night deal. The Raps three-game winning streak was snapped even though DeMar scored 28 points and Bargs went for 19 points and seven rebounds. The Cavs shot 25-for-73 for the game, yet managed to beat the Raptors. The Raps had more points in the paint and more rebounds, but committed 14 turnovers. Calderon's swollen eye kept him out of the game.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Ed Davis blocks Tristan Thompson's post move


Game 58 - @ Oklahoma City (L 91-75 / 20-37 / streak L2) Sunday April 8, 2012

The Raptors hung tight with arguably the league's best team until the Thunder woke up and went on an absurd 24-0 run to crush the Raptors. The Thunder had been struggling and had lost three straight, but managed to hold all except two Raptors to single-digit scoring. Calderon shot an efficient 8-12 in his return from an eye injury and scored 19 points with six assists, and DeMar had 18 points. Bargnani had seven points in the first half, but did not return for the second half after re-aggravating the strained calf that he's battled all season long. His return does not seem imminent.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; DeMar DeRozan outruns the Thunder for the two-handed slam


Game 59 - @ Indiana (L 103-98 / 20-38 / streak L3) Monday April 9, 2012

The Raptors almost came back from a fourth quarter 15-point defecit to defeat the Pacers, but it was too little too late. Amir Johnson had 16 and seven, Alan Anderson started the game and had 17 points, Linas Kleiza had 18 points, and Ed Davis had a double-double. Ex-Raptor Leandro Barbosa had 14 points in 22 minutes off the bench for the Pacers including a clutch three. At the halftime buzzer Calderon gave George Hill way too much space and he drained a long two. The Pacers outscored the Raptors 17-3 in fastbreak points.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; James Johnson with the flying block

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, April 11th - Raptors @ Philadelphia 76ers, 7pm

Friday, April 13th - Raptors vs Boston Celtics, 7pm

Sunday, April 15th - Raptors @ Atlanta Hawks, 6pm

Monday, April 16th - Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks, 7pm

(Calderon image via Sportsnet)


Sunday, April 8, 2012

Dunkus Interruptus: Blake on Pau

Pau Gasol makes some of the best faces in the NBA. Kevin Love recently almost took the title for "best/ most hilarious in-game face," but Pau is a legend in the game. Needless to say, when Pau gets dunked on and/ or over, he produced faces fit for the basketball face hall of fame. But who would it take to produce one of the most legendary "dunked on" faces of all time from Pau? Why, the man with no expression at all. No, it's not Tim Duncan, it's Blake Griffin - the stone-faced elevation/ domination machine. When Blake goes up, nobody should get in the way. First, Blake gets an unsuspecting Pau on the put-back cram while the behind-the-backboard camera captures Pau's facial expression. Then, Blake rearranges Pau's face in a dramatic mid-air collision that is among the dunks of the year. It's Dunkus Interruptus time, so whatever you're doing, drop it, and watch these dunks!

click to watch on Youtube


Honorable Mentions 


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Raps Rap: March 27-April 3

Game 51- vs Nuggets (W 105-96 / 17-34 / streak W1) Wednesday March 28, 2012

A good win for the Raptors saw DeRozan return from a sprained ankle and score 17 while Bargnani dropped a game-high 26 points and looks to be back to his pre-calf strain form. Ty Lawson also scored 26 in the loss for the Nuggets. Gary Forbes has been playing well of late and finished with a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Jose Calderon finished with a double-double of his own despite getting killed by JaVale McGee. Former Nugget Linas Kleiza had 15 points of his own as the Raptors went on a 17-2 run to end the game. McGee had the highlight of the game, but new Raptor Alan Anderson had a slam of his own that requires recognition.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Alan Anderson putback slam


Game 52- vs Heat (L 113-101 / 17-35 / streak L1) Friday March 30, 2012

Miami started this game with a 16-2 run that seemed cruel until the Raptors went on a run of their own and entered the third quarter tied at 83. The Raps couldn't match the Heat at the end of the fourth and lost the quarter 30-18. Chris Bosh had 30 points, 8 rebounds, Wade had 30, 6 and 6, and LeBron had 26 points and 9 assists. Credit to the Raps for sticking with them. Bargnani and DeRozan had 27 and 28 respectively, Amir Johnson had 12-and-12 for the double-double and Calderon dished 16 assists in the loss. The Raps committed 16 turnovers in the game and were outscored in the paint 64 to 36.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Amir Johnson putback slam

Bargnani discusses game strategy with coach Dwane Casey
Game 53- vs Wizards (W 99-92 / 18-35 / streak W1) Sunday April 1, 2012

The Raptors led the entire game, at times by as many as 15 points, but Washington brought it within three with just over a minute left. After DeMar DeRozan couldn't finish on a hard take to the hole, Amir Johnson cleaned up the putback attempt and put the Raptors ahead for good. Bargnani led the Raps with 18 points and eight rebounds, and Jose Calderon finished with 15 points and eight assists. Toronto out-rebounded Washington 43-31 and the Raps bench outscored the Wizards reserves 40-20 with every player scoring. Recently-signed, undrafted point guard Ben Uzoh scored just two points but they were spectacular.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Ben Uzoh steal and breakaway dunk


Game 55- vs Bobcats (W 99-92 / 19-35 / streak W2) Tuesday April 3, 2012

In the final game of a five-game homestand the Rators held off a scrappy Bobcats team to finish 3-2 during the ACC stretch. In the final minute Byron Mullens, Andrea Bargnani, and DJ Augustin traded three-pointers. Bargnani was then able to get a shot off to go ahead, then got to the line on the next possession to seal the game. Bargs finished with 30, DMDR with 20 and Calderon finished with 11 assists. Linas Kleiza was on fire early and though he couldn't stay in that groove he still finished with 18 points. "Lord" Byron airballed a three that could have tied the game in the final minute but he finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds. The Bobcats outrebounded the Raps 46-38 but the shooting of the Raptors and the 11-point fourth quarter of Bargnani were enough to seal the victory.

Raptor Highlight of the Night; Calderon drops it to the trailing Bargnani for the cram

(Bargnani image via Canada.com)