When you pull out a big 109-108 overtime win against the Dallas Mavericks, there's a lot to smile about. DeMar's jumper in overtime proved to be the game winner in the Raptors third win in their last four games. In last night's post game interview with Eric Smith, Kyle Lowry popped his head in for his own video bomb.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Video Bomb Alert: Kyle Lowry videobombs DeMar DeRozan
When you pull out a big 109-108 overtime win against the Dallas Mavericks, there's a lot to smile about. DeMar's jumper in overtime proved to be the game winner in the Raptors third win in their last four games. In last night's post game interview with Eric Smith, Kyle Lowry popped his head in for his own video bomb.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
RAPTORS PODCAST: RAPS TALK presented by HHJ & HHN Ep. 53 (12.17.2013)

Labels:
DeMar DeRozan,
Kyle Lowry,
Masai Ujiri,
NBA,
podcast,
Raps Talk,
Terrence Ross,
Toronto Raptors
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Northern Exposure: Canada Basketball on the Rise
by Mike Masaya
There is no denying a lot has changed since 2011 for Canadians and their relationship with the NBA and basketball in general. After years of cringing international performances two-time MVP, future Hall of Fame inductee and British Columbia native Steve Nash was named GM of the national senior men’s basketball team. Several weeks later Tristan Thompson from Brampton, Ontario one-upped Steve Nash by becoming the highest ever drafted Canadian born player with the 4th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Bryan Colangelo's two cents on the Rudy Gay trade
by Romy Aquino
Well, it didn't take long for former Raptors General Manager, Bryan Colangelo to put his two cents on the recent seven player deal between the Toronto Raptors and the Sacramento Kings. Colangelo gave his input on former Raptor Rudy Gay and the move made by the Sacramento Kings.
(via SacBee.com)
“I put a high premium on talent and character, and Rudy Gay has an abundance of both,” said Bryan Colangelo, the former Raptors general manager who acquired Gay from Memphis last January in a deal that was widely regarded as a salary dump by the Grizzlies. “Obviously, Pete (D’Alessandro) has a mandate to increase the talent level of his team as opposed to depleting it. This move is a pretty good indication of that.”
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Raptors deal Rudy Gay to the Sacramento Kings
by Romy Aquino
Well, Masai Ujiri is making his mark on this Raptors franchise. The Raptors began cleaning house and unloaded Rudy Gay and his massive contract to the Sacramento Kings. The details of the deal are as follows:
To Toronto:
Greivis VasquezJohn Salmons
Patrick Patterson
Chuck Hayes
To Sacramento:
Rudy Gay
Aaron Gray
Quincy Acy
Friday, December 6, 2013
RAPTORS PODCAST: RAPS TALK presented by HHJ & HHN Ep. 52 (12.05.2013)

Thursday, November 28, 2013
RAPTORS PODCAST: RAPS TALK presented by HHJ & HHN Ep. 51 (11.27.2013)

Friday, November 22, 2013
PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 50 (11.21.2013)

Saturday, November 16, 2013
Lebron James Weighs in on Rudy Gay's Terrible Shooting Performance
Rudy Gay's 29 points on 11 of 37 shooting against the Rockets on Monday was one of the ugliest shooting performances in Raptors history. Rudy set a Raptors record with his 37 shot attempts and it sparked a buzz in the NBA when both Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan shot a miserable 17-62 from the floor in the Raptors double overtime loss.
Rudy's number of shots garnered a response from Lebron James when asked about the shot attempts that Gay took on Monday.
(via ESPN)
James, who won the league's scoring title in 2008 at 30 points per game with Cleveland, said he could easily be even more aggressive looking for his shots if he chose to play that way. He suggested he could score “60, 70 points” in a game if he shot the ball 37 times in a game. His answer was in response to a question that referred to the number of shots Toronto forward Rudy Gay attempted earlier this week during an overtime loss against Houston.
Friday, November 15, 2013
PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 49 (11.14.2013)

Labels:
Andrew Wiggins,
DeMar DeRozan,
NBA,
podcast,
Raps Talk,
Rudy Gay,
Steve Novak,
Toronto Raptors,
Tristan Thompson
Saturday, November 9, 2013
VIDEO: Amir Johnson Videobombs Tyler Hansbrough
Prior to last night's loss to the Indiana Pacers, NBA TV Canada interviewed former Indiana Pacer, Tyler Hansbrough about the matchup against his former squad. Shortly into the interview, Amir Johnson in true jokester fashion, straight up video bombs the interview.
Friday, November 8, 2013
PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 48 (11.07.2013)

Labels:
Anthony Bennett,
DeMar DeRozan,
Jonas Valančiūnas,
NBA,
podcast,
Raps Talk,
Rudy Gay,
Toronto Raptors
Thursday, October 31, 2013
PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 47 (10.30.2013)

Sunday, October 27, 2013
THE WALKING DEAD PART 2: Amir Johnson at the Toronto Zombie Walk (PHOTOS)
For the second year in a row, Amir Johnson got his hair and makeup did.....zombie style. He and his some of his NZA crew (National Zombie Association) that included the Raptors own Kat Stefankiewicz participated in Toronto's annual Zombie walk. Based on these photos, Amir stepped up his zombie game and got a fresh new zombie look. Check out the photos via Amir's Instagram account, iamamirjohnson
Roster set at 15, Raptors waive Carlos Morais and Chris Wright
posted by Romy Aquino
Well, it looks like it was Julyan Stone who impressed Coach Casey and the Raptors front office for that final roster spot. The Raptors announced yesterday that they have waived forwards Chris Wright and Carlos Morais. Going into the preseason, Chris Wright was a familiar face to Toronto and looked to have a strong chance of locking down that final spot with his previous experience with the Raptors summer league and playing on last season's Raptors preseason roster.Wednesday, October 23, 2013
PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 46 (10.23.2013)

Monday, October 21, 2013
VIDEO: Raptors DJ Augustin throws the high alley-oop pass to Landry Fields
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Hoops Talk with St. Bonaventure alum and Nova Scotia's own, Chris Johnson
Thursday, October 17, 2013
PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 44 (10.17.2013)
This week we talk about the Raptors preseason performances to date, the point guard situation in Toronto, the Raptor mascot injury and the Canadians in the NBA.
Friday, October 11, 2013
First Kobe, Now the Raptor - The Raptor mascot out for the season
by Romy Aquino
I think most of us think that NBA mascots are invincible. They've got those big padded suits, they run around the arena and pull off the most ridiculous stunts and after falling on their mascot faces, it looks like nothing phases them. But this week, all that changed. Our beloved Raptor mascot, who has been there since the Raptors inception back in '95, went down with an achilles injury in our hometown Halifax last week.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
VIDEO: Raptors Intrasquad Scrimmage Recap in Halifax, NS
Well, the Raptors short stay in Halifax ended off with an intrasquad scrimmage at the Metro Centre here in Halifax over the weekend. It was Team Black consisting of Jonas Valanciunas, Amir Johnson, DeMar DeRozan and Landry Fields with the blowout win 92-64 over Team Gray made up of Kyle Lowry, Rudy Gay and Terrence Ross in front of over 7,000 at the Halifax Metro Centre. Sean Francois and myself recap the game from our point of view in the Metro Centre stands.
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Exit TBJ, Enter #TheStarters
by Romy Aquino
So for most internet basketball fans, you've been waiting in anticipation as to where our Canadian homies, J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas and the TBJ crew would be taking their talents to. Well the announcement came today and it couldn't be a more perfect situation, they've dropped 'The Basketball Jones' name (due to copyright issues) and have brought their blogging/podcast empire to NBA TV. Yep, they've moved down south to the ATL and will have their own podcast, NBA blog and TV show on NBA TV under the new name "The Starters".Who's the new guy? Raptors new face: Tyler Hansbrough
by Romy Aquino
Tyler Hansbrough is one of those guys you want on your side. He's pesky, aggressive, he hustles to get that rebound and SOMETIMES he gets in your face.Monday, September 30, 2013
It's Official. Toronto, Drake and the Raptors land the 2016 All-Star Weekend
Via the Raptors official press release:
“We are thrilled that Toronto is hosting our first NBA All-Star Game outside the United States,” said Silver. “As the site of the first game ever in the NBA, Toronto is an ideal location for this global basketball celebration.”
Friday, September 27, 2013
NBA TV Canada's "Open Gym" Series is back, Raptors Summer League Edition
The NBA TV Canada "Open Gym" series is back y'all! The series returns on Thursday, October 3rd on NBA TV with a look back at the Raptors summer league action. It all takes place in Vegas and in this Open Gym teaser we get to see a few new faces in the mix along with a few returning faces to Summer League with a few young Raptors: Quincy Acy, Terrence Ross and Jonas Valanciunas. We've got few cameos from a few Canadian ballers in the promo, too. Vegas, baby!
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Thursday, September 26, 2013
Who's the new guy? Raptors new face: DJ Augustin
by Romy Aquino
With Jose Calderon and John Lucas III out of the picture, the backup point guard spot to Kyle Lowry is wide open. Masai Ujiri signed DJ Augustin a one-year deal this offseason to potentially fill that backup role. Augustin was a highly-touted prospect and was the ninth overall draft pick in the '08 draft that included a talented group of point guards: Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, George Hill and Jerryd Bayless.
With Jose Calderon and John Lucas III out of the picture, the backup point guard spot to Kyle Lowry is wide open. Masai Ujiri signed DJ Augustin a one-year deal this offseason to potentially fill that backup role. Augustin was a highly-touted prospect and was the ninth overall draft pick in the '08 draft that included a talented group of point guards: Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, George Hill and Jerryd Bayless.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
NBA All-Star Weekend is moving north, Toronto set to host the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend
Toronto, Canada...it looks like might have your first NBA All-Star weekend.
As reported by the Toronto Sun:
Multiple sources told the Toronto Sun Tuesday that the Raptors are on the verge of landing the 2016 NBA all-star weekend. An official announcement is expected within a week that will reveal further details of how one of the sport’s biggest weekends will tie into Toronto’s 20th-anniversary season.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
T.O. - The Cavs #1 pick Anthony Bennett gives back to the T-dot
This year's #1 NBA draft pick, Anthony Bennett helped unveil the new youth centre in Toronto's Jane and Finch this past Thursday where the young Toronto native began his early basketball career.
Via The Globe and Mail:
“The Boys and Girls Club played a huge part in my success,” said Anthony Bennett, the NBA’s No. 1 overall draft pick in 2013, who grew up around the corner. “Seeing [the club] expanding, reaching out to the kids, is just real heart-warming.”
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Raptors Camp is just around the corner
The fall season is almost here which can only mean one thing, the NBA season is just around the corner. NBA training camps will be underway soon and the Toronto Raptors will be starting their own camp in just a couple of weeks. Another fresh Toronto Raptors squad will be making a return to Halifax, Nova Scotia under new general manager Masai Ujiri. The team will be back for a portion of their training camp on October 4th and 5th. The Raptors held their training camp here in Halifax last season at the Canada Games Centre. There will be two practices on the Friday with an intra-squad game on Saturday, October 5th at the Halifax Metro Centre.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Hoops Talk with two-time NBL Canada All-Star Joey "The King Handles" Haywood
The guard from Vancouver, BC continued to impress Halifax fans and averaged 14.5 ppg with the Halifax Rainmen this past season with the Rainmen. We had the chance to talk to Joey about his All-Star selection, his experience with the Trinidad and Tobago national team and his aspirations for the future.
Big shoutouts go out to Joey for taking the time to take part in our interview, be sure to follow him on Twitter @TheKingHandles. Also, shoutouts to Joe Mosher for hooking up the interview, be sure to check out Joe's training services at Work Basketball - Skills Training on Facebook.
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Monday, March 18, 2013
PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 43 (03.18.2013)

If you're new to the podcast, make sure you subscribe to the RAPS TALK podcast on iTunes.
Labels:
Andrea Bargnani,
podcast,
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Rudy Gay,
Steve Nash,
Toronto Raptors,
Tristan Thompson
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Pound the Rock Stars of the Night - Toronto Raptors 114 , Milwaukee Bucks 122 - The 'Staying Alive' Edition
posted by Mike Masaya
SHOUTOUTS TO THE Bucks:
Photo via Fox Sports
POUND THE ROCK STARS - On a nightly basis, no matter how good or bad the Raps play, no matter if they blow out a team or if they get blown out and no matter if they win or lose, these are the Raptors with the best 'Pound the Rock' status for the night.
FINAL SCORE: RAPTORS 114 - BUCKS 122 SEASON RECORD: 23W-37L
POUND THE ROCK STAR #1: AMIR JOHNSON
LINE: 19 pts (9-11), 1-2 FT, 9 reb
From the first tip right up until about three minutes left in overtime Amir Johnson was the motor keeping the Raptors going, taking high percentage shots and making things difficult for the Bucks with his defense. Andrea Bargnani and Landry Fields were a great help to Amir’s cause early on with their size and active hands creating points off of turnovers. Amir had 9 points by halftime but went scoreless in a poor 3rd quarter by the Raptors before scoring 10 in the fourth. Even though Amir Johnson fouled out he was a key factor in trying to keep the Raptors playoff hopes alive.
POUND THE ROCK STAR #2: ALAN ANDERSON
LINE: 21 pts (8-20), 4-5 FT
None of Alan Anderson’s points were as important as his dunk to tie the game at 104 with 1.6 seconds left in the 4th quarter sending the game into overtime. Anderson’s role in keeping the Raptors in the game with 21 points in 29 minutes of playing time was invaluable especially with Rudy Gay out with back spasms. Averaging 24 minutes and 11 points this season its good to know he can elevate his game when Toronto is short handed and he is getting more touches. Should this be the end of the Toronto’s playoff chances, Raptors management should feel good knowing a player like Anderson is capable of performing well under pressure when his number is called. No doubt a topic of conversations with trade rumours likely to resurface at the end of the season.
POUND THE ROCK STAR #3: JOHN LUCAS III
LINE: 16 pts (6-9), 4-5 3pts
With less than 20 minutes of playing time John Lucas was able score 16 points on 66% shooting and 80% from 3 point range. DeMar Derozan was clearly no slouch with 18 points and 9 assists of his own and my only concern is that it was done with a little under 48 minutes on 6-21 shooting. There was no doubt a monkey wrench thrown into the Raptors new system with the temporary loss of Rudy Gay and more pressure will understandably fall back onto Derozan. This is why John Lucas III will remain coach Casey’s favorite go to bench player by staying ready to play at full speed the way the coaching staff and fans know he can when the team needs him the most, like he did tonight.
SHOUTOUTS TO THE Bucks:
ERSAN ILYASOVA
LINE: 29 pts (12-21), 5-5 FT, 11 reb, 2 stl
Ersan Ilyasova has averaged 11.6 points and 6.5 rebounds this season and improved to 15 points and 7.5 rebounds in the month of February helping keep the Bucks playoff hopes alive. No doubt asked to fill the void left by Andrew Bogut, Ersan Ilyasova welcomes contact under the rim with his 6’10 235 pound frame and balances it with a decent mid range jumper should his defenders ever question his ability. His tip in of a missed shot with seconds left in the 4th quarter giving the Bucks a 104-102 lead is another example of his endless hustle and determination. Extra points go out to him after clocking in nearly 40 minutes in an uptempo game which can often be a challenge for big men.
Next up for the Raps: @ Golden State (Monday)
Photo via Fox Sports
Friday, March 1, 2013
3 Point Break: Raptors vs Pacers
posted by Mike Masaya
With a little under two months left in the NBA season the Raptors will have to forget the bad calls and the “could have, should have and would have” moments that littered their record throughout their first 20 games. The Raptors currently sit at the 9th spot in the East tied with the Philadelphia 76ers and 6 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks. If the NFL is a “game of inches” then the Raptors mantra is about winning games “decided by stats” with variables all less than 10.
The Indiana Pacers are force to be reckoned with and have won 4 of their last 5 games and are tied for 2nd in the East. The season series between these 2 teams is 2-1 in favor of the Raptors. One can only hope that the with the Pacers losing the first of back to back games, a day off for the Raptors and a concentrated effort that they can win the season series at 3-1 tonight.
In order to make that possible there are a few important things Toronto will have to do and the room for error is very small.
Bench Mob: All season long we have had great break out performances from the likes of Alan Anderson and John Lucas III. It’s always fun to watch a bench player have a game where everything goes their way and it makes for a great story. The key is turning these one-off situations into a common occurrences. By all accounts Andrea Bargnani should be leading the charge off the bench with Landry Fields and Terrence Ross should they get the playing time. The Raptors bench averaged 18 points in their last 3 losses and averaged 25 in their last 2 wins. Before you say that small of a margin doesn’t make a difference, all 3 losses mentioned above were by an average of 7.6 points.
Free Throws: Every team needs to shoot well from the line to stay in close games. Although the Raptors are doing great in that category averaging around 80% as of late, the truth is they will need to stay around or above 85% as they did in their last 2 wins. The Raptors lost by 6 points to the Wizards and that just so happens to be the exact number of free throws they missed that night. I know asking a team to shoot 100% from the line is unrealistic however getting to the line which Toronto already does a great job of doing, will have to be better. With a few more free throw opportunities or a higher free throw percentage it could make all the difference. With Toronto tied for 6th place in free throw percentage among all NBA teams there is nothing to frown at and proves they have what it takes to make that extra push and turn close games into wins.
Turnovers: Every team wants keep their turnovers down and its obvious the Raptors keep themselves in every game when they keep their turnover numbers low. Only New York and Philadelphia average less turnovers than Toronto who themselves average 12.7 turnovers per game. As shown by their last 3 losses going even slightly over that number to 14.3 can make a huge difference. Indiana is a tough defensive team so passes will need to be sharp and the Raptors will have to avoid charges and fouls under the basket because the Pacers are in no way afraid of contact, they welcome it.
Photo via Raptors HQ
With a little under two months left in the NBA season the Raptors will have to forget the bad calls and the “could have, should have and would have” moments that littered their record throughout their first 20 games. The Raptors currently sit at the 9th spot in the East tied with the Philadelphia 76ers and 6 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks. If the NFL is a “game of inches” then the Raptors mantra is about winning games “decided by stats” with variables all less than 10.
The Indiana Pacers are force to be reckoned with and have won 4 of their last 5 games and are tied for 2nd in the East. The season series between these 2 teams is 2-1 in favor of the Raptors. One can only hope that the with the Pacers losing the first of back to back games, a day off for the Raptors and a concentrated effort that they can win the season series at 3-1 tonight.
In order to make that possible there are a few important things Toronto will have to do and the room for error is very small.
Bench Mob: All season long we have had great break out performances from the likes of Alan Anderson and John Lucas III. It’s always fun to watch a bench player have a game where everything goes their way and it makes for a great story. The key is turning these one-off situations into a common occurrences. By all accounts Andrea Bargnani should be leading the charge off the bench with Landry Fields and Terrence Ross should they get the playing time. The Raptors bench averaged 18 points in their last 3 losses and averaged 25 in their last 2 wins. Before you say that small of a margin doesn’t make a difference, all 3 losses mentioned above were by an average of 7.6 points.
Free Throws: Every team needs to shoot well from the line to stay in close games. Although the Raptors are doing great in that category averaging around 80% as of late, the truth is they will need to stay around or above 85% as they did in their last 2 wins. The Raptors lost by 6 points to the Wizards and that just so happens to be the exact number of free throws they missed that night. I know asking a team to shoot 100% from the line is unrealistic however getting to the line which Toronto already does a great job of doing, will have to be better. With a few more free throw opportunities or a higher free throw percentage it could make all the difference. With Toronto tied for 6th place in free throw percentage among all NBA teams there is nothing to frown at and proves they have what it takes to make that extra push and turn close games into wins.
Turnovers: Every team wants keep their turnovers down and its obvious the Raptors keep themselves in every game when they keep their turnover numbers low. Only New York and Philadelphia average less turnovers than Toronto who themselves average 12.7 turnovers per game. As shown by their last 3 losses going even slightly over that number to 14.3 can make a huge difference. Indiana is a tough defensive team so passes will need to be sharp and the Raptors will have to avoid charges and fouls under the basket because the Pacers are in no way afraid of contact, they welcome it.
Photo via Raptors HQ
Monday, February 25, 2013
The Raptors break out the Harlem Shake
posted by Romy Aquino
It was only a matter of time before a Toronto Raptors Harlem Shake video was going to surface on YouTube. And there was no question that it would be Amir Johnson that would be leading the charge. The YouTube phenomena continues with the Toronto Raptors....except they put their own spin on it courtesy of John Lucas III.
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PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 42 (02.25.2013)

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Sunday, February 17, 2013
#ROSSJUSTDUNKED - Terrence Ross takes the Dunk Contest trophy back to Toronto
posted by Romy Aquino
Terrence Ross dunked and won. The Toronto Raptors' Ross outlasted dunk contest faves James White and Gerald Green of the East to win the 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk contest. T-Ross broke out a Vince Carter throwback in the final round with an off the side of the backboard reverse windmill that gave Kevin Garnett a reason to put on a stank face. Check it out.
T-Ross went head to head with 2012 dunk champion, Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz and won with 58% of the vote in the final, all with Toronto homie and rapper, Drake's approval.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Raptors Highlight Night: Rudy Gay's Game Winner, DeMar's Dunk on Mozgov
posted by Romy Aquino
What a night for Toronto Raptors highlights.
It's unbelievable how the Raptors always manage to get themselves in this many close games this season but at least the Raptors are getting on the right side of the win-loss column lately. Most of the credit has to go to the Raptors newest acquisition, Rudy Gay. Rudy Gay nailed his first field goal of the second half when it counted it most.....in crunch time, nailing his second game winner for the Raptors beating the Nuggets 109-108.
And to add to the highlight reel for the night; earlier in the second quarter, DeMar DeRozan threw down a filthy dunk on the Nuggets Timofey Mozgov...quite possibly the dunk of the year. You be the judge.
Raptors move to 20-32 on the season and face off against the Knicks in New York on Wednesday night. Playoff hopes are still alive.
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Monday, February 11, 2013
PODCAST: Hip Hoop Junkies & Hoop Heads North present RAPS TALK Ep. 41 (02.11.2013)

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Saturday, February 9, 2013
Pound the Rock Stars of the Night - Toronto Raptors 100, Indiana Pacers 98 - The 'No, not this guy....YES, THIS GUY' Edition
posted by Romy Aquino
POUND THE ROCK STARS - On a nightly basis, no matter how good or bad the Raps play, no matter if they blow out a team or if they get blown out and no matter if they win or lose, these are the Raptors with the best 'Pound the Rock' status for the night.
FINAL SCORE: RAPS 100, PACERS 98 SEASON RECORD: 18W-32L
POUND THE ROCK STAR #1: RUDY GAY
LINE: 23 pts (9-25), 5 reb, 1ast, 5 stl, 2 blk
POUND THE ROCK STARS - On a nightly basis, no matter how good or bad the Raps play, no matter if they blow out a team or if they get blown out and no matter if they win or lose, these are the Raptors with the best 'Pound the Rock' status for the night.
FINAL SCORE: RAPS 100, PACERS 98 SEASON RECORD: 18W-32L
POUND THE ROCK STAR #1: RUDY GAY
LINE: 23 pts (9-25), 5 reb, 1ast, 5 stl, 2 blk
No! Not this guy! Yes. This guy. This is why Bryan Colangelo traded for Rudy Gay...to close out games. Rudy Gay nailed the game-winner over Paul George with 1.7 seconds to play in overtime to grind out another win against the Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse. Gay had a bit of a rough shooting tonight going into the fourth quarter, but got it together when it counted most, scoring 17 of his 23 points in the final quarter and overtime period.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
#RossShallDunk - Terrence Ross is heading to Houston
posted by Romy Aquino
Terrence Ross is joining a list of Toronto Raptors to take part in the slam dunk contest at the 2013 NBA All-Star weekend in Houston. It all started with Vince Carter, to DeMar DeRozan and now, Terrence Ross. T-Ross has definitely made a name for himself this season with an extensive highlight reel of dunks. And just two days after 22nd birthday, Ross was selected to join defending dunk champ Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz, the Clippers' Eric Bledsoe, Kenneth Faried of the Nuggets, the Pacers' Gerald Green and the Knicks' James White at this upcoming All-Star weekend. T-Ross bring home that trophy!
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Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Raptors Coffee Break: 3 steps to beating the Celtics
posted by Mike Masaya
With all the news surrounding the Raptors acquisition of Rudy Gay resulting in the loss of Jose Calderon and Ed Davis; to the Celtics drama filled ‘falling from grace’ type headlines, an injured Rondo and trade rumors surrounding Pierce and Garnett, both teams will have a lot on their mind during tonights game. As if that weren’t enough the 76ers and Pistons are making it harder for the Celtics to stay in playoff contention and making it tough for the Raptors to get there.
First thing the Raptors have to do is finish the month of February strong starting with a win against the Boston Celtics tonight. With the Celtics, 76ers and Pistons all having tough schedules for the month of February the Raptors need to win in what has historically been a standard loss to Boston.
Here are 3 points that could turn a losing trend on its head and allow tonight’s matchup to end in a win for the Raptors.
1. Attack of the Guards: Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan need to push the tempo against Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee after tip-off and never let up. Whether Lowry is driving and kicking it out to Gay or running a pick and roll with Amir the Raptors game plan should be focused on keeping the Celtics guards back peddling. DeMar has emerged as premier one on one player and neither Courtney Lee or Jason Terry can guard him. Barbosa will do his part from the bench for the Celtics but will have trouble dealing with the Energizer Bunnies Lucas III and Terrence Ross should they get significant time.
2. Pass the Rock: The Raptors played their most impressive and unselfish basketball this season when they fell into a great habit of making the extra pass. With the Raptors current line up, new addition Rudy Gay and if Bargnani suits up at least 80% they will be a major threat both inside and outside the paint even more than they usually are.
3. Get to the Line: It’s no secret tonight's matchup will be labelled as a ‘grind it out’ type of game since there is a good chance neither team will score 100 points. That being said, Lowry, DeMar and Ross will hopefully lead the charge to the basket picking up free throw attempts along the way. This is connected to point number one where driving to the basket and keeping the the Celtics guards on their heels could make all the difference.
First thing the Raptors have to do is finish the month of February strong starting with a win against the Boston Celtics tonight. With the Celtics, 76ers and Pistons all having tough schedules for the month of February the Raptors need to win in what has historically been a standard loss to Boston.
Here are 3 points that could turn a losing trend on its head and allow tonight’s matchup to end in a win for the Raptors.
1. Attack of the Guards: Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan need to push the tempo against Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee after tip-off and never let up. Whether Lowry is driving and kicking it out to Gay or running a pick and roll with Amir the Raptors game plan should be focused on keeping the Celtics guards back peddling. DeMar has emerged as premier one on one player and neither Courtney Lee or Jason Terry can guard him. Barbosa will do his part from the bench for the Celtics but will have trouble dealing with the Energizer Bunnies Lucas III and Terrence Ross should they get significant time.
2. Pass the Rock: The Raptors played their most impressive and unselfish basketball this season when they fell into a great habit of making the extra pass. With the Raptors current line up, new addition Rudy Gay and if Bargnani suits up at least 80% they will be a major threat both inside and outside the paint even more than they usually are.
3. Get to the Line: It’s no secret tonight's matchup will be labelled as a ‘grind it out’ type of game since there is a good chance neither team will score 100 points. That being said, Lowry, DeMar and Ross will hopefully lead the charge to the basket picking up free throw attempts along the way. This is connected to point number one where driving to the basket and keeping the the Celtics guards on their heels could make all the difference.
Photo via CP24
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